Mazda’s i-ELOOP system saves fuel by 10%

Mazda’s Regenerative Braking System called i-ELOOP is claimed to save atleast 10% of your fuel cost. The name i-ELOOP is an adaptation of ’Intelligent Energy Loop’. It converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates and uses the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and numerous other electrical components. The capacitor based i-ELOOP is the first of its kind, it can store large volumes of electricity and unlike batteries, can be charged and discharged rapidly and is resistant to deterioration through prolonged use. Unlike the regenerative braking systems in hybrid vehicles, Mazda’s highly efficient solution avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery. i-ELOOP features a new variable voltage(12-25V) alternator, a low-resistance Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) and a DC/DC converter. At the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will debut the i-ELOOP system in the TAKERI concept car, a next generation mid-sized saloon that features SKYACTIV Technology and the Japanese company’s ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme. The i-ELOOP will feature in Mazda vehicles from 2012.