Horse Powertrain and Repsol Develop Highly Efficient Hybrid Engine Running on Renewable Fuel
Spanish powertrain manufacturer Horse Powertrain, in collaboration with energy company Repsol, has unveiled the HORSE H12 Concept, a next-generation hybrid powertrain designed to operate on 100% renewable petrol. The engine achieves a peak brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of 44.2%, representing a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Emissions
The HORSE H12 Concept engine is engineered to minimize fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. According to testing using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), vehicles equipped with this powertrain consume less than 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers. This translates to a 40% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the average European passenger car registered in 2023.
When powered by Repsol’s renewable fuel, a mid-size car driving 12,500 kilometers annually is projected to emit 1.77 tonnes less CO2 than a comparable vehicle using traditional combustion technology. Repsol highlights this as a near-term solution for reducing emissions without requiring a complete transition to electric vehicles.
Key Engineering Features
The HORSE H12 Concept builds upon the HR12 engine and incorporates several key engineering advancements:
- Combustion System: Features a high compression ratio of 17:1.
- Exhaust Management: Utilizes a next-generation exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an optimized turbocharger.
- Ignition: Includes a high-energy ignition system.
- Transmission: A hybrid gearbox with energy management and Repsol lubricants designed to reduce internal friction.
Collaboration and Future Outlook
The project involved teams from Horse Technologies in Valladolid, Spain, and the Repsol Technology Lab in Madrid. Two prototypes have been validated, and a demonstrator vehicle is scheduled for presentation in early 2026. Motoring Trends reports that this development is a step towards the industrial production of high-efficiency hybrid engines.
Horse Powertrain’s engines are currently used in models such as the Dacia Bigster and Renault Rafale, and the company anticipates applying this technology to compact range extenders for electric vehicles. Auto Tech News emphasizes the importance of this approach, given that over 97% of Europe’s vehicle fleet still relies on combustion engines.
HORSE H12 Concept Specifications
- Peak Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE): 44.2%
- Fuel Consumption (WLTP): Less than 3.3 liters/100km
- CO2 Reduction (Annual, 12,500km): 1.77 tonnes (with renewable fuel)
- Compression Ratio: 17:1