Geely-backed Horse Powertrain reveals renewable hybrid engine, targets 40% lower fuel use
Horse Powertrain, the global powertrain joint venture owned by Geely, Renault Group, and Aramco, unveiled a new hybrid powertrain concept in February 2026 designed to operate on 100% renewable gasoline, with the first demonstrator vehicle scheduled for early 2026. The announcement positions the Geely-linked supplier among major global developers pursuing hybrid efficiency improvements alongside electrification.
Horse Powertrain was established in 2024 as a standalone supplier combining the internal combustion and hybrid powertrain operations of Geely and Renault. The company is owned 45% by Geely, 45% by Renault Group, and 10% by Aramco, and supplies engines and hybrid systems to brands including Renault, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, and Proton.
The newly announced system is based on the Horse H12 hybrid engine concept, developed jointly with Spanish energy company Repsol. According to the companies, the engine achieves peak brake thermal efficiency of 44.2%. Under WLTP test conditions, fuel consumption is reported at less than 3.3 litres per 100 km, approximately 40% lower than the 2023 European average for new passenger cars.
The H12 concept uses a high 17:1 compression ratio, redesigned exhaust gas recirculation system, optimised turbocharging, and hybrid-specific transmission calibration. These changes are intended to improve combustion efficiency and energy recovery within a hybrid drivetrain configuration.
The powertrain is designed to run on Repsol’s fully renewable gasoline, produced from renewable feedstocks. According to the companies, a mid-size vehicle equipped with this hybrid system could reduce CO₂ emissions by about 1.77 tons per year compared with a conventional gasoline vehicle, assuming 12,500 km of annual driving.
Two prototype engines have already been built and tested. The companies stated that the first demonstrator vehicle integrating the new hybrid system is expected to be presented in early 2026.
Horse Powertrain operates 17 manufacturing plants and five research and development centres globally. The company supplies powertrain systems across multiple regions and serves as a key supplier of combustion and hybrid technologies for Geely- and Renault-linked vehicle platforms.
The announcement comes as hybrid powertrain development continues alongside battery electric vehicle expansion, with suppliers and automakers pursuing multiple propulsion technologies depending on regional infrastructure and regulatory conditions.
