This briefcase‑sized range extender powertrain could electrify future EVs

At the Munich Motor Show, a compact range extender was revealed as a potential new step for electric vehicles.

The Horse C15 is small enough to slot into unused areas of a vehicle’s body, yet it carries an engine, generator, inverter, and cooling system within one unit.

It is intended to support battery power on longer trips and reduce reliance on larger, costlier battery packs.

The reveal has added momentum to discussions over how automakers will shape their electric vehicle plans.

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Range extender packs big power in small space

The Horse C15 is a compact engine measuring 500 mm in length, 550 mm in width, and 275 mm in depth.

Inside the unit is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a generator and supporting electronics, designed to function as a range extender for electric vehicles.

Horse says it can be installed either vertically or horizontally, which allows manufacturers to integrate it into existing models without major redesigns.

Two specifications are available. The naturally aspirated version produces 94 hp and is intended for smaller B and C segment vehicles.

A turbocharged version offers 161 hp for larger models.

Both versions comply with Euro 7 emissions rules and are capable of running on gasoline, ethanol, methanol, and synthetic fuels.

Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini said that demand for range-extended electric vehicles is rising across global markets.

He described the C15 as a way for automakers to adapt battery-electric platforms to longer-range models while avoiding the costs of developing new architectures.

Munich Motor Show signals EV rethink

The C15 was unveiled at the Munich Motor Show as manufacturers continue to reassess their approaches to electric vehicles.

Some companies have slowed their all-electric rollouts, citing charging infrastructure shortfalls and mixed consumer demand.

Range extender systems are being presented as a middle ground between conventional hybrids and pure battery EVs, giving brands more flexibility when planning future lineups.

In regions with limited charging networks, a compact engine such as the C15 could make electric vehicles more viable for longer-distance driving.

By extending range without the added weight and cost of oversized batteries, the unit is positioned to address one of the major challenges of electrification.

The introduction of the C15 adds a new option for automakers facing uncertainty in the shift toward electrification.

Its future will hinge on infrastructure, regulations, and market response, but its debut in Munich confirms range extender technology is still on the table.

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