Hose Powertrain unveils "X-Range C15 Direct Drive" powertrain for hybridizing BEV platforms.
21 April 2026
Hose Powertrain , a global leader in innovative low-emission powertrain systems, will unveil its new "all-in-one" powertrain, the X-Range C15 Direct Drive, at the Beijing Motor Show 2026.
The ultra-compact X-Range C15 Direct Drive integrates a full hybrid powertrain, including a four-cylinder engine, transmission, power electronics, and electric motor, into a single compact unit with a common housing. Designed to mount to the rear subframe, it achieves superior NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance through its double-insulated structure.
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is designed as an "all-in-one" powertrain that replaces the rear electric drive unit on existing BEV platforms. This allows automakers to use a single, shared platform across their BEV, HEV, PHEV, and REEV lineups without significantly altering vehicle design or production environments.
This new powertrain is the latest addition to HORSE Powertrain's X-Range family and is a toolkit for adding hybrid capabilities to a dedicated BEV platform. This gives automakers an alternative option for the rear electric drive unit in their vehicles. It joins the HORSE F15 system, an "all-in-one" powertrain designed as an alternative to the front electric drive unit on the BEV platform, and the HORSE C15 system, an ultra-compact engine that also acts as a generator and range extender for existing powertrains.
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It can be installed in a naturally aspirated configuration for low-power applications such as B-segment and C-segment vehicles, or in a turbocharged configuration for larger D-segment vehicles and LCVs. The naturally aspirated engine produces a maximum output of 70kW, while the turbocharged engine produces 120kW.
This powertrain integrates the engine, along with a dedicated hybrid transmission and a series of electric motors, into a single, flat, shared housing. The two motors are mounted in a P1 + P3 configuration, with one integrated into the engine's crankshaft end and the other into the transmission's output shaft.
The P1 motor primarily functions as a generator in both serial and parallel modes. As a generator, it can output 70kW in the naturally aspirated X-Range C15 Direct Drive model and 110kW in the turbocharged model.
The P3 motor is designed to provide electric traction and operates independently of the engine in serial mode and in parallel mode in coordination with the engine. In parallel mode, the engine and wheels can be directly connected, resulting in improved total system efficiency compared to other range extenders or pure serial mode hybrids.
Depending on the requirements of the automaker, the X-Range C15 Direct Drive can be used to fully drive the rear wheels of a vehicle, or it can support all-wheel drive vehicles when combined with another electric drive unit on the vehicle's front axle.
Furthermore, the package layout allows for the compact integration of the exhaust system and aftertreatment system at the rear of the vehicle, maximizing floor space for the battery and occupants.
The X-Range C15 Direct Drive features the complete set of power electronics required for modern hybrid powertrains and is designed to integrate with auxiliary systems such as a DC/DC converter, onboard charger, and 800V charge booster.
Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse Powertrain, stated: "The X-Range family of powertrains reflects today's market conditions, enabling automakers to rapidly transition from BEVs to hybrid and range-extender vehicles using a single platform. The X-Range C15 Direct Drive is an 'all-in-one' powertrain that allows for the conversion of a BEV platform to HEV, PHEV, and REEV with minimal design or touring changes. This dramatically reduces time to market, recouping investments in BEVs while meeting the diverse mobility needs of today's global market."
About the Hose Powertrain
Hose Powertrain is a global leader in innovative low-emission hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions, supporting automakers (OEMs) with a wide range of systems including engines, transmissions, power electronics, range extenders, and integrated hybrid platforms. Hose Powertrain operates in Europe, China, and South America, employing over 19,000 people across 18 plants and 5 R&D centers. It supplies products to 25 customers, including Renault Group, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Proton, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors. Hose Powertrain is headquartered in London, UK.
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Contacts
For more information, please contact:
Kate Saxton : kate.saxton@horse-powertrain.com; +34 679 07 20 87
Performance Communications : horse@performancecomms.com
Source: businesswire.com