Horse Powertrain has launched the latest generation of its HORSE V20 engine through its Aurobay Technologies division, strengthening its portfolio of low-emission hybrid and combustion powertrain solutions for global automakers. Production of the upgraded engine has commenced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Skövde, Sweden, with exports planned for customers across Europe, Asia and the United States.
The HORSE V20 has been developed to support automotive manufacturers in meeting stricter emission regulations expected to come into force during 2026 and 2027. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine platform will be available in two variants built on a common architecture — a 400-volt plug-in hybrid version and a 48-volt mild-hybrid version.
According to the company, the plug-in hybrid variant delivers a seven percent reduction in fuel consumption compared with the previous generation engine, helping manufacturers improve vehicle efficiency while reducing emissions. The shared architecture also enables lower material costs and improved economies of scale for automakers.
The upgraded engine includes several major engineering enhancements designed to improve overall performance and thermal efficiency. The plug-in hybrid variant features modifications to its crankshaft-mounted starter-generator, a newly positioned mechanical water pump and a redesigned cooling system to optimize heat management under varying operating conditions.
Additional upgrades include a new multi-injection fuel system, an advanced engine management system and a redesigned air induction system tailored specifically for the new engine platform. These improvements are expected to enhance combustion efficiency, responsiveness and long-term durability across hybrid applications.
Ingo Scholten, Managing Director of Aurobay Technologies Sweden and Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Horse Powertrain, said the development of a single engine platform capable of meeting multiple international regulatory requirements represented a major engineering achievement. He added that creating one globally compliant engine architecture provides greater operational and economic value for automotive customers while supporting higher production flexibility.
The company also modernized manufacturing operations at its Skövde plant during the transition to the new engine platform. While maintaining ongoing production activities, the facility retained the existing base assembly line and introduced a new straight final assembly line aimed at improving workflow efficiency and material movement. Horse Powertrain expects production volumes for the HORSE V20 to increase steadily through 2026 and 2027 in line with growing customer demand for advanced hybrid powertrain solutions.
Headquartered in London, Horse Powertrain operates across Europe, China and South America and employs more than 19,000 people across 18 manufacturing plants and five research and development centres. The company supplies engines, transmissions, hybrid systems and power electronics to leading automotive manufacturers including Renault Group, Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Proton, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
