A New Milestone in Hybrid Powertrain Innovation
As hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) gain momentum worldwide, suppliers are racing to offer efficient, scalable solutions for automakers under pressure to electrify. According to industry insights, global HEV demand is rising due to fuel efficiency benefits and lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles. In this context, Horse Powertrain, via its division Horse Technologies, has introduced the HR18 HEV—a fully integrated hybrid powertrain. This next-generation system blends high-performance engineering with practical packaging to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) accelerate their electrification goals without the need for fragmented sourcing. The HR18 HEV highlights the future of hybrid technology—compact, efficient, and ready for large-scale deployment.
A Complete, Integrated Powertrain Solution for EV Transition
The HR18 HEV represents Horse Powertrain’s first fully integrated hybrid unit developed entirely in-house. Built across R&D centers in Romania and Spain, and manufactured in Türkiye and Spain. It combines an 80kW 1.8L Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, a high-efficiency electric motor, power electronics, and a clutchless transmission. This streamlined solution not only simplifies vehicle design for OEMs but also enhances system reliability and performance. The combustion engine meets Euro 6EBIS and Euro 7 standards and is compatible with ethanol fuel blends. By unifying critical components in a single package, the HR18 HEV demonstrates how integrated solutions can significantly ease the challenges of hybrid implementation.
Key Technologies Drive Performance and Efficiency
At the heart of the HR18 HEV is a carefully engineered combination of battery, motor, and transmission. The BTA Gen2 lithium-ion battery—lightweight at just 36kg—provides a voltage range between 150–279V with active cooling and compact design. The 5DH motor, built in Portugal, outputs up to 50kW and 212Nm torque, ensuring strong electric performance. Meanwhile, the DB45S transmission delivers up to 436Nm without a traditional clutch, offering seamless gear shifts. This fully integrated system maximizes energy efficiency while minimizing component complexity. It shows how innovation across powertrain elements supports the broader adoption of electric vehicle applications.
Supporting OEMs in a Competitive Hybrid Market
Horse Technologies’ leadership sees the HR18 HEV as a strategic response to the growing demand for hybrid systems in global markets. As OEMs face tight margins and shifting regulations, the availability of a plug-and-play hybrid platform can reduce development timelines and costs. The HR18 HEV allows automakers to focus on branding and innovation while Horse Powertrain supplies a dependable foundation. As emphasized by the company’s CEOs, this launch reflects deep cross-European collaboration and positions Horse Technologies as a full-spectrum partner in the hybrid mobility sector. The HR18 HEV is more than just a product. It’s a critical enabler of the automotive industry’s path toward low-emission, hybrid mobility.
