A new joint venture between Renault and Geely, named Horse, is making waves in the automotive industry. This innovative collaboration has unveiled a modular hybrid powertrain designed to transform fully electric vehicles into hybrids effortlessly. The concept behind this creation is to provide manufacturers with the flexibility needed to adapt their vehicle ranges according to market demands for EVs.
The newly introduced Future Hybrid Concept by Horse represents a compact powertrain solution that integrates an internal combustion engine, gearbox, and electric motor into one unit. This design allows for easy incorporation into existing electric cars with minimal adjustments required. Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain, highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges faced by automotive OEMs. Initially, it seemed that battery electric vehicles were the sole route to achieving net-zero emissions. However, as industries move toward a technology-neutral approach, diverse markets are exploring various sustainable mobility options.
This compact integrated powertrain offers manufacturers the ability to diversify their powertrain offerings without causing significant disruptions to production processes or resource allocation. While specific details about the engine and battery remain undisclosed, the Future Hybrid Concept is engineered to attach directly onto the subframe of a front-wheel-drive EV, replacing its front electric motor with little modification necessary. It can also be fitted into traditional internal combustion engine cars similarly.
Positioned in a transverse layout, this powertrain complies with global crash safety regulations and supports multiple fuel types including standard petrol, emerging sustainable fuels, popular South American E85 ethanol, and growing methanol fuel usage in regions like China, India, and parts of Africa. The official debut of the Future Hybrid Concept will take place on April 24 at the Shanghai Auto Show, with expectations for the first vehicles utilizing this technology to hit the market by 2028.
Horse's introduction of the modular hybrid powertrain marks a significant step forward in providing adaptable solutions for automakers navigating through varying consumer preferences and regional demands. By enabling quick transitions between fully electric and hybrid configurations, this innovation could reshape how manufacturers approach sustainability and market responsiveness in the automotive sector.