Introduced starting with the 2012 model year on select Mazda vehicles, i-Eloop technology is a regenerative braking system exclusive to the manufacturer that allows, with the use of a capacitor, to recover the energy generated during braking, thereby maximizing vehicle performance.
How i-Eloop technology works
The Mazda i-Eloop system is much more than a regenerative braking system. Indeed, it differs from standard ones found in hybrid vehicles in that it is not connected to any electric motor or battery, but only to a capacitor. The capacitor can thus store large amounts of electricity, produced during deceleration, and reuse this energy to operate all electrical circuits.
In fact, the vehicle's engine can devote up to 10% of its power to operate various electrical functions such as the windshield wipers, radio, infotainment system, air conditioning and many others. With the i-Eloop system, the engine can then use all of the energy produced by the fuel to run the vehicle, while the energy recovered from braking can be used to operate the electrical systems.
Which Mazda’s feature i-Eloop?
Since its launch, numerous Mazda models have benefited from i-Eloop technology: the Mazda3, Mazda6, CX-3, CX-5 and the sporty MX-5. In addition to having their electrical systems powered by the energy recovered during braking, models equipped with i-Eloop technology deliver better energy efficiency.
How do I know if my Mazda has i-Eloop?
By referring to your owner's manual, you can find out if your vehicle is equipped with the i-Eloop regenerative braking system; you can also ask your sales representative for advice on whether the vehicle you want is equipped with this technology.
Even more energy savings!
In addition to the i-Eloop system, another innovation will soon arrive—or rather make a comeback—in Mazda vehicles. The Mazda rotary engine, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017 and was a feature of the RX-8 among others, comes back under the hood of the MX-30, in the form of a driving range extender for this new electric model.
To learn more about the i-Eloop system or about Mazda technologies in general, come and meet our advisers at Groupe Auto Longueuil, on the South Shore of Montreal!
