Horse Powertrain reveals integrated hybrid powertrain
24 June 2025
Horse Technologies, a division of Horse Powertrain, has announced its new integrated hybrid drive unit, the HR18 HEV.
The first complete powertrain unit designed, developed, and produced under the Horse Powertrain brand, the HR18 HEV was developed at the R&D centers in Romania and Spain. The unit will be produced at Horse Technologies’ Bursa plant in Türkiye, and its Valladolid plant in Spain. The integrated hybrid powertrain combines a combustion engine, electric motor, transmission, and power electronics into a single system.
To coincide with the announcement of the new powertrain, Horse Powertrain is beginning production of its HR18 combustion engine—a new 1.8 L, 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection engine. Weighing just 100 kg, the HR18 delivers up to 80 kW (108 PS) of power and 172 Nm of torque.
The HR18 is an Atkinson-cycle engine built specifically for use in hybrid powertrains, and is compatible with fuel blends of up to 10% ethanol content. It complies with both Euro 6E-BIS and Euro 7 emissions standards. The HR18 engine was developed at the Horse Technologies’ Bucharest R&D center in Romania, and will be cast, machined, and assembled the company’s plants in Valladolid and Bursa.
The HR18 HEV powertrain integrates a BTA Gen2 lithium-ion battery, developed at its Valladolid R&D center. Weighing 36 kg, it can store up to 1.4 kWh of energy and discharge at a peak rate of 11.6 Ah, with a voltage range of 150-279 V. In a compact package (707×422×190 mm), the BTA Gen2 includes two modules of 34 cells with an integrated cooling system. The unit’s transmission is the clutchless DB45S gearbox manufactured in Seville, Spain, which can deliver a maximum torque of 436 Nm. The powertrain also uses the Horse Technologies 5DH motor, produced at its plant in Aveiro, Portugal, with a peak power output of 50 kW and peak torque of 212 Nm.
Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain, said: “The HR18 HEV is designed directly to address challenges facing OEMs in today’s market. HEVs are becoming the most in-demand powertrain category in many markets, requiring many brands and OEMs to make significant investments in bolstering their HEV offering—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.”
Horse Powertrain is a join-venture between Renault and Geely, established in 2024 to develop and manufacture engines, transmissions, power electronics, and integrated hybrid platforms. Horse Powertrain operates 17 plants and 5 R&D centers globally, and employs 19,000 people. The company’s shareholders are Renault Group (45%), Geely (45%), and Aramco (10%).
Source: Horse Powertrain