Horse Powertrain B20 Brings Water Resistance to Hybrid Vehicles
Swan.my.id - Jakarta, Horse Powertrain has introduced the B20, a new gasoline engine designed for hybrid vehicles and claimed to remain operational when submerged in water up to approximately 1.1 meters.
Horse Powertrain is a joint venture between Renault and Geely. The B20 targets several electrified vehicle applications, including hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range-extender electric vehicles.
Beyond its water resistance, the engine combines turbocharging, high thermal efficiency, and off-road capability. These characteristics position the B20 for SUVs and other vehicles developed to handle challenging terrain.
Horse Powertrain B20 Targets Hybrid Applications
The B20 is a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It produces between 188 and 248 horsepower, while its torque output ranges from 300 to 380 Nm.
Horse Powertrain developed the engine specifically for HEV, PHEV, and range-extender electric vehicle platforms. This layout allows the internal-combustion engine to support electrified drivetrains rather than operating as a conventional power source alone.
The company has already applied the B20 in the Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 in China. Its use in a production vehicle shows that the technology has moved beyond the concept stage.
Engine Designed to Operate Underwater
The B20’s most unusual feature is its claimed ability to keep working during water immersion. The engine carries an IPX8 certification and uses waterproof electrical components and sensors.
Horse Powertrain also applies a special sealing system in the area connecting the engine and transmission. In addition, the engine control system can detect when the vehicle enters water.
Once that condition is detected, the system can automatically adjust throttle response and engine output to match the situation. These measures aim to support operation in environments where water exposure presents a major challenge.
High Efficiency and Off-Road Capability
The B20 is also designed for demanding terrain. It is claimed to handle gradients of up to 100 percent, equivalent to an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
That capability makes the engine suitable for SUVs intended to travel across difficult routes. However, the engine’s performance still depends on the vehicle platform and supporting systems where it is installed.
For efficiency, the B20 uses the Miller cycle, direct fuel injection, dedicated pistons, and intake channels designed to create strong turbulence. These technologies help the engine reach thermal efficiency of up to 48.4 percent.
The B20 highlights how combustion engines can continue to evolve alongside electrification. By combining water resistance, efficiency, and off-road capability, Horse Powertrain is developing a gasoline engine for hybrid vehicles with an unusual focus on durability in extreme conditions.
