Horse Powertrain Unveils H12 Engine with 40% Improved Fuel

By Aftab Ahmed • February 23, 2026

Horse Powertrain, a joint venture backed by Geely, Renault Group, and Aramco, has introduced a breakthrough hybrid engine concept promising up to 40% better fuel economy compared to conventional internal combustion vehicles. The new system, called the Horse H12 hybrid engine, was unveiled in February 2026 and is designed to operate on 100% renewable gasoline.

Formed in 2024, Horse Powertrain combines the combustion and hybrid powertrain operations of Geely and Renault.

The company is owned 45% by Geely, 45% by Renault Group, and 10% by Aramco, and supplies engines and hybrid systems to major automotive brands including Renault, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, and Proton.

The H12 engine, developed jointly with Repsol, achieves a peak brake thermal efficiency of 44.2%, placing it near the upper limit of modern hybrid combustion systems.

Under WLTP test conditions, the engine consumes less than 3.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which is approximately 40% lower than the 2023 European average for new passenger cars.

Efficiency improvements stem from a combination of advanced technologies such as a 17:1 compression ratio, redesigned exhaust gas recirculation, optimized turbocharging, and transmission calibration specifically tailored for hybrid operation.

The powertrain is engineered to run on Repsol’s fully renewable gasoline, produced from renewable feedstocks rather than fossil fuels.

According to company estimates, a midsize vehicle equipped with the H12 system could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.77 tonnes per year, assuming an annual driving distance of 12,500 kilometers.

Horse Powertrain has already built and tested two prototype engines, with the first full demonstrator vehicle integrating the hybrid system expected to debut in early 2026.

Horse Powertrain operates 17 manufacturing plants and five research and development centers worldwide, supplying combustion and hybrid technologies across multiple regions.

The company emphasizes that regional variations in infrastructure, energy access, and regulatory frameworks influence their strategy, leading to customized solutions for different markets.

This development highlights a strategic approach by automakers to advance hybrid systems alongside electrification, offering consumers flexible and lower-emission choices while facilitating a gradual transition to fully electric vehicles.