The self-charging Mazda2 Hybrid is a full series/parallel hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric modes alone, as well as a combination of both. It delivers seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet operation – particularly in urban environments – whilst returning excellent fuel efficiency and the lowest possible emissions. The 1.5 litre full hybrid system features a petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high-performance 177.6 V lithium-ion battery, a power control unit, and split device. The electric motor, generator and power split device are all housed in a compact transmission casing the size of a conventional gearbox.

Unlike a conventional, belt-driven CVT transmission (Continuously Variable Transmission), the hybrid system delivers driving torque through a power split device in the form of a planetary gear set which combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements. Located under the rear passenger seat, the lithium-ion battery has a high-power density and is better able to supply current flow than nickel metal hydride alternatives. It can also recover energy under braking more efficiently and recharge the battery more quickly, enhancing the vehicle’s EV performance during urban driving.

System power is provided by a 1,490cc, three-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine developing 92PS at 5,500 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 3,600-4,800 rpm, and a permanent magnet, synchronous 59 kW electric motor generating instant torque from 0 rpm and a maximum of 141 Nm from 0 to 3,995 rpm. The petrol engine and electric motor combine to give a total system power of 116 PS.

Over the course of any journey, the hybrid system uses power from both the petrol engine and electric motor in parallel, as well as alone, maximising the efficiencies of both units to achieve the optimum balance of driving performance and fuel efficiency. At rest, the engine stops automatically to conserve fuel. Under operating conditions of low engine efficiency such as start-up and low to mid-range speeds, the vehicle automatically runs in EV mode. Unique to full hybrid technology, EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption.

In urban environments, the Mazda2 Hybrid can offer smooth, seamless electric motor-powered driving for long periods of time. As a result, Mazda2 Hybrid owners can enjoy the benefits of all-electric driving, but without recharging costs or concerns over remaining range and the availability of recharging points.

Under normal driving conditions, power allocation is constantly adjusted between engine and electric motor to combine optimum performance with maximum fuel efficiency. During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor acts as a high-output generator to regenerate energy. Normally wasted as heat, kinetic energy is recovered as electrical energy for storage in the high-performance battery. Battery power level is constantly managed via an engine-driven generator to avoid any requirement to recharge the system from an external source.

Thanks to a total system power output of 116 PS, the Mazda2 Hybrid accelerates to 62mph in 9.7 seconds, while CO₂ emissions as low as just 87 g/km and correspondingly low fuel consumption ensures the Mazda2 Hybrid has an attractive blend of performance and efficiency, while when operating in EV mode, the Mazda2 Hybrid generates zero CO₂, NO_x and particulate emissions.