Horse Powertrain has unveiled a new range-extender powertrain that runs entirely on methanol. The system combines a 2.0-liter turbo engine with a generator and power electronics, aiming to make EVs more efficient. Additionally, Horse is using an axial flux generator for the first time, which is expected to be more compact and power-dense compared to conventional designs.Image: Horse PowertrainHorse Powertrain, a recently established joint venture between Renault and Geely, specialises in internal combustion engine technologies. With the D20 Methanol, the company is now expanding its portfolio of electrified powertrains to include a new range-extender solution. The drive unit was unveiled for the first time at Auto China 2026 and is designed for so-called range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). In this setup, the internal combustion engine does not directly power the wheels but instead generates electrical energy exclusively to recharge the traction battery. The vehicle is therefore classified as partially electrified or a hybrid.According to the manufacturer, the new powertrain from Horse delivers up to 105kW of power and integrates a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a generator, and the power electronics into a system weighing 170kg. The internal combustion engine is designed to run on 100 per cent methanol. A high-energy ignition system enables an exceptionally lean combustion process and ensures reliable cold starts at temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius. The nitrogen oxide emissions are expected to comply with both the Chinese CN6b standard and the Euro 7 norm.A distinctive feature of the powertrain is the newly developed generator. Instead of a conventional radial flux machine, Horse Powertrain uses an axial flux motor, in which the rotor and stator are arranged in a disc-shaped configuration. According to the company, this design results in a 46 per cent shorter build length and achieves a 63 per cent higher volumetric power density compared to comparable radial flux generators. Horse states the electrical efficiency of the drive system at 96.4 per cent, with a fuel-to-electricity efficiency of 47 per cent. In laboratory tests, a 40kWh battery could be fully recharged using just 19.6 litres of methanol.Horse Powertrain expands range-extender strategyWith this latest introduction, Horse Powertrain is advancing its strategy of adapting electrified powertrains flexibly to diverse market requirements. As recently as April, the Renault-Geely joint venture presented the X-Range C15 Direct Drive at Auto China. This system enables manufacturers to offer vehicles originally developed as pure electric platforms as full hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or range-extender models with comparatively little effort.While the previously introduced C15 Direct Drive can couple the internal combustion engine directly to the wheels when needed, the D20 Methanol remains a classic range extender, where the internal combustion engine solely generates electricity. This approach aligns with a trend emerging particularly in China, where range-extender vehicles are gaining popularity as they combine local electric driving with long-distance capability. At the same time, they allow manufacturers to utilise existing electric platforms for various markets and drive concepts with relatively low development effort.cision.com