LONDON: Horse Powertrain has revealed its fully waterproof engine, the Horse B20 which is designed for extreme off-road vehicles and deep-water wading.
The global leader in innovative, low-emission hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions said the B20 brings all-terrain capabilities to hybrid vehicles, including applications for SUVs (sport utility vehicles) and pick-up trucks.
Fully compliant with IPX8 waterproofing standards, the B20 can operate up to depths of 1.1 metres.
It is also capable of maintaining continuous and stable power output under extreme off-road high-load conditions including 100% grade climbing.
Weighing just 130kg, the B20 is a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre inline petrol engine designed for HEV (hybrid electric vehicle), PHEV (plug-in hybrid), and REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) applications.
First showcased at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, the B20 was recently used within a PHEV powertrain in the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 off-road vehicle (China only), paired with a Horse 3DHT230, a three-speed intelligent hybrid transmission.
Featuring a turbocharger and direct injection technology, it can output up to 140 to 185kW (190 to 251PS) of power and 300 to 380Nm of torque.
The engine is powered by an advanced Miller cycle, enabling a brake thermal efficiency of 48.4%.
The B20 features a range of innovations to encourage leaner, cleaner combustion and to maximise fuel economy and range.
These include high-pressure injectors and high-tumble intake ports, which promote superior air-fuel mixing and more efficient combustion.
Additionally, the engine features pistons designed to make full use of the “squish” effect to promote air-fuel mixing at the peak of the compression cycle – this enables the spark plug to ignite a cleaner and faster combustion event.
Outside the engine cylinders, the B20 uses a number of innovative technologies.
These include a gantry-type aluminium block with integrated exhaust manifold and a simplified balance shaft system, which improve NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), durability, and overall efficiency.
It also features a variable displacement oil pump ensuring optimal oil flow and pressure throughout the engine.
To improve the cooling efficiency, an exclusive fully active dual-cooling system ensures the unit remains in the optimal operating temperature, even under extreme conditions such as continuous slope climbing and long-duration, high-temperature scenarios.
To achieve an IPX8 waterproof rating, the engine uses a fully sealed waterproof structure equipped with torsional vibration dampers and dedicated engine-transmission sealing.
Fitted with IPX8-rated electrical components and sensors, it continuously monitors the surrounding operating environment of the engine.
When the engine is submerged in water, the control system makes automatic adjustments such as limiting power or adjusting the throttle response, based on feedback signals from the sensors. This ensures the stable operation of the engine under deep wading conditions.
Horse Powertrain deputy chief technology officer Ingo Scholten said, “The B20 demonstrates how we are meeting the full range of market needs, delivering flexible engine and powertrain solutions designed for multiple use cases and applications."
