The automotive industry in Japan has been abuzz with the news that five major car manufacturers – Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, and Daihatsu – are backing synthetic fuels as a means to ensure the future of internal combustion engines. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, this partnership is a significant development in the quest for cleaner energy sources.

What are Synthetic Fuels?

Synthetic fuels are a type of energy source made from hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and CO2. They are designed to reduce CO2 emissions throughout their product lifecycle, making them an attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

• Manufactured by Eneos, a Japanese company specializing in the production of synthetic fuels.
• Can be used to power internal combustion engines, reducing CO2 emissions.
• Offered as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

The Osaka Expo Demonstration

The five major car manufacturers will provide passenger vehicles for this year’s Osaka Expo, which will run from April to October. Instead of running on oil-based ‘fossil’ fuels, these vehicles will be powered by hydrogen-derived synthetic fuels.

A Commitment to Carbon Neutrality

The car manufacturers claim that synthetic fuels are a key mobility option on the path toward carbon neutrality. By operating vehicles powered by synthetic fuels, they aim to promote the idea that engine-equipped vehicles can be a part of a cleaner energy future.

“In a joint media statement, the carmakers said that ‘By operating the vehicles for transporting guests and related parties at the Expo, Eneos, Suzuki, Subaru, Daihatsu, Toyota, and Mazda will promote the idea that engine-equipped vehicles running on synthetic fuel are a key mobility option on the path toward carbon neutrality.’

A History of Partnership

The partnership between Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru to support internal combustion engines is not new.