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British C15 Engine, 1.5 Liters and Up to 161 HP, Can Extend Range, Reduce Battery Costs, and Use Different Fuels.
The British company Horse Powertrain announced a compact generator engine of 1.5 liters and four cylinders that can change the electric car landscape.
The model, named C15, was developed to extend range without requiring major changes to existing platforms. It measures only 50 × 55 × 28 cm and, according to the company, is approximately the size of a suitcase.
How the C15 Works
The engine does not drive the wheels. It acts only as a generator, operating at a constant rotation to charge the traction battery thereby maintaining a stable energy level and reducing dependence on frequent recharges.
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The naturally aspirated basic version offers 70 kW, equivalent to 94 hp, designed for compact cars in segments B and C in Europe. The turbocharged version delivers 120 kW, or 161 hp, intended for larger vehicles, such as those in segment D and even light commercial vehicles.
Another highlight is the installation flexibility. The engine can be mounted both at the front and at the rear, in either vertical or horizontal position.
This feature allows manufacturers to adapt pure electric platforms into hybrid models with extended range, also known as REEVs.
Advantages of the System
According to Horse, the C15 can reduce the size and cost of batteries without compromising range. This happens because the engine provides extra energy in real-world usage situations.
In addition, it can use different types of fuels, such as gasoline, ethanol, methanol, and synthetic options.
For CEO Matias Giannini, the proposal meets an expanding demand. “Extended range electric vehicles are the fastest growing engine category in many global markets,” he stated. He also emphasized that the C15 represents an economic and practical solution for manufacturers looking to adapt their existing electric lines.
The Future Hybrid System
In addition to the C15, the company will present at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich the so-called “Future Hybrid System.”
This is a complete hybrid powertrain, which replaces the front electric unit of a vehicle with an integrated solution that includes engine, transmission, electronics, and generator.
Two formats will be displayed. The “Performance” version, with a width of 740 mm, uses the P1 + P3 engine, while the “Ultra-Compact” version, with 650 mm, adopts the P2 configuration.
Both feature a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and dedicated hybrid transmission. They can also integrate with onboard chargers, converters, and systems of up to 800 V.
The installation of the assembly is done directly on the subframe, in an east-west position. This arrangement frees up space and facilitates the maintenance of other components, such as climate control and air conditioning.
The company claims that the solution reduces the front overhang by up to 150 mm compared to traditional hybrid systems.
CTO Ingo Scholten emphasized that the project has smaller dimensions than any other similar system available.
According to him, the unprecedented compactness allows installation in areas originally planned only for electric motors.
Application Flexibility
The hybrid system has also been designed for multiple traction configurations.
It can be combined with a rear engine to form all-wheel drive vehicles or operate alone in front-wheel drive models.
Horse is also exploring a three-cylinder version, which would further reduce the width of the assembly, opening up space for new layouts.
The system accepts fuels such as gasoline, E85 ethanol, M100 methanol, and also synthetic fuels. The commercial launch is expected in 2027.
What to Expect from IAA 2025
At the event in Germany, the company will highlight both the C15 generator engine and the complete hybrid system.
The strategy, according to executives, is to offer simple alternatives so that manufacturers can quickly adapt their electric models without high reengineering costs.
Giannini reinforced that Horse’s proposal aims to simplify the transition to more efficient vehicles. “The goal is to provide a frictionless way to expand the lines while manufacturers remain focused on design, software, and full electrification,” he said.
With these announcements, the British company signals a clear bet on range-extending and compact hybrid technologies.
The expectation is that the market will closely follow the debut at IAA Mobility 2025 and assess how these solutions could influence the next steps in the automotive industry.
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