by Japanese automakers are developing alternative fuel
Japanese companies such as Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota, together with oil giant ENEOS, are working on creating a low-carbon biofuel. It will be used in the Super Taikyu racing series and may later become available for regular cars. Unlike traditional bioethanol, which is produced from corn or sugarcane, the new fuel will be made from wood, grass, and recycled paper.
This will avoid the use of agricultural resources that limit production volumes. ENEOS is already testing the fuel in racing conditions, demonstrating its potential for mass application.
Prospects and challenges
Japanese engineers are inspired by the experience of Brazil, where biofuel is already widely used. However, unlike the Brazilian model with state subsidies, ENEOS believes that the project’s success will depend on consumers’ willingness to pay more for the sake of ecology.
“Cars are an exciting product, and we must use a variety of approaches to achieve carbon neutrality,” noted Subaru’s technical director.
Although electric vehicles remain in the spotlight, the development of more environmentally friendly fuels for internal combustion engines could become an important step for regions where full electrification is not yet achievable. This approach allows reducing CO2 emissions without radically changing the infrastructure.
