Quick Takeaways
- HORSE H12 hybrid engine achieves 44.2% brake thermal efficiency and reduces fuel use by 40%.
- System runs on 100% renewable gasoline and significantly lowers annual carbon dioxide emissions.
The HORSE H12 hybrid engine marks a major step forward in low-emission mobility, as Horse Powertrain revealed a next-generation system engineered to run entirely on renewable gasoline. Announced on February 16, the collaboration between Horse Technologies and Repsol in Spain focuses on combining high efficiency with dramatically lower fuel consumption. Designed for passenger cars, the HORSE H12 hybrid engine integrates advanced combustion engineering and hybridization to deliver measurable environmental gains without sacrificing performance.
At the core of the HORSE H12 hybrid engine is a highly optimized combustion system achieving 44.2% peak brake thermal efficiency. This level of brake thermal efficiency places it among the most efficient hybrid powertrain solutions currently under development for mainstream vehicles.
Compared to the 2023 average new registration passenger car in Europe, the HORSE H12 hybrid engine cuts fuel consumption by 40%. Under WLTP testing, the system records fuel usage of less than 3.3 liters per 100 km, demonstrating its capability to meet stringent efficiency benchmarks while operating on renewable gasoline.
When powered by 100% renewable gasoline, a mid-size passenger car driving 12,500 km annually could emit 1.77 tons less carbon dioxide emissions per year than a traditional gasoline vehicle. This reduction highlights the combined impact of high brake thermal efficiency and low-carbon fuel in reducing lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions.
The HORSE H12 hybrid engine incorporates several hardware and system-level upgrades designed to maximize efficiency and durability:
Each element contributes to lowering internal losses, improving combustion stability, and supporting optimized operation under WLTP testing conditions. The integration of specialized renewable gasoline further complements these mechanical advancements.
The project is led by the Horse Technologies team in Valladolid and the Repsol Technology Lab in Madrid, Spain. Engineering teams have already produced and tested the first two prototypes of the HORSE H12 hybrid engine.
Following prototype validation, the first demonstration vehicle equipped with the HORSE H12 hybrid engine will be showcased in early 2026, marking the next phase in its path toward potential commercialization.
Efficiency Milestone for the HORSE H12 Hybrid Engine
At the core of the HORSE H12 hybrid engine is a highly optimized combustion system achieving 44.2% peak brake thermal efficiency. This level of brake thermal efficiency places it among the most efficient hybrid powertrain solutions currently under development for mainstream vehicles.
Compared to the 2023 average new registration passenger car in Europe, the HORSE H12 hybrid engine cuts fuel consumption by 40%. Under WLTP testing, the system records fuel usage of less than 3.3 liters per 100 km, demonstrating its capability to meet stringent efficiency benchmarks while operating on renewable gasoline.
Lower Carbon Dioxide Emissions with Renewable Gasoline
When powered by 100% renewable gasoline, a mid-size passenger car driving 12,500 km annually could emit 1.77 tons less carbon dioxide emissions per year than a traditional gasoline vehicle. This reduction highlights the combined impact of high brake thermal efficiency and low-carbon fuel in reducing lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions.
Advanced Engineering Behind the Performance
The HORSE H12 hybrid engine incorporates several hardware and system-level upgrades designed to maximize efficiency and durability:
- 17:1 high compression ratio engine architecture
- New exhaust gas recirculation system
- Improved turbocharger design
- Stronger ignition system
- Enhanced hybrid gearbox integration
- Low-friction lubricants developed by Repsol
Each element contributes to lowering internal losses, improving combustion stability, and supporting optimized operation under WLTP testing conditions. The integration of specialized renewable gasoline further complements these mechanical advancements.
Development and Demonstration Timeline
The project is led by the Horse Technologies team in Valladolid and the Repsol Technology Lab in Madrid, Spain. Engineering teams have already produced and tested the first two prototypes of the HORSE H12 hybrid engine.
Following prototype validation, the first demonstration vehicle equipped with the HORSE H12 hybrid engine will be showcased in early 2026, marking the next phase in its path toward potential commercialization.
Company Press Release
Click above to visit the official source.
Share: