The rotary engine has been used several times in some of the most exciting Mazda sports cars in the world. This engine is the one in which we can obtain excellent power from a compact size, but it also uses up fuel and oil in a way that makes it wasteful. Recently, Mazda has been working to make this engine more efficient and use it for a different application than just being the main engine used to drive a vehicle on the road. The Geneva Motor Show is where Mazda decided to give us a look at what they have in mind for the rotary engine.
Mazda Changes the Narrative
The original use for the Rotary engine was to make it a more powerful choice in a small package for a sports car. With this thought in mind, there wasn’t much consideration for fuel savings because the goal was pure power. Mazda is changing that narrative to use the rotary engine as a generator for an electric vehicle. This new application of the rotary engine can allow the engine to be more than just a range extender for a hybrid or electric vehicle, making it more useful for you.
The Imagination of the Mazda Team
Consider a situation in which you need a generator to supply electric power to your home or the tools that you use on a job site. Wouldn’t it be a great idea if the car you drive is able to do this for you? Most of the hybrid or electric powertrains offered on the market are closed and wouldn’t be able to supply power externally, but Mazda is hoping to make it possible for a Mazda vehicle that uses the rotary engine as an electric generator for the car to also be able to supply the power needed for your home.
Alternatives Being Considered by Mazda
Not only is Mazda working on the rotary engine to be able to offer the power needed for the new hybrid vehicles that will be offered, but they are also considering another fuel source for this engine. In addition to gasoline, Mazda is testing to see if LPG can also be used for the rotary engine. This team is also working on the new SkyActiv-X spark-controlled compression-ignition engine that will be offered in the future to truly take engine technology to the next level for the drive we want to enjoy.
Will Rotary Engines Continue?
Mazda seems to be the only company that’s actually committed to making use of rotary engines for their vehicles. If a vehicle is powered by a rotary/hybrid layout and it’s proved to be more efficient and just as capable as other hybrid models on the market, there’s a chance that other automakers might turn to the use of rotary engines as power generators as well. Mazda is leading the way with their new engine technology and we’re looking forward to when these new engines are offered on the market for us to enjoy the drive.
