Japan’s top three automakers join forces to develop a revolutionary new engine that harnesses alternative energy sources, with a focus on non-hydrogen propellants.

Six major Japanese vehicle manufacturers, including Toyota, Suzuki, and Subaru, are collaborating to promote the development and use of bioethanol as a clean fuel. The group, called the Biomass Research Association for Next Generation Automobile Fuels, aims to optimize bioethanol production, promote technological research, and develop the fuel to be efficient enough for use in vehicles. The research will focus on four areas: improving production efficiency, using oxygen and carbon dioxide by-products, developing systems for fuel utilization, and cultivating feedstock crops. Bioethanol is made from biomass, such as plants and agricultural products, and is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. It is used as a fuel, in industrial applications, and in beverages. While bioethanol has environmental benefits, it also has potential drawbacks, such as competition for land and feedstocks, and energy-intensive production processes. The Japanese alliance hopes to overcome these challenges and make bioethanol a viable option for the automotive industry.