The hybrid engine of tomorrow is contained in a box

Horse Powertrain presents a hybrid innovation that could indeed facilitate the electrification of automotive ranges.

The Future Hybrid System by Horse is an all-in-one hybrid engine designed essentially as a compact box to be slid under the hood. Established in 2023, Horse is a joint venture equally owned by Renault Group and the Chinese group Geely. Its mission is to develop modern thermal and hybrid powertrains capable of meeting the needs of global markets. While Europe is aggressively pushing for electric vehicles, many regions of the world still need hybrids.

The Future Hybrid System adopts a simple yet ingenious approach. Rather than redesigning an entire car, one simply replaces the front electric motor of a 100% electric model with this compact unit. Inside, there is a gasoline engine, a transmission, electric motors, and all the power electronics. This allows for the transformation of an electric platform into a hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), without completely rethinking the car.

A practical and flexible hybrid solution

For manufacturers, this assures time savings and cost limitations. Compact – 650 to 740 mm wide depending on power – this unit even leaves room to maintain often-sacrificed features like air conditioning or heating systems. Another benefit is that it allows for easy creation of all-wheel drive models by adding an electric motor to the rear axle.

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Versatile, the 1.5-liter engine works equally well on gasoline, ethanol, methanol, or synthetic fuels. This prepares manufacturers for future regulations while reducing the carbon footprint.

Expected in 2027, this “ready-to-install” system exemplifies Horse’s philosophy: to provide manufacturers with a simple and effective solution to enhance their hybrid offerings without sacrificing their investments in electric technology.

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