Last week, we began exhibiting our technology and solutions at the Beijing Auto Show 2026 (also known as Auto China), the world’s largest automotive exhibition. Along with showing off our products, this year’s show was also a chance for us to deliver a clear message to the industry and the world – the time has come for us to rethink the role of hybrids in the global mobility system.
In recent years, hybrids have been treated as a transitional technology - a stepping stone from combustion to all-electric vehicles. In his speech launching Horse Powertrain’s presence at Auto China, our CEO Matias Giannini issued a stark challenge to this way of thinking. Instead, the industry needs to start treating hybrids as a key long-term tool to decarbonize the world’s transport system.
As Matias explained, BEVs aren’t the best solution for every market. Instead, the automotive industry must accept that different regions will need different solutions to meet their mobility needs. And by accepting this, we can focus on investing in critical efficiency gains in hybrid technology that will allow it to reduce the carbon intensity of passenger vehicles.
To illustrate this in action, Matias pointed to Horse Powertrain’s own modelling: through our technologies, we’re aiming to push a 20-25% gain in the thermal efficiency of hybrid powertrains in the coming years. By achieving this, we suddenly make hybrids a major decarbonization force: a vehicle parc that is 50% BEVs and 50% hybrids, with our targeted efficiency gains, emits the same as a parc that is 80% BEVs.
To support this approach, Matias introduced a suite of technologies that were on display at the event, providing a tangible example of this philosophy in action.
CEO Matias Giannini explained that BEVs aren’t the best solution for every market - different regions will need different solutions
Read more about why does thermal efficiency matter?
The first product we showed was the X-Range C15 Direct Drive.
Last year, we showed off the X-Range C15: an integrated generator and engine unit to allow existing BEV platforms to serve as the foundations for REEV line-ups. The X-Range C15 Direct Drive takes this technology and adds a transmission and driveline connection, resulting in an all-in-one powertrain that can replace the rear electric drive unit of a BEV – converting it into a HEV, PHEV, or REEV.
This new solution complements our X-Range F15 Direct Drive, which was revealed at Auto China 2025 – an all-in-one hybrid powertrain designed to replace the front electric drive unit of a BEV. With the X-Range C15 Direct Drive, our X-Range solutions family has now evolved into a comprehensive toolkit for adapting BEV platforms into the foundations of hybrid line-ups.
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is an all-in-one powertrain that can replace the rear electric drive unit of a BEV
Read more about why automakers should hybridize their BEVs.
The other headline product on display was the HORSE W30. The HORSE W30 is a lightweight hybrid V6 system, applying our expertise in 3- and 4-cylinder engines to the V6 class for the very first time.
Reflecting our expertise and focus on efficiency, the HORSE W30 is highly compact at just 460mm × 690mm × 650mm. It also masses in at just 160kg, which is 10kg less than the next-lightest V6 currently on the market. Despite all this, the HORSE W30 can still output up to 400kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
We showed the HORSE W30 off with our new HORSE 4LDHT hybrid transmission, capable of integration with the HORSE W30 from the get-go. Reflecting the HORSE W30’s intended use in mild- and full-hybrids, the HORSE 4LDHT is a best-in-class transmission with a pair of motors in a P1 and P3 configuration. Despite weighing just 199kg, it can output a maximum wheel torque of over 9,200Nm, representing a market-leading torque density.
Alongside these systems, we also showed off a range of engines, transmissions, motors, and powertrains from across our extensive portfolio. You can find the full list and breakdown in our press release.
The HORSE W30 is a lightweight hybrid V6 system, which is 10kg less than the next-lightest V6 currently on the market
Read more about what makes up a hybrid powertrain?
We will continue to be at Beijing until May 3. Come see our stand at Booth A111, Hall A1 at Auto China 2026 - we are looking forward to meeting enthusiasts and automakers alike to talk about our technologies and vision for the industry.
Alternatively, to find out more, view our selection of combustion and hybrid powertrain solutions here.