Horse Technologies, a division under Horse Powertrain, has introduced its first fully integrated hybrid powertrain: the HR18 HEV. This is the brand’s first complete system that is developed and engineered in-house.
Horse Powertrain is a global joint venture formed by the Renault Group and Geely Holding. The company develops, manufactures, and supplies energy-efficient internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, and transmissions to automotive partners worldwide. The company operates 17 factories and five R&D centres globally, with a workforce of 19,000.
Now, coming back to the HR18 HEV, it features a new 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine. Weighing just 100kg, the HR18 delivers up to 80kW (108PS) of power and 172Nm of torque. Additionally, the engine also runs on the Atkinson cycle.
At the core of the system is the HR18 engine, a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder GDI unit running on the Atkinson cycle. It produces 80kW (107hp) and 172Nm of torque while weighing just 100kg. Developed specifically for hybrid use, it supports fuel blends with up to 10% ethanol.
Powering the electric side of the system is the BTA Gen2 lithium-ion battery, developed at the brand’s R&D centre in Valladolid, Spain. Compact at 36kg, it stores 1.4kWh and has a peak discharge of 11.6Ah, operating within a 150–279 voltage range. It includes two 34-cell modules and features an integrated cooling system for better thermal control.
Supporting the drivetrain is a clutchless DB45S transmission, developed in Seville, capable of managing up to 436Nm of torque. The system is paired with a 5DH electric motor made in Aveiro, Portugal, delivering 50kW and 212Nm of torque.
Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini says the integrated hybrid platform will help OEMs cut down on development time and cost, without compromising on design flexibility. Horse Technologies CEO Patrice Haettel added that this hybrid solution reinforces the company’s commitment to low-emission technologies.
As of now, there is no information on which models will feature the powertrain. However, if this writer’s guess is right, then it should be featured in upcoming Renault or Geely models. Well, we will have to wait and see if this ends up being the case
(Source: Horse Powertrain Press Release / Horse Technologies)
