Horse Powertrain reveals X-Range C15 Direct Drive

Horse Powertrain will unveil the X-Range C15 Direct Drive at Beijing Auto Show 2026, a new hybrid powertrain designed to replace the rear electric drive unit of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. The system enables a single platform to support BEV, hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) variants without major design or tooling changes.

The unit integrates a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine with a hybrid transmission and two electric motors in a single flat housing. A naturally aspirated version produces 70kW for B- and C-segment cars; a turbocharged version delivers 120kW for D-segment vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

The motors run in a P1 + P3 configuration. The P1 unit at the crankshaft acts as a generator (70kW naturally aspirated, 110kW turbocharged), and the P3 unit at the output shaft drives the wheels in serial or parallel mode.

Matias Giannini, Chief Executive of Horse Powertrain, said: “The X-Range C15 Direct Drive allows BEV platforms to be converted to HEVs, PHEVs, and REEVs with little redesign or tooling changes required. The X-Range family allows automakers to pivot from BEVs to hybrids and range extenders on a single platform, quickly and at scale.”

The system joins the X-Range family alongside the Horse F15, which replaces front electric drive units, and the Horse C15 range-extender. Together they let automakers offer multiple powertrain types from one BEV platform.

Source: Horse Powertrain