Mazda says the rush to create and drive EVs is ignoring the real emissions problem

Sporting the new strapline of ‘Driving joy makes the Earth smile. Let’s run toward that future together,’ Mazda says that the mad rush to create EVs is not the answer to carbon neutrality and is ignoring the real emissions problem.

For the better part of a century, we’ve been pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere one mile at a time.

With climate change in dire straits, it’s only now that we’re turning to EVs to quell the moral compass of the automotive industry.

However, Mazda isn’t sold on the idea that EVs are saving the planet, and wants to take things even further – and greener.

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Mazda CFO isn’t sold on EVs as the answer to automotive’s climate control

Nearly every mass-producing car manufacturer is racing to the electric finish line, preparing EVs with low emissions.

But in Japan, there’s a feeling of wanting to go further. Toyota has already committed to hydrogen cars as well as its EVs, and now Mazda is pushing out of the charged square box that carmakers find themselves in.

Speaking at the Tokyo Auto Show, Mazda CFO Jeff Guyton revealed that the company believes in examining the ‘bigger picture’, cutting down fossil fuel usage at every stage of production, not just in the final product.

This comes as the company announced two new hybrid cars that will take different approaches.

The Mazda X Coupe is a homage to the iconic RX8, but comes with a rotary-assisted plug-in hybrid system that makes ‘zero carbon emissions’ while on the road, and can achieve 99 miles of pure electric driving.

As for the Mazda X Compact, the plug-in powertrain differs slightly, but its a step towards a completely digitized experience with its own integrated AI assistant that will be hyour ‘best friend’.

The brand also released its first fully-electric car in 2025 with the limited MX-30, and will be launching its mass-produces Mazda6e in 2026.

What’s the answer to having completely carbon-free driving?

Japanese companies are looking at eliminating petrol from their cars by developing synthetic fuels made of algae and flowers. Mazda is looking at taking advantage of this method in just one of its solutions.

But for the CFO, the journey begins in the powerplants.

“When we look at manufacturing, battery EVs are said to emit twice the CO₂ of that for gasoline-powered vehicles,” Guyton continued.

“Research also shows that depending on how power is generated and driving distance, battery EVs may not always have the environmental advantage.

“Unless we can align these conditions across different markets, many believe that widespread adoption will take time.”

For the Japanese manufacturer, its all about finding the sweet spot between being able to have a long-term vision and not be swept aside by the short-term needs.

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