Hybrid powertrain concept for renewable gasoline targets 40% less fuel use

Horse Powertrain, a joint venture formed in 2024 by Geely, Renault Group, and Aramco, has unveiled a hybrid powertrain concept designed to run on 100% renewable gasoline, aiming to extend the viability of combustion engines in a lower-carbon future. The company plans to present its first demonstrator vehicle by early 2026, signaling a rapid progression from concept to on-road testing. This hybrid system builds on the H12 engine concept developed with Repsol, achieving a peak brake thermal efficiency of 44.2%, which is among the highest for production-oriented hybrid combustion engines. Under WLTP testing, the system delivers about 71 miles per gallon, representing a 40% fuel efficiency improvement over the 2023 European average for new passenger vehicles. The H12 concept incorporates advanced features such as a 17:1 compression ratio, optimized exhaust gas recirculation, turbocharging, and transmission calibration specifically tailored for hybrid operation. These enhancements improve combustion efficiency and energy