Horse Powertrain unveils X-Range C15 Direct Drive hybrid powertrain for BEV platforms
Horse Powertrain's new X-Range C15 Direct Drive hybrid powertrain allows automakers to convert BEV platforms into hybrids with minimal changes to vehicle design or tooling.
- 1.5 liters
- 70 kW
- 120 kW
- 110 kW
What Happened
Horse Powertrain has unveiled the X-Range C15 Direct Drive, an ultra-compact all-in-one hybrid powertrain designed to replace the rear electric drive unit of a BEV platform. It integrates a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter engine, transmission, power electronics, and electric motors into a single unit mounted on the rear subframe. This allows automakers to use one platform across BEV, HEV, PHEV, and REEV lineups with minimal redesign or tooling changes.
- 70 kW, for B- and C-segment vehicles
- 120 kW, for D-segment vehicles and LCVs
“The X-Range family of powertrains is about reflecting today's market realities, allowing automakers to pivot from BEVs to hybrids and range extenders on a single platform, quickly and at scale. The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is an 'all-in-one' powertrain, allowing BEV platforms to be converted to HEVs, PHEVs, and REEVs with little redesign or tooling changes required, dramatically reducing time-to-m”
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive features a P1 + P3 motor configuration: the P1 motor acts as a generator in series and parallel modes, while the P3 motor provides electric traction independently or with the engine. The system can fully power the rear wheels or support all-wheel drive when paired with a front axle electric drive unit. It also integrates power electronics and supports 800V charging, reducing weight and maximizing floor space for batteries or passenger compartment.
- HORSE F15: all-in-one powertrain replacing front electric drive unit
- HORSE C15: ultra-compact engine and generator range extender
- X-Range C15 Direct Drive: all-in-one powertrain replacing rear electric drive unit
Why this matters
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive lets automakers build hybrids without redesigning their electric car platforms, cutting time-to-market and making BEV investments more versatile. This helps manufacturers offer a range of hybrid options alongside pure EVs, meeting diverse consumer needs while reducing costs. Buyers may see more hybrid choices in segments from small cars to light commercial vehicles.
Terms in This Story
- P1 motor
- A hybrid motor mounted on the engine crankshaft, used for starting and generating electricity.
- P3 motor
- A hybrid motor located on the transmission output shaft, providing electric traction.
- NVH
- Noise, vibration, and harshness; measures of vehicle comfort.
- REEV
- Range-extended electric vehicle; an EV with a small engine that charges the battery when needed.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.