Alliance Between Renault, Geely and Aramco Presents New Compact Engine That Generates Energy for Electric Car Batteries, Increasing Range and Efficiency.
The search for solutions that increase the range of electric cars has led automakers and technology partners to develop creative alternatives.
The latest news comes from Horse, Renault-Geely’s engine unit, which, in partnership with Aramco, presents at the Munich Auto Show a compact engine designed to act as an energy extender.
How The Horse Range Extender Engine Works In Electric Cars
Unlike traditional engines, the new 1.5-liter model, named C15, does not directly move the wheels. Its function is to generate electricity for the battery, ensuring more range for the vehicle.
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The reduced design, “the size of a suitcase,” allows for installation flexibility in different types of vehicles, expanding its potential applications.
Available Versions And Power
The technology will be offered in two configurations:
- Naturally aspirated engine: delivers up to 94 hp, and can be installed both horizontally and vertically, ideal for compact cars.
- Turbocharged version: with a power of 161 hp, was designed to meet the needs of larger vehicles and even commercial models.
This versatility reinforces the project’s potential, as it adapts to different market demands.
Fuels And Environmental Standards
Another differentiator is compatibility with multiple fuels. The C15 engine can operate on gasoline, ethanol, methanol, or synthetic fuels, always meeting the requirements of the stringent Euro 7 standards that are set to come into effect in the coming years.
Furthermore, according to Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse, the demand for electric vehicles with extended range (the so-called REEVs) is growing worldwide. For him, the solution is simple, accessible, and represents an opportunity for manufacturers to adapt their platforms without the need for massive investments in new technologies.
It is also worth mentioning that the new range extender engine not only reduces the so-called “range anxiety” of drivers but also emerges as a milestone in the energy transition. By combining efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability, the partnership between Renault, Geely, and Aramco paves the way for electric cars to gain greater global acceptance and advance towards a cleaner and more accessible future.
