Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Geely and the Renault Group, has introduced a new hybrid powertrain with increased range and an improved axial flux electric motor.
The axial flow drum design is much more compact and energy efficient than the radial flow drum design commonly used in modern electric and hybrid vehicles.
Horse claims its engine is 46% shorter than a similar radial flow engine, making it easier to install in tight spaces, such as in a hybrid vehicle transmission, as was the case in the new “D20” transmission.
According to Horse, it also produces 63% more power than a radial flow engine of the same size, for a total of 141 hp.
Axial flux engines are rare today and are used in hybrid supercars such as the Ferrari 296 GTB and SF90, as well as the Lamborghini Temerario and Revuelto. Mercedes-AMG also uses three of these engines in its new 4-door GT coupe with 1,169 hp.
Horse’s use of an axial flow design is notable in that it is not used for high performance, but rather for packaging and efficiency benefits.
The D20 powertrain is paired with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine that runs on methanol and does not drive the car’s wheels, but instead generates electricity.
Horse claims it can fully charge a 40 kWh battery pack using 19.6 liters (4.3 gallons) of methanol.
Methanol is also rarely used today, but is becoming more common in China.
Geely has been a big supporter of the fuel, with the company supporting its use in large taxi fleets and earlier this year unveiling a racing version of its Xingyao 6 sedan powered by biofuel.
The development of this extended-range methanol powertrain reflects Horse’s strategy to accelerate decarbonization through hybridization, rather than relying on the industry to support full battery electrification.
Speaking to Autocar earlier this year, CEO Matthias Giannini explained: “I think (widespread adoption of electric vehicles) is so far along that I see an opportunity and a responsibility for a company like us to address decarbonization in the meantime. It’s important enough to motivate this company to continue doing what we’re doing.”