Munich, Germany – 4 September 2025 – Horse Powertrain, a pioneer in low-emission and innovative powertrain technologies, has lifted the curtain on its Future Hybrid System at the IAA Summit 2025, showcasing a transformative approach to hybridization of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platforms. Building on the foundation laid by the Future Hybrid Concept first revealed at Auto Shanghai earlier this year, the system integrates engine, motor, and transmission into a single, compact unit that promises to redefine flexibility and efficiency in hybrid mobility.
A Revolutionary “All-in-One” Powertrain
The Future Hybrid System is designed as a turnkey solution for OEMs seeking to broaden their portfolio of electrified vehicles without costly platform overhauls. At its core is a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, coupled with a dedicated hybrid transmission and a complete suite of power electronics. This integration allows BEVs to be seamlessly converted into hybrid EVs (HEVs), plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), or range-extended EVs (REEVs), with minimal modification to the vehicle’s original architecture.
The system is available in two key variants:
- Performance Variant – Measuring 740mm in width, it features a dual-motor P1 + P3 configuration, with motors positioned at the engine output shaft and transmission output shaft respectively.
- Ultra-Compact Variant – At just 650mm wide, this variant employs a single P2 motor configuration, located between the engine and transmission, for maximum space efficiency.
Both variants are engineered to support AWD and FWD configurations and are compatible with essential systems such as DC/DC converters, onboard chargers, and 800V charging boosters, ensuring that hybridization does not compromise performance or efficiency.
Maximizing Packaging Efficiency
The Future Hybrid System adopts an East/West orientation with a slimline top and wider base, meeting modern crash test requirements while reducing front overhang by up to 150mm compared to conventional hybrid powertrains. Mounted directly to a vehicle’s subframe, the unit mirrors the packaging of BEV electric drive units, enabling reuse of BEV components and streamlined manufacturing, while avoiding costly retooling.
This compact design is particularly advantageous for AWD range-extended EVs in compact segments, where traditional front-mounted engines would otherwise increase height or length, compromising design and packaging. With the Performance variant, vehicles can even operate independently in a cost-effective FWD hybrid configuration.
The unit’s space efficiency also preserves room for essential subsystems typically constrained in hybrid conversions, including PFAS-free HVAC and air conditioning systems, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing comfort.
Global Compatibility and Fuel Flexibility
Horse Powertrain has engineered the Future Hybrid System with versatility in mind. Its pre-chamber ignition system supports a broad range of fuels, from gasoline and E85 ethanol flex fuel to M100 methanol and synthetic fuels, ensuring global operability and resilience across diverse markets.
Looking Ahead: Compact Variants for the Future
Horse Powertrain is actively exploring a three-cylinder variant, aimed at further reducing the powertrain’s width by 70mm, expanding its potential for use in smaller vehicles and reinforcing its commitment to scalable, compact hybrid solutions.
Leadership Perspective
“Future Hybrid System perfectly embodies our philosophy: removing complexity from OEM development while enabling the rapid deployment of hybrid solutions,” said Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain. “We free up resources for automakers to focus on their core differentiators—design, software, and full electrification—while still offering effective ways to extend BEV platforms into hybrid and range-extended configurations.”
Ingo Scholten, CTO, adds: “The unprecedented compactness of the Future Hybrid System unlocks opportunities for OEMs to deliver AWD REEVs and incorporate environmentally friendly subsystems, all within existing BEV architectures. It’s a breakthrough in hybrid packaging and functionality.”
Availability and Showcase
The Future Hybrid System is slated for market introduction in 2027. Visitors to IAA Mobility 2025 can experience the system firsthand at Hall A2, Booth B40, with a dedicated press conference scheduled for 8 September at 11:40am CEST, highlighting Horse Powertrain’s strategic vision and hero products.
With the Future Hybrid System, Horse Powertrain sets a new benchmark in hybrid innovation, marrying compact design, performance versatility, and sustainable technology to accelerate the next generation of electrified mobility.
