Horse Powertrain Unveils Methanol Range Extender

Horse Powertrain, a joint venture between Renault and Geely, introduced the D20 Methanol range extender at Auto China 2026. The powertrain is designed for range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) and uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that runs on 100 percent methanol to generate electricity for the traction battery.

The system delivers up to 105kW of power and features a newly developed axial flux generator, which the company claims is 46 percent shorter and has 63 percent higher power density than comparable radial flux generators. Horse Powertrain reports an electrical efficiency of 96.4 percent and a fuel-to-electricity efficiency of 47 percent.

This range extender complements Horse Powertrain’s existing X-Range C15 Direct Drive system, offering manufacturers greater flexibility in adapting electric platforms to different market needs, particularly in China where REEVs are becoming increasingly popular. The company aims to provide solutions for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender vehicle options.