In addition to all of the Mazda3’s SkyActiv optimizations the company will also include another interestingly named fuel-saving technology. i-ELOOP is supposedly the world’s first capacitor-based regenerative-braking system. The name is shorthand for “Intelligent Energy Loop.” Like a hybrid, electricity can be stored during deceleration, but one area where this technology differs in how that power is used. Instead of sending it to an electric motor for propulsion i-ELOOP takes that energy and uses it to reduce parasitic drag on the alternator. It’s probably not as effective as a traditional hybrid drivetrain but undoubtedly it improves efficiency, and every little bit counts. It’s a pretty clever and likely cost-effective solution to better fuel economy.
