Horse Powertrain has unveiled the H12 Concept, a next-generation hybrid engine that sets a new benchmark for internal combustion.
As the global automotive industry navigates the path toward net zero, Horse Powertrain—the independent technology leader formed by the partnership between Geely and Renault—is proving that the internal combustion engine (ICE) still has a vital role to play. Through its Horse Technologies division and a strategic collaboration with Repsol, the company has revealed the HORSE H12 Concept, a powertrain engineered for ultra-high efficiency and compatibility with 100% renewable gasoline.
The Power of Geely-Renault Synergy
The H12 project leverages the massive R&D scale of its parent companies, operating across 17 manufacturing plants and five R&D facilities worldwide. This Geely-Renault effort brings together global expertise to deliver hybrid solutions that can be deployed at scale across different regions and fuel types.
The H12 is an evolution of the existing HR12 engine, but it introduces several “engineering magic” touches to push thermal efficiency to the limit. By optimizing the combustion system and drastically reducing internal friction losses, the H12 achieves a peak brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of 44.2%.
Technical Innovations of the H12
To achieve these record-breaking figures, Horse Technologies incorporated several advanced technical features into the H12 Concept:
- High Compression Ratio: An innovative combustion system designed with a high 17:1 compression ratio.
- Next-Gen EGR: A new-generation exhaust gas recirculation system to manage thermal loads.
- Optimized Turbocharging: A high-efficiency turbocharger paired with a high-energy ignition system.
- Friction Reduction: Specialized lubricants developed by Repsol to minimize internal resistance.
- Improved Hybrid Gearbox: A refined transmission with optimized energy management for seamless power delivery.
Unmatched Efficiency and Low Emissions
According to standardized European testing (WLTP), a vehicle equipped with the HORSE H12 powertrain can reduce fuel consumption by 40% compared to the 2023 average for new passenger cars in Europe. This translates to an impressive consumption rate of below 3.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
When operated on 100% renewable fuel, a mid-sized car driving an average of 12,500 kilometers per year would emit 1.77 tons of CO₂ less per year than a traditional combustion vehicle. This makes it a powerful near-term solution for decarbonizing the 97% of Europe’s current vehicle fleet that remains combustion-based.
The Road to Production
The project, led by teams in Valladolid, Spain, and Madrid, has already validated performance through its first two prototypes. The first demonstrator vehicle is expected to be presented in early 2026, marking the first step toward the industrial production of these highly efficient hybrid engines.
