HORSE, the Renault-Geely powertrain tech JV, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazilian electronics manufacturer, WEG, for an R&D partnership on its new range extender powertrain.

The commercial partnership is HORSE’s first as a division of HORSE Powertrain Ltd.

As part of this agreement, HORSE and WEG will jointly-develop range extender powertrain for light commercial and heavy duty vehicles, with WEG supplying the key components for the technology.

Upon completion of the R&D study, HORSE will become the system owner and supplier to customers.

HORSE will own the electronic architecture of the range extender, integrating components within existing requirements, as well as supplying the 1.0-litre ‘HR10’ engine and Control Module. WEG will supply the electric generators, e-motors, and electrical inverters.

Julien Faure, Chief Technology Officer at HORSE, said: “HORSE is focused on delivering decarbonisation technologies around the world, and this partnership with WEG will help to democratise the Range Extender powertrain solution. Working with a world-class electrical technology provider like WEG demonstrates our ability to create world-class powertrain solutions for the world’s differing needs and technical requirements.”

HORSE said a range extender is made up of six key modules:

• The combustion engine, which generates mechanical energy that powers the electric generator.
• The electric generator, which converts mechanical energy from the engine into electric charge for the battery.
• The electric inverter, which converts direct current into alternating current, and enables communications between electronic components.
• The electronic control unit, which issues real-time instructions for vehicle components and electronics.
• The e-motor, which converts charge from the battery into mechanical traction for vehicle propulsion, as well as providing regenerative braking functionality.
• The battery, which stores the electrical energy originating from the electric generator and e-motor.

This partnership with WEG will grant HORSE preferential access to these critical components for its fully integrated range extender units, allowing continuous supply for customers.

Designed for both light commercial and heavy duty vehicles, the range extender powertrain features an optimised battery pack and HORSE’s 85kW 1.0-litre, three-cylinder ‘HR10’ engine. The HR10 can use flex fuels, allowing the Range Extender’s total emissions profile to be comparable to that of a fully electric vehicle.

The benefit of a range extender is the engine constantly operates in its most efficient operating window, minimising fuel consumption and emissions.

About WEG

Founded in 1961, WEG is a global electro-electronic equipment company, operating in the capital goods sector a with focus on electric motors, gearboxes and drives and controls, energy generation and transformers, electrification products and systems, automation and digitalization. WEG stands out in innovation by constantly developing solutions to meet the major trends in energy efficiency, renewable energy and electric mobility. With manufacturing units in 15 countries and present in more than 135 countries, the company has more than 40,000 employees worldwide. WEG’s net revenue reached R$ 32.5 billion in 2023, 52.9% from external markets.