This link might explain the specs of the car and how it achieves such economy a little better; New Mazda 6 (13 on) Car Review - Summary | Parkers This part intrigues me as I'd not heard of anything like this before! The car also features Mazda’s new brake energy regeneration system, known as i-ELOOP. Using a capacitor, the i-ELOOP stores electricity created during braking for powering electrical systems such as headlights, climate control, audio system or electric windows.
Yeah it saves parasitic drag caused by the alternator. The way I understand it the alternator has a clutch and only engages during deceleration to charge the capacitor which in turn runs the electrics when spinning the alternator would cause a loss of efficiency.
So how much power can this capacitor store then? Anything worthwhile or just a token gesture to beat the fuel economy test?
Not sure, I'll have to investigate further. MAZDA: Brake Energy Regeneration System | Environmental Technology
MAZDA: Brake Energy Regeneration System | Environmental Technology It helps reduce the load from accesories. It is charged from the alternator, which is still small, and can not capture as much energy as a bigger motor. Where it should help is removing paracytic load when accelerating leaving the ice in a more efficient place. EPA claims 2mpg benefit, but you won't see that if you are hypermiling The system would work much better with a ima type motor instead of the alternator for regeneration.
From a cost standpoint Mazda's system is much cheaper than a full on hybrid. If they went with an IMA style system they would have to take away from other aspects of the car to keep the cost reasonable. Then it would just be another Prius clone
I have no idea what costs are but no it would not be a prius hybrid premium. Just a pancake variable voltage motor added between the transmission and the ice, instead of beefing up the alternator. Then the i-eloop supercap could be charged more when braking. The hard part is the transition from regen to friction braking which they need in the system anyway. If the capacitor gets a bigger charge than needed it can provide extra power to that same pancake mg during harder accelerations.
Not sure when/if the wagon is coming stateside. I hope it does though, this oldie needs a sexier stablemate.
You got that right. I keep that thing around because my cost per mile to run it is almost zero. I own the title, property tax is $20 per year, insurance is about $200. And repairs are very cheap. I just replaced both front brake calipers because the passenger side one seized and it cost me $30 for new calipers and $32 for new pads. And it's pretty cool when guys in Roush mustangs, corvettes, Porsches, and a Ferrari come up to you and want to know more about YOUR car.
My 2002 Buick Century is like that, bought and paid for and I actually get people asking me if it's for sale.
