Horse Powertrain Unveils X-Range C15 Hybrid System

Beijing, China- Horse Powertrain Ltd., an innovative low-emission propulsion systems, is set to debut its new X-Range C15 Direct Drive at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, introducing an ultra-compact all-in-one hybrid powertrain designed to bring greater flexibility to electric vehicle platforms.

The X-Range C15 Direct Drive combines a 4-cylinder engine, transmission, electric motor, and power electronics into a single compact unit housed within a shared casing. Engineered for mounting on the rear subframe, the system uses a double-isolated installation to deliver improved noise, vibration, and harshness performance.

Designed specifically to replace the rear electric drive unit of an existing battery-electric vehicle platform, the new system allows automakers to develop BEV, HEV, PHEV, and REEV variants from a single shared architecture without requiring major design or production-line changes.

The X-Range C15 Direct Drive expands Horse Powertrain’s growing X-Range portfolio, a modular toolkit created to add hybrid capability to dedicated BEV platforms. It joins the HORSE F15, which is designed to replace the front electric drive unit, and the HORSE C15, an ultra-compact engine-generator package developed as a range extender.

The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine available in two configurations. A naturally aspirated version delivers up to 70 kW for lower-power applications such as B- and C-segment vehicles, while a turbocharged version produces up to 120 kW for larger D-segment vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

The system integrates the engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission and dual electric motors in a flat-profile shared housing. The motors are arranged in a P1 + P3 layout, with one mounted at the end of the engine crankshaft and the second positioned at the transmission output shaft.

In operation, the P1 motor mainly functions as a generator in both serial and parallel hybrid modes. It can generate up to 70 kW in the naturally aspirated version and up to 110 kW in the turbocharged variant.

The P3 motor provides electric traction, either operating independently in serial mode or working alongside the engine in parallel mode. Thanks to the direct mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels in parallel mode, the system can achieve higher efficiency than conventional range-extended or purely serial hybrid solutions.

Depending on vehicle requirements, the X-Range C15 Direct Drive can either power the rear wheels on its own or support all-wheel-drive applications when paired with an additional electric drive unit at the front axle.

Its rear-axle packaging also allows compact integration of the exhaust and aftertreatment systems, helping free up floor space for battery placement or passenger cabin packaging.

The new unit includes a full set of integrated power electronics and is designed to work with supporting systems such as a DC/DC converter, on-board charger, and 800V charging booster.

Mr. Matias Giannini, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Powertrain, said the X-Range family reflects current market needs by enabling manufacturers to shift more easily between BEV, hybrid, and range-extender solutions on a single platform. He added that the X-Range C15 Direct Drive helps reduce redesign and tooling requirements, shorten time-to-market, and maximize returns on BEV platform investments while meeting varied mobility demands across global markets.

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