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Mazda has shown us some jaw-dropping concept models over the last 10 years. The Vision X-Coupe, which was shown at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Show is the latest in a long line. What is equally as jaw-dropping is the Japanese carmaker’s latest system that, aimed at greatly reducing carbon emissions.
Despite featuring some hybrid and fully-electric models, the car company is putting a lot of effort into further evolving the internal combustion engine and prolonging its lifespan indefinitely. The Skyactiv-Z engine that will be powering the next-generation Mazda MX-5 is proof of those efforts, but at first glance, it sounds like Mazda is making its next-generation powertrains too complex by integrating more emissions equipment.
How does the new carbon-capture system fit in?
Mazda’s Mobile Carbon Capture device is integrated into the car’s exhaust system. It revolves around a removable cartridge that absorbs harmful CO2 emissions directly from a vehicle’s exhaust system using a porous mineral called a crystalline zeolite substrate.
Up to 20 percent of the carbon dioxide is trapped, dried, and stored in the cartridge. Drivers can replace the zeolite pellets with unused ones, while the collected CO2 will be recycled and repurposed for various industrial uses.
Why crystalline zeolite substrate?
Mazda likely decided to use the porous mineral for its ability to trap radioactive materials (without being inherently radioactive). The mineral possesses high ion-exchange capabilities.
Naturally, Mazda’s carbon-capture device works with synthetic zeolite since some natural equivalents may contain trace amounts of naturally occurring radioactive materials like thorium or uranium.
Not a replacement for current emissions equipment
Modern cars have exhaust gas circulation (EGR) valves and Otto Particulate filters (OPF /GPF/ DPF, depending on the fuel type). From what we know so far, Mazda’s Mobile Carbon Capture system is not a replacement for these. Rather, it will work alongside them to further reduce CO2 emissions from internal combustion engines.
Future applications 
Mazda Vision X-Coupe, which was recently shown at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Show, features a plug-in-hybrid setup with a turbocharged, twin-rotary engine serving as a range extender. It already has the carbon capture device fitted.
The prototype model will serve as a test bed for the system’s use in racing applications, after which it is expected to transition to the company’s mainstream lineup. At its current iteration, the Mobile Carbon Capture system adds 50 kg (110 pounds) of weight and a 2-3-percent penalty to fuel consumption.
A while back, I reported on a new partnership between Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota, aiming to keep internal combustion engines alive and exciting, while reducing the overall carbon footprint. While Mazda is said to be the pioneer of this new “carbon-trapping” technology, partnering companies are expected to follow suit.
As with any new technology, people are bound to be skeptical. Companies like Mazda aren’t known for playing around, despite the numerous reports of a rear-wheel-drive Mazda 6 still being in the pipeline. I am curious to hear what you think about the new Mobile Carbon Capture system. Is it brilliance or just another gimmick that complicates things? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov‘s automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov’s car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Mazda Vision X-Coupe press
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