In early 2025, a startup firm known as Horse announced working on an innovative hybrid powertrain capable of turning fully electric cars into range extenders. It is now coming to the IAA Munich show with a working prototype of the system.
Known as the Horse C15, it comprises a 1.5-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine, a generator, an inverter and a cooling system. The whole thing measures only 500 mm (19.7”) long, 550 mm (21.7”) wide and 275 mm (10.8”) tall if naturally aspirated. A turbocharged version is also in the works. The company claims it can fit inside some EV frunks and properly run there without overheating.
The non-turbo version produces 95 PS (94 hp / 70 kW) and the turbo version delivers 163 PS (161 hp / 120 kW) to the power generator. Aside from pump gas, the engine can accept assorted ethanol, methanol and synthetic fuels.
Judging by the announcement, Horse plans to target not just private customers but also businesses with its product. With some automakers in hot water now that the EV market has slowed down, going hybrid with a suitcase-sized, affordable device can be a viable way out of their troubles. The C15 looks like it can be installed in most current EVs without redesigning much at all.
