Horse Powertrain, a global supplier of powertrain systems, unveiled its latest hybrid and combustion innovations at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich this year. The company supplies parts for leading automotive manufacturers like Renault, Geely, Volvo, Proton, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.
Headquartered in London, Horse Powertrain operates 17 manufacturing plants and five development centers worldwide, employing approximately 19,000 people. Ownership of the company is split between Renault Group and Geely, each holding a 45 percent stake, while Aramco holds the remaining 10 percent.
The highlight of the presentation was the debut of the Horse C15, a new family of compact range extender systems. The motor, generator, and cooling system are integrated into a suitcase-shaped housing that measures just 18.9 x 19.3 x 9.8 inches. The unit is designed for flexible installation, either horizontally or vertically.
The system is based on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A naturally aspirated version producing around 94 horsepower is designed for smaller vehicles, while turbocharged variants can deliver up to 161 horsepower. The C15 is compatible with a wide range of fuels, including gasoline, ethanol, methanol, and synthetic fuels.
Horse Powertrain C15 1.5-Liter Engine
Photo by: Horse Powertrain
Another key innovation presented by Horse is the Future Hybrid System, first unveiled at Auto Shanghai. This all-in-one solution integrates the engine, transmission, electric motor, and power electronics into a single unit. It enables battery-electric vehicles to be converted into hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or range-extended models with minimal structural modifications.
Horse introduced two variants of the system:
- A 29-inch-wide performance version featuring two electric motors
- A 26-inch-wide ultra-compact version with a single motor
Both configurations use a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission.
The company also debuted its Horse 4DHT120, a compact “5-in-1” power unit that combines an electric motor with a hybrid starter-generator, power electronics module, and a transmission. Delivering 107 hp of continuous power, 188 hp of peak power, and 221 pound-feet of torque, the 4DHT120 offers a space-efficient, high-performance hybrid solution.
Horse Powertrain Hybrid Motor Concept
Photo by: Horse Powertrain
Horse Powertrain also unveiled the M20 Hydrogen, a new hydrogen combustion engine based on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel platform. It delivers up to 121 hp of power and 221 lb-ft of torque, while meeting Euro 7 emissions standards. CO2 emissions are below one gram per kilometer, thanks to a newly developed direct injection and ignition system, along with an optimized combustion chamber. With a compression ratio of 10:1, the engine achieves a hydrogen utilization rate of 94.3 percent—on par with fuel cell systems, but without relying on rare raw materials.
The company also introduced the B15 engine, which was developed specifically for hybrid applications. This 1.5-liter gasoline engine reaches a thermal efficiency of 41.7 percent, delivering up to 161 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a hybrid transmission, enabling quick response times and high operational efficiency. Despite its performance, the transmission remains light at just 670 pounds.
Horse Powertrain also showcased several cutting-edge components designed to enhance efficiency and performance across its powertrain portfolio.
Photo by: Horse Powertrain
Photo by: Horse Powertrain
One highlight was Turbulent Jet Ignition (TJI), developed in partnership with Aramco. This technology replaces the traditional spark plug with a pre-chamber ignition system, significantly improving combustion efficiency. Testing on a 1.8-liter engine demonstrated a 5 percent reduction in WLTP emissions. Series production is scheduled for 2029.
Another innovation is a new high-performance GaN generator, which leverages gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology. The unit is 20 percent more compact than conventional systems, achieves 95 percent efficiency, and delivers 67 hp at 4,500 rpm.
Finally, Horse unveiled an amorphous electric motor that uses ultra-thin steel to dramatically reduce core (iron) losses. The motor sets a new benchmark with 98.2 percent efficiency, 188 hp of peak power, and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Interview with Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini: A Pragmatic Approach to Mobility
Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini
Photo by: Horse Powertrain
Through its latest innovations, Horse Powertrain is reaffirming its role as a comprehensive system supplier, offering a broad portfolio of solutions for hybrid and combustion engines. The company aims to play a key role in the global transition toward lower-emission powertrains.
Our colleagues at Motor1 Germany spoke on-site with Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain, about the company’s vision and the broader direction of the automotive industry. While he leads a firm specializing in combustion technology, Giannini emphasized that he is not opposed to electric vehicles—instead, he advocates for a diversified and realistic approach to mobility.
“I was at the Paris Motor Show last year and saw a noticeable shift in mindset. The industry—especially in Europe—is starting to realize that we need to take concrete action to bring new technologies and real products to market. We need more alternatives, but no single manufacturer can do everything at once. If everyone tries to cover everything, no one will make meaningful progress.”
“This is especially clear in Germany: Volumes are declining, profits are shrinking, plants are closing, and employees are being laid off. At the same time, political support is lacking, which makes investment decisions even more difficult.”
Horse Powertrain at IAA Mobility 2025
Photo by: Motor1.com Deutschland
Giannini’s comments reflect a growing industry sentiment: That innovation must be grounded in economic and industrial realities, and that a successful transition to sustainable mobility requires a pragmatic, multi-pathway approach.
“The goal is clear: Net zero, decarbonization, and cooperation with governments. But the path to get there is not uniform. There is growing recognition that a range of alternative technologies will be required. This raises an important question for OEMs: With whom should they partner? While they can achieve a great deal independently, partnerships are often more efficient. This is exactly where our mission and vision come in—to rethink mobility for everyone.”
Giannini also shared his perspective on the future of electric mobility and Horse Powertrain’s long-term manufacturing strategy:
“I fully support the EV strategy and explicitly endorse it. However, even by 2040, more than half of all new vehicles will still be equipped with combustion engines. Our role is to reduce complexity for OEMs and allow them to focus on their core strengths. It’s not about replacing their existing expertise, but about filling specific gaps—whether technological or geographical.”
‘The goal is clear: Net zero, decarbonization, and cooperation with governments. But the path to get there is not uniform.’
Giannini pointed to Spain as a key example of the company’s continued industrial commitment:
“The plants in Valladolid, Seville, and other locations are very important to us. We produce the 1.2-liter hybrid engine for the Renault Group there, with annual output exceeding one million units. We’re continuing to invest in these sites, maintaining strong collaboration with the unions, and placing high value on the region. Spain will remain a vital part of our future operations.”
Giannini emphasized the importance of regional flexibility and smart platform planning:
“I believe in different solutions depending on the region. My vision is that OEMs should be able to design future vehicles primarily as BEVs—without having to choose between multiple platforms. Today, multi-energy platforms generate unnecessary cost and complexity. Modular solutions, such as BEVs with optional range extenders or hybrids, preserve flexibility without creating parallel structures. This helps reduce both investment pressure and risk for OEMs.”
Horse Powertrain at IAA Mobility 2025
Photo by: Motor1.com Deutschland
Giannini also underlined Horse Powertrain’s position as a key enabler of scalable, real-world solutions:
“Our products are not just theoretical concepts. We produce over 8 million electric motors annually and are the third-largest powertrain manufacturer in the world. We already serve approximately 80 percent of market requirements. Our future products are developed with a modular, plug-and-play mindset to ensure easy integration—dramatically reducing the workload for OEMs.”
Giannini also addressed diesel’s diminishing role:
“Diesel remains relevant in certain niche markets, but its long-term decline is inevitable. We continue to support our customers where needed, but we don’t see a sustainable future in diesel.”
Finally, Giannini talked about EU regulations going into 2035:
“I can’t predict whether the plans will be changed. However, I hope that politicians will become more open to technology. The mission—decarbonization—is undisputed. But the mistake was that politicians not only set targets, but also specified certain technologies. It would make sense to set ambitious but realistic targets and trust the industry to develop solutions. Technology is the key to achieving the targets.”
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