Horse C15 Compact REEV Range Extender Debuts at IAA 2025
Horse Powertrain, a leader in innovative low-emission powertrain systems, will unveil its Horse C15 family of ultra-compact range extender technologies at IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany. The Horse C15 sits within Horse Powertrain’s X-Range family, a set of solutions that enrich EV platforms with advanced combustion and hybrid capability to create efficient range-extended EVs.
No larger than a briefcase, the Horse C15 integrates an engine, generator and inverter into a compact unit that fits existing battery electric vehicle platforms with little to no modification. This packaging enables OEMs to quickly and cost-effectively convert a BEV platform into a range-extended EV, expanding product lineups to meet local market demand.
The range extender features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an integrated generator, inverter, and cooling package. The naturally aspirated version measures just 500 x 550 x 275 mm. OEMs can install the unit horizontally or vertically, in the front compartment or the rear, which unlocks exceptional flexibility in vehicle design and EV packaging.
Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain, said: “Range extended EVs are the fastest-growing powertrain category in many global markets. The Horse C15 range extender solution offers OEMs a straightforward and cost-effective way to tap into this opportunity, enabling them to adapt their native BEV platforms into REEVs. We believe demand for REEVs will continue to grow. Horse C15 will play a critical role in this transition, as one of the market’s most efficient and flexible REEV solutions to date. It also underlines our commitment and ability to support OEMs in delivering a full range of EVs, hybrids, and combustion platforms.”
Horse Powertrain designed the C15 to meet Euro 7, China 7 and SULEV20 standards. The company will offer a naturally aspirated variant for B- and C-segment vehicles, featuring a maximum engine power of up to 70 kW. For larger D-segment cars and LCVs, a turbocharger boosts output to 120 kW. The unit supports petrol, ethanol, methanol, and synthetic fuels, providing OEMs with broad fuel flexibility.
In every application, the range extender maintains the charge level of the high-voltage battery that powers the electric drive motor. By adopting the Horse C15, OEMs can reduce EV battery size, cut costs and weight, and ease pressure on the critical mineral supply chain without compromising range.
Unlike traditional plug-in hybrid vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, a REEV’s combustion engine never directly drives the wheels. Instead, the engine runs in its most efficient rev range, which minimises fuel consumption and emissions and reduces noise, vibration and harshness.
Because a REEV uses an electric traction motor to power the wheels, it drives with the same smoothness and responsiveness as a BEV. Drivers can charge the battery using a public charger or a domestic power supply, just as they would with a BEV. When paired with low-carbon fuels, the cradle-to-grave footprint can be comparable to a BEV.
Horse Powertrain will debut the Horse C15 range extender technology at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich as part of its stand in Hall A2, Booth B40.
