[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely Automobile, unveiled an integrated powertrain system that can convert EVs into hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs). It is drawing attention as a solution that enables various electrification combinations while maintaining an EV-only platform.

InsideEVs reported on April 20 local time that Horse introduced the X-Range C15 Direct Drive. The system is installed by replacing the rear electric motor of an existing EV and focuses on minimizing vehicle structure changes and the burden of additional investment.

The product features an all-in-one structure that integrates a four-cylinder gasoline engine, a transmission and two electric motors in a single flat case. By removing the existing EV rear-drive unit and installing it in its place, the same vehicle can be converted into a hybrid, PHEV or EREV.

The drivetrain uses a P1 plus P3 dual-motor configuration. The P1 motor connects to the engine crankshaft and serves as a generator, supplying up to 70 kW to the battery with a naturally aspirated engine combination and up to 110 kW with a turbo engine combination. The P3 motor drives the rear wheels and delivers power on its own or together with the engine. The 1.5-litre gasoline engine is offered in two specifications: naturally aspirated at 94 horsepower and turbo at 161 horsepower.

The system also supports an all-wheel-drive configuration. A separate electric motor handles the front wheels, while the C15 Direct Drive is used at the rear. Horse said the new solution’s integrated rear-axle structure makes it easier to package the gasoline engine’s exhaust and aftertreatment system and helps maximize space to mount the battery under the passenger compartment.

Power electronics are also included as standard. It also can be combined with a DC-DC converter, an onboard charger and an 800-volt charging booster, and Horse stressed it can be used as an integrated electrification platform rather than a simple drivetrain.

The product also ties into automakers’ burden of having to revise EV-only platform strategies. After making large investments in EV-only platforms, changing demand has made strategic adjustments unavoidable, and flexibility to run multiple powertrains while keeping the existing structure is becoming more important. Horse said producing various electrified vehicles on the same production line can also be expected to cut costs.

The company’s portfolio expansion is also continuing. The new model is a follow-up launched after the F15, which replaces a front-wheel-drive unit, and it also links to the existing C15 extended-range line. It is a strategy aimed at demand for quickly implementing a switch to hybrids while keeping an EV body.

The industry assesses the announcement as strengthening a shift away from the existing dichotomy that separates EVs and internal-combustion vehicles, toward implementing a range of electrification options on a single platform. If automakers adopt the system, a strategy of keeping EV-based production while also offering hybrids and EREVs is expected to spread further.