Horse Tech begins production of 1.2L, 3-cylinder mild hybrid engine

MIOVENI, Romania: Horse Technologies has started production of its 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder ‘HR12 LPG’ engine at its facility in Mioveni, Romania.

The HR12 LPG turbo engine is the world’s first volume production unit to combine direct injection technology for use with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as well as petrol.

It features 48V mild hybrid technology, including a Belt-integrated Starter Generator and DC/DC converter, that provides transient torque assistance and reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by enabling features like start-stop functionality and electric boost for the engine during acceleration.

The powertrain delivers peak power of 140PS (103kW) at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 230Nm starting from just 2,100rpm.

When running on LPG it emits 9% less CO2 than using petrol.

Developed for both EU and global markets, the HR12 LPG fully complies with Euro 6e regulations, and is designed to comply with new Euro7 regulations.

The HR12 LPG benefits from a bespoke direct injection system that’s been developed specially for LPG use, an electronic vaporizer provides more accurate compression control, as well as reinforced valve-train components.

The LPG fuel tank can be located below the boot floor in the vehicle’s spare wheel well, ensuring there is no compromise in interior packaging and practicality.

Horse Technologies CEO Patrice Haettel said: “The arrival of the HR12 LPG demonstrates our commitment to delivering genuinely innovative powertrain solutions across all fuel types. Direct-injection technology for LPG fuel makes it a true world-first for Horse Technologies and is further evidence of our global technology leadership as alternative fuels experts”.

Developed by engineers at Bucuresti, Titu and Mioveni, the HR12 LPG is the seventh powertrain generation to be produced at the Horse plant in Mioveni, which has capacity to build 450,000 engines per annum.

Horse Technologies is a division of Horse Powertrain.

Horse Powertrain is a new global leader in hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions, supporting automotive OEMs with a range of systems including engines, transmissions, power electronics, and integrated hybrid platforms.

Consisting of two divisions, Aurobay Technologies and Horse Technologies, Horse Powertrain operates 17 plants and 5 R&D centers globally, serving a range of OEMs including Renault Group, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Proton, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

Horse Powertrain is headquartered in London, UK, and employs 19,000 people globally.

The company’s three shareholders are Renault Group (45%), Geely (45%), and Aramco (10%).