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An innovation that promises to change the game in the automotive industry, combining advanced technology with energy efficiency and affordable solutions for the global market.
An innovative, modular solution that promises to transform the future of global mobility has been presented at the Shanghai Motor Show 2025.
Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between French Renault and Chinese Geely, revealed the Future Hybrid Concept: a system that can extend the autonomy of electric vehicles or transform combustion cars into hybrids with minimal modifications.
The proposal offers a more affordable alternative to full electrification, without requiring major changes to current production lines.
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Technology arrives at a strategic moment, in which the global automotive industry still faces the high costs of the energy transition and resistance from part of the market to 100% electric models, especially in emerging countries.
With the Future Hybrid Concept, Horse promises to make this transition cheaper with a versatile architecture that can be applied to multiple types of vehicles and accepts different fuels, including those widely used in Brazil, such as ethanol.
A modular and adaptable system
The Future Hybrid Concept is designed as a compact, integrated unit that combines internal combustion engine, electric drive and transmission system in a single module.
Its greatest asset is its modularity and adaptability., allowing it to be incorporated into vehicles in different segments, from urban SUVs to entry-level models, without the need to restructure factories.
The technology offers all-wheel drive in electric or hybrid modes, which expands its possibilities of use in markets with different performance and infrastructure demands.
Furthermore, the system is compatible with a variety of fuels, such as gasoline, E85 ethanol, methanol and even synthetic fuels — a considerable advantage for countries like Brazil, where more than 90% of new cars are flex-fuel.
Direct impact on the Brazilian market
Brazil emerges as one of the most promising markets for this technology.
Horse has already confirmed the supply of 1.0 turbo HR10 engines for the Lecar 459 Hybrid, an extended-range SUV that will be produced in Curitiba from 2026.
With an expected production of 12 thousand units per year, this model could pave the way for the application of the Future Hybrid Concept in national vehicles.
The flexibility of the system can, for example, transform the Renault Duster into a hybrid with 4×4 traction, running on both ethanol and electricity, and with fast recharge capability.
Compatibility with flex fuel is seen as essential for the viability of this technology in Brazil, considering the tax incentives and the country's tradition in this type of engine.
Adaptation without reinventing the wheel
According to Horse Powertrain, One of the great differences of the Future Hybrid Concept is its ability to be integrated without the need to redesign existing platforms, reducing implementation costs for automakers.
This could benefit manufacturers such as Dacia, Volvo, Nissan and even competitors such as BYD, Polestar and VinFast, who have already shown interest in the concept.
“Future Hybrid solves one of the biggest dilemmas in the automotive industry: how to move towards zero emissions without relying exclusively on electric vehicles,” said Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse.
According to him, the technology allows manufacturers to expand their offering of hybrid and electric models, while maintaining the efficiency of the production chain.
Robust and modern structure
The Future Hybrid's structure is compact and efficient.
The unit occupies the same space as a conventional electric motor, but includes a combustion engine with pre-chamber ignition — technology that improves efficiency and reduces emissions.
The system also supports 800V ultra-fast charging, heat pumps with R290 refrigerant (less polluting) and follows the strictest international vehicle safety standards.
Engineer Ragnar Burenius, technical manager for the project, highlights the simplicity of installation as a key factor for the success of the proposal.
“We integrate all components into a single framework, which significantly reduces the complexity of adaptation to existing platforms”, explains Burenius.
Use of existing factories and structures
In Brazil, the collaboration between Renault and Geely is already bearing fruit. Geely will begin using Renault's factory in São José dos Pinhais (PR) to assemble the EX5 electric SUV from July 2025.
This move demonstrates the potential for synergy between the brands and suggests that the Future Hybrid could also be produced in Brazil..
Industry experts see this alliance as a smart strategy to leverage Renault's expertise in flex fuels and Geely's technological know-how in automotive electrification.
Furthermore, local industrial presence can facilitate the expansion of new technology without relying on large imports.
Adoption challenges and future of technology
Although the concept is promising, the acceptance of Future Hybrid will depend on factors such as price competitiveness and technical feasibility for smaller manufacturers.
Even with minimal adaptation, costs can still be significant for brands with less investment capacity.
On the other hand, the technology has the potential to make hybrid versions of compact SUVs cheaper in the Brazilian market., which lacks affordable options.
This can accelerate the electrification of the national fleet, offering real alternatives to consumers without requiring a direct leap to 100% electric vehicles.
Experts say Future Hybrid could be the ideal “middle ground” on the journey to zero emissions, reconciling performance, economy and sustainability.
If everything goes according to plan, the first cars equipped with the system should hit the streets from 2028.
A silent revolution in mobility
With the Future Hybrid Concept, Renault and Geely are betting on a silent and progressive revolution in the automotive industry, proposing easy-to-apply, low-cost and highly flexible solutions.
The proposal has everything it needs to gain space in strategic markets such as Brazil, where consumers value efficiency, versatility and cost-benefit.
It remains to be seen how the market — and the public — will react to this new proposal.
Will the Future Hybrid really transform the way we drive in the coming years?
