Horse launches ‘plug-and-play’ hybrid system to help auto-makers cut CO2

After showcasing its retrofittable Future Hybrid Concept at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show (as reported in SightGlass issue 37, Horse Powertrain has now revealed a global plug-and-play hybrid system for multiple vehicle types.

The UK-headquartered joint venture between Renault Group and Geely backed by energy giant Aramco was founded in May 2024, combines Geely subsidiary Aurobay (operating in Sweden and China), with former Renault powertrain division Horse.

It runs 17 factories worldwide producing millions of engines annually for Renault, Geely, Volvo, Lynk & Co, Proton, Nissan, Mitsubishi and others.

Engineering division Horse Technologies developed the HR18 HEV, its first fully integrated hybrid drive unit developed entirely in-house.

The system combines a new 80kW/172Nm, 1.8-litre HR18 Atkinson-cycle engine with 50kW/212Nm 5DH electric motor, 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack and DB45S clutchless transmission.

Each part of the system was developed across Horse Technologies’ European R&D network.

“The HR18 HEV is designed directly to address challenges facing OEMs in today’s market,” said Horse Powertrain chief executive officer Matias Giannini.

“HEVs are becoming the most in-demand powertrain category in many markets, all while they face unprecedented commercial pressures. By solving the major challenges involved in producing and integrating such a high-performance system, we’re freeing up our OEM partners to focus on their priority innovations and areas of differentiation.”

Production of the HR18 HEV is underway across Horse Technologies’ European manufacturing network. The HR18 engine is being built in Valladolid, Spain, and Bursa, Turkey, while the DB45S transmission comes from Seville in Spain and the motor from Aveiro, Portugal.

The compact 1.8-litre engine, weighing just 100kg, is compatible with flex-fuels containing up to 10 per cent ethanol and meets Euro 6E-BIS and Euro 7 standards.

The battery weighs 36kg, operates within a voltage range of 150V to 279V and is compact at 707mm x 422mm x 190mm millimetres with integrated cooling.

“The HR18 HEV is the culmination of work by teams across Horse Technologies’ European network of plants and R&D centres,” said Horse Technologies chief executive officer Patrice Haettel.

“It further strengthens our transition into a fully integrated powertrain partner for the automotive industry.”

Chinese division wins innovation award

Horse Powertrain’s Aurobay Technologies division, based in China, has received the 2025 Automotive News PACE Award for its innovative hybrid powertrain developed for Geely’s Leishen brand.

The award-winning platform combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged BHE15 engine with Aurobay’s 3DHT100 transmission, making it the industry’s first hybrid featuring a serial-parallel dual-electric motor system with embedded planetary gearset.

The 3DHT100 delivers high torque density and fuel efficiency despite its compact size, while the BHE15 engine sets a new benchmark in thermal efficiency among mass-produced hybrid engines. Using the Miller cycle, the engine boosts kinetic energy by 44 per cent and combustion speed by 20 per cent.

“This integrated hybrid system developed for Leishen is a perfect example of our philosophy of developing world-class products for a global audience,” said Aurobay Technologies chief executive officer Ruiping Wang.

Mr Giannini praised the achievement: “While many have given up on continuing to innovate in the area of ICE and hybrid technologies, this remains a real focus for us at Horse Powertrain. We are very honoured to receive this award and the recognition of our technology leadership.”