HORSE Powertrain Limited, known for its innovative and low-emission powertrain systems, has teamed up with Marcopolo, South America’s leading bus manufacturer, and WEG, the Brazilian multinational known for electronic equipment, to introduce the Volare Attack 9 hybrid microbus. This vehicle, unveiled at the Lat.Bus 2024 Expo at Marcopolo’s stand, is the first hybrid ethanol microbus to feature a Range Extender solution.
Set to hit the market in 2026, the Volare Attack 9 promises a range of up to 450 kilometers. The microbus will be powered by bioethanol, a sustainable and locally produced fuel, ensuring carbon-neutral mobility for users.
Patrice Haettel, CEO of HORSE, praised the collaboration, noting, “The development of the Volare Attack 9 with the Range Extender solution is a testament to the strong partnership between HORSE, WEG, and Marcopolo. Our presence in South America has positioned us well to drive this innovative project forward. Marcopolo is leading the way in integrating this technology into the microbus segment, and we anticipate this to be the beginning of a broader range of sustainable solutions.”
Innovative Powertrain
The Volare Attack 9 features a cutting-edge, low-emission powertrain designed specifically for hybrid ethanol operation. HORSE and WEG plan to extend their Range Extender technology to both light and heavy commercial vehicles in the future.
The powertrain includes WEG components for electric generators, e-motors, inverters, and battery packs, paired with HORSE’s 85kW turbo 1.0-litre, three-cylinder ‘HR10’ engine, which runs on bioethanol. HORSE’s Range Extender technology offers scalable decarbonised mobility.
Unlike traditional plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the combustion engine in a Range Extender does not directly drive the wheels. Instead, it functions solely as a generator for the battery, allowing it to operate efficiently within its optimal range. This design reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
The Range Extender system can switch the combustion engine on or off based on battery charge and location, and the battery can be recharged using standard public or home chargers. With a battery half the size of a pure electric vehicle’s battery, the Range Extender provides significant cost and weight savings while enhancing packaging flexibility and efficiency.
