Lecar Becomes the First Car Maker to Use Horse’s Powertrain: What You Need to Know
In a groundbreaking move, Brazilian start-up Lecar has partnered with Horse, the joint venture between Renault and Geely, to be the first car maker to utilize their powertrain. Horse, established in May 2024, aims to become the global leader in powertrain technology, producing five million best-in-class petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains annually for car manufacturers such as Nissan and Volvo. Lecar’s new crossover model, the Lecar 459 Híbrido, set to launch in 2026, will feature a range-extender powertrain centered around Horse’s 1.0-liter three-cylinder HR10 petrol engine.
The powertrain operates similarly to Nissan’s e-Power system, where the engine powers an onboard generator that charges a battery, which then sends power to electric motors. This technology allows for extended range and reduced emissions, making it an appealing choice for environmentally conscious consumers. While specific details about the Lecar 459 Hybrid have yet to be confirmed, the HR10 engine has already proven its capabilities in light commercial vehicles with similar range-extender powertrains.
One notable advantage of Horse’s powertrain is its flexibility in fuel options. The HR10 engine has been designed to run on low-emission petrol and ethanol flex fuels, which are the primary fuels offered in Brazil. This adaptability ensures that Lecar’s vehicles can cater to the specific needs and preferences of Brazilian consumers.
Under the agreement between Lecar and Horse, the powertrain maker will supply Lecar with 12,000 units annually, produced at its plant in Curitiba, Brazil. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Horse as it expands its presence in the Brazilian market and demonstrates its commitment to developing tailor-made solutions for every market.
The emergence of extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) has attracted the attention of various car manufacturers, including Mazda and Hyundai. Hyundai notably became the first global car firm to commit to a broad roll-out of EREVs as it seeks to bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and electric vehicles amid sluggish EV demand. This trend underscores the growing popularity and potential of EREVs in the automotive industry.
Overall, Lecar’s collaboration with Horse represents a significant step forward in providing combustion engines for passenger-vehicle range-extenders. By incorporating Horse’s powertrain technology, Lecar aims to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the Brazilian automotive market. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in meeting the evolving needs of consumers and driving the industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships and advancements in powertrain technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobility. Lecar’s decision to utilize Horse’s powertrain sets a precedent for other car makers and reinforces the importance of embracing innovative solutions to meet consumer demands. With this groundbreaking partnership, Lecar and Horse are poised to make a significant impact in the automotive industry and pave the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly vehicles.
In conclusion, Lecar’s collaboration with Horse marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry. By incorporating Horse’s powertrain technology, Lecar is set to become a leader in sustainable mobility solutions. The partnership not only showcases the potential of EREVs but also demonstrates the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving the industry towards a greener and more sustainable future. With Lecar’s upcoming launch of the Lecar 459 Hybrid, consumers can look forward to a crossover model that combines performance, range, and reduced emissions. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this will shape the future of mobility and pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system.
