Global Finance News
17 Feb 2026, 19:45
Repsol and Horse Powertrain unveil ultra-efficient hybrid engine running on 100% renewable gasoline
Repsol and Horse Powertrain have jointly developed the HORSE H12 Concept, a next-generation hybrid powertrain designed to significantly cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
The new engine achieves 44.2% peak brake thermal efficiency and reduces fuel consumption by 40% compared with the 2023 European average for new petrol cars, bringing usage below 3.3 litres per 100 km (WLTP). When powered by Repsol’s 100% renewable gasoline, a mid-size vehicle driving 12,500 km annually can emit 1.77 tonnes less CO₂ per year than a comparable conventional vehicle.
Developed in Spain by Horse Technologies (Valladolid) and Repsol Technology Lab (Madrid), the system integrates a high-compression combustion design, optimized turbocharging, advanced EGR, improved hybrid gearbox energy management and new low-friction lubricants. Two prototypes have been validated, with a demonstrator vehicle expected in early 2026.
The companies position the project as a near-term decarbonization solution for Europe’s predominantly combustion-based vehicle fleet, advocating a technology-neutral regulatory framework that recognizes renewable fuels and highly efficient engines alongside electrification and hydrogen.
Repsol and Horse Powertrain have jointly developed the HORSE H12 Concept, a next-generation hybrid powertrain designed to significantly cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
The new engine achieves 44.2% peak brake thermal efficiency and reduces fuel consumption by 40% compared with the 2023 European average for new petrol cars, bringing usage below 3.3 litres per 100 km (WLTP). When powered by Repsol’s 100% renewable gasoline, a mid-size vehicle driving 12,500 km annually can emit 1.77 tonnes less CO₂ per year than a comparable conventional vehicle.
Developed in Spain by Horse Technologies (Valladolid) and Repsol Technology Lab (Madrid), the system integrates a high-compression combustion design, optimized turbocharging, advanced EGR, improved hybrid gearbox energy management and new low-friction lubricants. Two prototypes have been validated, with a demonstrator vehicle expected in early 2026.
The companies position the project as a near-term decarbonization solution for Europe’s predominantly combustion-based vehicle fleet, advocating a technology-neutral regulatory framework that recognizes renewable fuels and highly efficient engines alongside electrification and hydrogen.