Horse Powertrains, a joint venture between Renault and Geely says its new Future Hybrid Concept can turn a typical full electric vehicle into a hybrid thanks to its ultra-compact architecture. It’s so compact that the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and transmission are all integrated into one. Typically, it will replace the front electric drive unit of a BEV. 

Requiring only minor modifications, the powertrain bolts directly to the vehicle’s subframe, allowing carmakers to offer hybrid models on BEV platforms without having to commit to significant redesigns. It can also fit a traditional combustion vehicle platform.

The company says this powertrain can serve as a range extender to existing BEVs, or it can be configured with a transmission and driveshaft turning it into a parallel hybrid. The transverse layout has been designed to have a slimmer top and wider profile at the bottom to make sure it’s compliant with safety and crash standards.

It also features the power electronics systems required for an efficient hybrid powertrain, containing a controller, inverter, DC/DC converter, and on-board charger. It also includes an 800-volt charging booster for fast charging.

The powertrain also anticipates numerous environmental and product design standards, with its compact packaging accommodating next-generation automotive heat pumps and the use of R290 refrigerants.

What’s more, it can be “used and operated anywhere in the world” with an ignition system that can take on regular, synthetic, ethanol, and even methanol-based fuels.

So far, the Future Hybrid Concept powertrain remains a concept, but first vehicles equipped with it will roll off the showrooms starting sometime in 2028. No word on which carmakers have signed on to use the Future Hybrid powertrain, but it’s very likely that Renault and Geely models will benefit from this greatly.