The New Lecar 459 Hybrid: A Breakthrough in Powertrain Technology
Introduction
Brazilian start-up Lecar is set to revolutionize the automotive industry by becoming the first car maker to utilize the cutting-edge powertrain technology developed by Horse, the joint venture between Renault and Geely. This groundbreaking partnership aims to build five million units per year for various car manufacturers, including Nissan and Volvo.
The Lecar 459 Hybrid: A Game-Changing Crossover
The highly anticipated Lecar 459 Hybrid, scheduled for launch in 2026, will feature a range-extender powertrain powered by Horse’s innovative 1.0-litre three-cylinder HR10 petrol engine. Similar to Nissan’s e-Power system, this engine will drive an onboard generator that charges a battery, which in turn powers the electric motors. While specific details about the 459 Hybrid are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency.
Horse’s Commitment to Sustainability
The HR10 engine, which has already proven its capabilities in light commercial vehicles with similar range-extender powertrains, has been designed to run on low-emissions petrol and ethanol flex fuels. These fuels are widely available in Brazil, making the Lecar 459 Hybrid an ideal choice for environmentally conscious consumers in the region.
A Monumental First Step
Horse will supply Lecar with 12,000 units annually from its state-of-the-art plant in Curitiba, Brazil. Matias Giannini, CEO of Horse parent company Horse Powertrain, expressed his excitement about this groundbreaking partnership, stating, “This deal signifies our commitment to Brazil, one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets. It also demonstrates our dedication to innovation in extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and our ability to support brands and OEMs in developing both EVs and combustion-engine vehicles.”
A Milestone for Horse
Horse CEO Patrice Haettel emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This is a significant milestone for Horse as we continue to deliver on our strategy of developing tailor-made solutions for every market.” The partnership with Lecar showcases Horse’s expertise in providing advanced powertrain solutions that meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
Expanding the EREV Market
Other prominent car manufacturers, such as Mazda and Hyundai, have also recognized the potential of extended-range electric vehicles. Hyundai, in particular, has committed to a broad roll-out of EREVs, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional combustion-engine vehicles and electric cars. This trend highlights the growing demand for innovative powertrain technologies that offer both performance and sustainability.
With the launch of the Lecar 459 Hybrid, powered by Horse’s state-of-the-art powertrain, the automotive industry is entering a new era of efficiency and environmental consciousness. This groundbreaking collaboration between Lecar and Horse sets the stage for future advancements in powertrain technology, driving the industry towards a greener and more sustainable future.
