Horse Powertrain's HORSE B20 waterproof hybrid engine wades 1.1 m for off-road use
Horse Powertrain has revealed a waterproof hybrid engine, the HORSE B20, that can wade to 1.1 meters and tackle 100% grade climbs.
- 1.1 m
- 140-185 kW
- 48.4%
- 130 kg
What Happened
Horse Powertrain has unveiled the HORSE B20, a fully waterproof, four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine designed for hybrid vehicles that tackle extreme off-road terrain and deep-water wading. Announced in London on 8 September 2026, the engine meets the IPX8 waterproofing standard, allowing operation at depths up to 1.1 meters while maintaining stable power output under 100% grade climbing. It is intended for hybrid applications including SUVs and pick-up trucks and supports HEV, PHEV and REEV platforms.
- Output: 140-185 kW of power and 300-380 Nm of torque
- Weighs 130 kg and uses an advanced Miller cycle for 48.4% brake thermal efficiency
- High-pressure injectors and high-tumble intake ports promote leaner, cleaner combustion
- Pistons exploit the squish effect to improve air-fuel mixing at peak compression
- Gantry-type aluminium block with integrated exhaust manifold and simplified balance shaft system improves NVH, durability and efficiency
- Variable displacement oil pump and active dual-cooling system keep the engine operating optimally
To meet the IPX8 waterproof rating, the engine uses a fully sealed waterproof structure with torsional vibration dampers and dedicated engine-transmission sealing. All of its electrical components and sensors are IPX8-rated and continuously monitor the surrounding operating environment. When submerged, the control system automatically adjusts by limiting power or modifying throttle response based on sensor feedback, ensuring stable operation in deep wading conditions.
“The HORSE B20 demonstrates how we are meeting the full range of market needs, delivering flexible engine and powertrain solutions designed for multiple use cases and applications. Supporting HEV, PHEV and REEV platforms, the HORSE B20 enables new opportunities across a range of vehicle categories - particularly off-road applications, due to the engine's waterproofing and climbing capabilities. This engine is another step forward in advancing modern powertrain technology and a further example of how Horse Powertrain is pushing our industry forward.”
The HORSE B20 was first showcased at the Beijing Auto Show 2026. It has recently been used within a PHEV powertrain in the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 off-road vehicle, which is available in China only. The vehicle pairs the engine with the HORSE 3DHT230, a 3-speed intelligent hybrid transmission.
Previously from Horse Powertrain Limited
At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, Horse Powertrain presented its largest and most diverse powertrain lineup yet, including a new compact hybrid unit and a lightweight V6 engine. It also revealed the HORSE W30 V6, its first production-ready V6 engine for hybrid vehicles, which weighs 160 kg and is the lightest V6 on the market.
- Horse Powertrain Showcases Broadest Powertrain Lineup at Beijing Auto Show 2026
- Horse Powertrain reveals HORSE W30 V6 hybrid engine, lightest on market, at Beijing Auto Show
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Horse Powertrain Limited's official releases.
Why this matters
The HORSE B20 brings extreme off-road credentials to hybrid powertrains, letting electrified SUVs and pick-up trucks wade through water up to 1.1 meters deep and climb 100% grades. Horse Powertrain says this creates new possibilities for vehicle categories that need rugged capability, especially off-road models. The engine is already used in the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 PHEV in China, a concrete example of the technology in action.
Terms in This Story
- HEV
- Hybrid electric vehicle; combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery but cannot be plugged in to charge.
- PHEV
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle; can be charged from an external power source and runs on both fuel and electricity.
- REEV
- Range-extended electric vehicle; primarily electric, with a small engine that generates electricity when the battery runs low.
- IPX8
- A waterproofing rating under the Ingress Protection standard for continuous immersion in water beyond one meter.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.