a new hybrid powertrain concept built to run on 100% renewable gasoline has been unveiled by Horse Powertrain, a supplier backed by Geely. The company says its first demonstrator vehicle will debut in early 2026, signaling a rapid move from engineering validation to real-world testing, according to CarNewsChina.
Horse Powertrain was formed in 2024 as an independent joint venture consolidating the combustion and hybrid operations of Geely and Renault Group. Ownership is split 45% Geely, 45% Renault Group, and 10% Aramco. The supplier provides engines and hybrid systems to brands including Renault, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, and Proton.
At the center of the announcement is the Horse-Repsol H12 hybrid engine concept. Developed in collaboration with Spanish energy company Repsol, the system reportedly achieves a peak brake thermal efficiency of 44.2%. That places it at the high end of production-focused hybrid combustion engines and highlights the company’s push to extract more performance from renewable-compatible fuels.
Under WLTP testing standards, the hybrid system delivers around 71 miles per gallon. That represents roughly a 40% improvement compared to the 2023 European average for newly registered passenger vehicles. The gains come from a series of engineering upgrades, including a high 17:1 compression ratio, revised exhaust gas recirculation, optimized turbocharging, and transmission calibration tailored for hybrid operation. The goal is straightforward: maximize thermodynamic efficiency and energy recovery within a hybrid drivetrain.
The system is specifically configured to operate on fully renewable gasoline supplied by Repsol, produced from renewable feedstocks rather than fossil sources. Horse estimates that a mid-size vehicle equipped with the new powertrain could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1.95 U.S. tons per year compared with a conventional gasoline vehicle, based on about 7,800 miles of annual driving.
Development has already progressed beyond the concept stage. Two prototype engines have been assembled and are currently undergoing validation testing. The first on-road demonstrator vehicle is scheduled for early 2026.
The timing reflects a broader industry strategy. While battery electric vehicles continue to expand, many automakers are doubling down on hybrid systems to balance efficiency, infrastructure realities, and regional regulatory differences. Horse Powertrain’s renewable-focused hybrid approach suggests combustion technology may still have a role in a lower-carbon transition.
