Compact Range Extender and Autonomous Hybrid System Debuted by Horse Powertrain

Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely, has made waves in the automotive industry with the unveiling of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) range extender and a hybrid system. The announcements were made ahead of the Munich Mobility Show this week.

The new systems are designed to provide affordable and efficient hybrid front-wheel drive vehicle options for automakers. The heart of the systems is a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, which is paired with one or two electric motors, a transmission, and the necessary electronics.

The C15 Range Extender

The C15 range extender is a compact yet powerful unit. It measures 500 mm by 550 mm by 275 mm (19.7 in by 21.7 in by 10.8 in), making it barely bigger than a typical airline carry-on bag. It complies with Euro 7 emissions regulations and can run on gasoline, ethanol, methanol flex fuels, and synthetic fuels.

The naturally-aspirated version of the C15 range extender generates 70 kW (94 hp), while the turbocharged variant generates 120 kW (161 hp). Its primary function is to maintain the battery's charge level while the EV's existing electric motors power the vehicle.

The Future Hybrid System

The Future Hybrid System is a self-contained powertrain that can replace an EV's front drive unit. It comes in two versions: a single motor system measuring 640 mm (25.2 inches) wide, and a dual motor system, called "Performance", measuring 740 mm (29.1 inches) wide.

The single motor version of the Future Hybrid System can power a vehicle on its own, providing an efficient hybrid front-wheel drive vehicle option. When paired with an existing motor on the rear axle, it can transform a rear-wheel drive EV into an all-wheel drive hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Potential Collaborations and Implementations

While no confirmation has been made regarding the Future Hybrid System's implementation in Nissan and Volvo vehicles in North America, Horse Powertrain will develop upcoming drivelines for both Geely and Renault. This could potentially lead to the Future Hybrid System being seen in Nissan and Volvo vehicles in North America.

Horse Powertrain's C15 range extenders and hybrid drives could possibly be used by automotive brands like Lotus and Caterham in their electric cars by 2027. The Future Hybrid System is expected to launch in 2027.

These new offerings from Horse Powertrain aim to provide a plug-and-play solution for automakers to make their EVs into hybrids, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), or range-extended EVs without having to rework the platform. This could be a significant step towards making hybrid and electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for a wider range of automakers.