Horse Powertrain, a rising global leader in low-emission powertrain systems, is set to unveil its Future Hybrid Concept at Auto Shanghai 2025 tomorrow. The concept introduces a groundbreaking hybrid powertrain aimed at accelerating the automotive industry’s transition to a ‘net zero’ future. This innovative system combines an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric motor, and a transmission into one compact unit.
The new powertrain will allow automakers to integrate hybrid systems into Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platforms, meeting evolving customer needs. It also eliminates the need for multiple vehicle platforms and production lines. This lightweight, modular powertrain is designed to fit seamlessly into existing BEV platforms, enhancing their range and enabling all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities in both electric and parallel modes. It can be powered by a variety of fuels, including gasoline, ethanol flex fuels, pure methanol, and modern synthetic fuels.
Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain, explained, “For over a decade, it seemed like BEVs were the only way forward to achieve ‘net zero,’ and automakers focused on that path. Now, however, we are entering a more technology-neutral era, where different markets and regions are finding their own sustainable mobility solutions.”
Innovative Powertrain Solution
Giannini emphasized that the Future Hybrid Concept helps automakers overcome this challenge by offering a full hybrid powertrain system that integrates easily into BEV platforms. He added, “This compact, integrated system provides powertrain diversity without major disruptions to the production process, allowing automakers to use fewer resources.”
The first vehicles equipped with the Future Hybrid Concept are expected to hit the road by 2028. The concept represents a significant shift in powertrain production, combining the traditional hybrid component stack into a single, efficient unit. This integration eliminates many of the specialized tools and assembly steps typically required for hybrid systems, reducing resource needs for automakers building mixed propulsion vehicles on the same production line.
Streamlined Design for Flexibility
Ragnar Burenius, Chief Engineer of xHEV Systems at Horse Powertrain, shared further details about the design. “We’ve created a single-piece engine, motor, and transmission unit to simplify the hybrid powertrain,” he said. “This reduces complexity and offers more flexibility in packaging, allowing the system to fit into existing BEV platforms with minimal adjustments.”
The compact design is intended to replace the front electric drive unit of a BEV. It requires only small modifications and can be directly mounted to the vehicle’s subframe, allowing automakers to offer hybrid versions of BEV models without major redesigns. The system can also be adapted for use in traditional combustion engine platforms.
Global Compatibility and Sustainability
The Future Hybrid Concept is designed with global markets in mind. It features a pre-chamber ignition system that supports multiple fuel types, including gasoline, E85 ethanol flex fuels (widely used in South America), M100 methanol (gaining traction in China, India, and sub-Saharan Africa), and synthetic fuels. This versatility ensures it can be operated anywhere in the world.
The system also incorporates the necessary power electronics for an efficient hybrid powertrain, including a controller, inverter, DC/DC converter, and onboard charger. An 800V charging booster is also included for fast charging capabilities. Designed to meet global safety and environmental standards, the system’s compact packaging accommodates next-generation automotive heat pumps and uses R290 refrigerants, which are more environmentally friendly.
Horse Powertrain’s extensive expertise in hybrid and combustion powertrain systems, coupled with its ability to integrate full powertrains, meets 80% of global market requirements. The company operates 17 manufacturing plants, five research and development centers, and employs 19,000 staff worldwide.
