Horse Powertrain, formed from a joint venture between Renault and Geely, unveils a system that can convert a battery-electric vehicle into a gas hybrid-powered vehicle.
The company says the conversion requires minimal modification of the BEV platform, giving automakers the option of rapid reactions to consumer demand should BEVs become less attractive in specific global markets.
It also raises the prospect of potential retrofitting of the system to BEVs whose battery packs are at the end of their serviceable life.
Horse unveils its Future Hybrid Concept powertrain at the Auto Shanghai 2025 claiming its compact, modular system is designed to “hybridize” BEVs platforms via a single unit that includes engine, electric motor and transmission.
The internal-combustion engine component also claims to be compliant with several fuel options including gasoline, biofuels and synthetic fuels.
This unit acts as a range-extending generator to charge an onboard battery pack with its transmission and driveshafts enabling all-wheel drive capability.
Horse claims that by eliminating most of the tooling and assembly steps required for traditional hybrid system assembly and installation, the architecture also cuts costs significantly for automakers planning for mixed propulsion production on the same line.
The unit is fitted transversely in the vehicle having a “slimline” top with a wider profile bottom end. It is designed to ensure compliance with global safety and crash standards.
It also features the power electronics systems required for an efficient hybrid powertrain, containing a controller, inverter and a DC/DC converter. It is capable of of handling 800V fast charging.
Designed for global markets, it features a pre-chamber ignition system that supports a range of fuels such as E85 ethanol, an established fuel in South America; M100 methanol fuel, a rapidly growing alternative fuel in China, India and sub-Saharan Africa; and synthetic fuels.
The powertrain concept also anticipates numerous environmental and product design standards, with its compact packaging accommodating next-generation automotive heat pumps and the use of R290 refrigerants.
“For over a decade it looked like BEVs were the only path to net zero and OEMs planned accordingly,” says Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini. “However, we’re now shifting towards a technology-neutral world, with different markets and applications each pursuing their own sustainable mobility journey.”
