Horse Powertrain's Innovative Hybrid System Aims to Extend Combustion Engine's Lifespan

Daily Car

22/04/2026

Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely, is introducing a novel hybrid system designed to keep internal combustion engines relevant in the evolving automotive landscape. The new X-Range C15 Direct Drive powertrain integrates an engine, electric motor, transmission, and power electronics into a single, compact unit.

Key Takeaways

Horse Powertrain's X-Range C15 Direct Drive integrates engine, electric motor, and transmission into one unit.
Designed for traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range-extenders.
Can be fitted to rear subframes, potentially replacing rear electric motors in EVs.
Offers naturally aspirated (94 hp) and turbocharged (161 hp) engine options.
Facilitates quick conversion of existing EV platforms to hybrid configurations.

A Compact Hybrid Solution

The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is engineered to be a versatile solution for various hybrid applications, including traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and range-extender electric vehicles (REEVs). Its innovative design consolidates the four-cylinder engine, transmission, electric motor, and power electronics into a single, shared housing. This compact drivetrain is specifically designed to be mounted on a vehicle's rear subframe, offering a potential replacement for rear-mounted electric motors in current electric vehicles and introducing hybrid capabilities.

Versatile Engine Options

Horse will offer the C15 engine in two configurations. The naturally aspirated version delivers up to 94 horsepower (70 kW), while a more potent turbocharged variant produces 161 horsepower (120 kW). The turbocharged option is deemed suitable for larger vehicles, including D-segment cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Enabling Hybrid Transitions

The system's flexibility is a key selling point. The engine can function as a generator in both series and parallel modes, with the electric motor providing supplementary power. While the C15 Direct Drive primarily sends power to the rear wheels, it can also work in conjunction with a front-mounted electric motor to enable all-wheel-drive capabilities.

Horse emphasizes that its system can be rapidly adapted to existing battery-electric platforms. This makes it an attractive option for automakers looking to pivot from pure EVs to hybrids without extensive redesigns or significant new tooling investments. Matias Giannini, Horse's CEO, stated that the X-Range family "is about reflecting today’s market realities, allowing automakers to pivot from BEVs to hybrids and range extenders on a single platform, quickly and at scale." This approach aims to reduce time-to-market, leverage existing EV investments, and cater to diverse global mobility needs.

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