Horse Powertrain, a global innovator in low-emission propulsion technologies
Horse Powertrain, a global innovator in low-emission propulsion technologies, is set to make a significant impact at the Beijing Auto Show 2026 with the debut of its latest integrated hybrid solution—the X-Range C15 Direct Drive. This new “all-in-one” powertrain represents a major step forward in enabling automakers to bridge the gap between fully electric vehicles and hybrid mobility, while preserving the efficiencies of existing battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms.
At its core, the X-Range C15 Direct Drive has been engineered as an ultra-compact, highly integrated system that combines all essential hybrid components into a single shared housing. This includes a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine, a dedicated hybrid transmission, power electronics, and dual electric motors. By consolidating these elements into one compact unit, Horse Powertrain has created a solution that can be mounted directly to a vehicle’s rear subframe. This rear-mounted configuration enables a double isolated installation, significantly improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics—an important factor in maintaining the refinement expected in modern electrified vehicles.
One of the defining features of the X-Range C15 Direct Drive is its ability to seamlessly replace the rear electric drive unit of an existing BEV platform. This flexibility allows automakers to use a single vehicle architecture to support a wide range of electrified powertrains, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). The ability to adapt a single platform across multiple propulsion strategies reduces the need for costly redesigns and retooling, offering manufacturers a faster and more cost-effective route to diversify their product portfolios in response to evolving market demands.
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is part of Horse Powertrain’s broader X-Range family, a modular toolkit designed specifically to bring hybrid capabilities to BEV-based architectures. Within this family, the new system complements existing solutions such as the HORSE F15, which replaces the front electric drive unit in a BEV platform, and the HORSE C15, a compact engine-generator unit designed primarily for range-extender applications. Together, these systems give automakers unprecedented flexibility in configuring electrified drivetrains based on performance targets, vehicle segments, and regional requirements.
Powering the X-Range C15 Direct Drive is a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that can be configured in two distinct variants. For smaller vehicles in the B- and C-segments, the naturally aspirated version delivers up to 70 kW of power, providing an efficient solution for urban and compact mobility. For larger vehicles, including D-segment passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), a turbocharged version is available, capable of producing up to 120 kW. This dual-configuration approach ensures that the powertrain can be tailored to a wide range of applications without compromising efficiency or performance.
The integration of the engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission and dual electric motors is a key innovation in the X-Range C15 Direct Drive. The system employs a P1 + P3 motor configuration, where one motor is positioned at the end of the engine’s crankshaft (P1), and the other is located at the transmission’s output shaft (P3). This arrangement allows for versatile operation across both serial and parallel hybrid modes.
In this setup, the P1 motor primarily functions as a generator. It plays a critical role in energy conversion, delivering up to 70 kW in the naturally aspirated variant and up to 110 kW in the turbocharged version. By efficiently generating electrical energy, the P1 motor supports battery charging and powers the electric drivetrain when needed.
The P3 motor, on the other hand, is responsible for delivering electric traction. It can operate independently of the engine in pure electric (serial) mode, enabling zero-emission driving for shorter distances. Alternatively, it can work in conjunction with the engine in parallel mode, where both power sources contribute to driving the wheels. This direct mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels in parallel mode significantly enhances overall system efficiency compared to traditional range-extender systems that rely solely on serial operation.
Another important advantage of the X-Range C15 Direct Drive is its adaptability to different drivetrain configurations. Depending on the requirements of the automaker, the system can either serve as the sole power source for the rear wheels or be combined with an additional electric drive unit on the front axle to create an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This flexibility allows manufacturers to offer a broader range of vehicle variants, from efficient front-wheel-drive hybrids to high-performance AWD models.
The compact packaging of the X-Range C15 Direct Drive also delivers significant benefits in terms of vehicle design and space utilization. By locating the powertrain at the rear, Horse Powertrain enables the integration of exhaust and after-treatment systems within the same area, freeing up valuable space in the vehicle’s floor. This additional space can be used to accommodate larger battery packs or to enhance passenger comfort and cargo capacity—both critical considerations in modern vehicle design.
In addition to its mechanical and packaging innovations, the X-Range C15 Direct Drive includes a comprehensive suite of power electronics necessary for advanced hybrid operation. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with supplementary components such as DC/DC converters, onboard chargers, and even 800V charging boosters. This ensures compatibility with next-generation electrical architectures and supports faster charging capabilities, which are increasingly important in the electrified vehicle landscape.
The introduction of the X-Range C15 Direct Drive comes at a time when the global automotive industry is navigating a complex transition toward electrification. While BEVs remain a central focus, there is growing recognition of the role that hybrid technologies can play in addressing diverse market needs, infrastructure challenges, and regulatory environments. By enabling BEV platforms to be easily converted into hybrid or range-extended configurations, Horse Powertrain is providing automakers with a pragmatic solution that balances sustainability, performance, and cost.
Matias Giannini, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Powertrain, подчеркнул the strategic importance of this new system, noting that the X-Range family reflects the realities of today’s automotive market. He emphasized that the X-Range C15 Direct Drive allows manufacturers to pivot quickly between different electrification strategies without the need for extensive redesigns or new production lines. This not only reduces time-to-market but also helps companies maximize the return on their existing BEV investments.
Ultimately, the X-Range C15 Direct Drive represents a forward-thinking approach to electrified mobility. By combining compact design, modular flexibility, and advanced hybrid functionality, Horse Powertrain is equipping automakers with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic industry landscape. As the company prepares to showcase this innovative system at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, it is clear that the X-Range C15 Direct Drive has the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of electrified vehicles.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
