With up to 161 hp, this “plug-in” powertrain transforms your BEV into a REEV. We analyze all the characteristics and the consumption of the Horse C15.
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Quick Questions and Straightforward Answers
- What is the Horse C15? An ultra-compact powertrain with a 1.5L engine, generator, inverter, and cooling system to act as a range extender.
- What’s the size? Approximately 20 x 21.7 x 10.8 inches — literally “briefcase-sized” for a complete setup.
- How much power? 94 hp (aspirated) or up to 161 hp (turbo), depending on the vehicle’s application and size.
- What fuels does it run on? Gasoline, ethanol, methanol, and e-fuels, focusing on modern emissions standards (Euro 7 standards).
- Where to install? Horizontal or vertical orientation, including in the front trunk of many EVs.
A motor the size of a folder can turn the key for electric vehicles. The Horse C15 is an integrated 1.5L generator that converts BEV platforms into REEVs with minimal modifications, affordable costs, and on-demand range. It’s the straightforward solution to reduce range anxiety without rewriting the car’s design.
How does the Horse C15 easily convert any BEV into a REEV?
The C15 combines a 1.5L four-cylinder engine, generator, inverter, and cooling system into a single module. It does not drive the wheels: it produces electricity for the battery and the main electric motor, functioning as a range extender. This preserves the electric driving experience and reduces mechanical complexity in the drivetrain.
In practice, it follows the same series hybrid architecture that popularized solutions like the Nissan e‑Power: the hybrid where the gasoline engine doesn’t turn the wheels. The difference is its ultra-compact modular form and “plug-in” capability on BEV platforms, designed for easy integration with few structural modifications.
What are the specifications and size of the ‘briefcase-sized’ unit?
Approximate dimensions: 20 inches long, 21.7 inches wide, and 10.8 inches deep. For a complete setup with engine, generator, and inverter, it’s surprisingly small. The package can be installed horizontally or vertically, making it suitable for integration in the front trunk or under the floor, depending on the vehicle layout.
There are two main configurations: aspirated with up to 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS), suitable for B and C segment vehicles, and turbocharged with up to 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) for larger models and demanding applications. In extreme scenarios, custom solutions emerge — such as the Tesla Model Y with a gasoline generator in extreme conditions — but the C15 industrializes this idea with OEM engineering.
Installation in the front trunk or under the floor: what to consider in the design?
The positioning determines the cooling ducts, exhaust routes, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness). In the front trunk, maintenance tends to be easier; under the floor, the center of gravity is lower, and space utilization is optimized. In both cases, the goal is to maintain crash safety and thermal/acoustic sealing.
If the goal is to reduce range anxiety, pairing a moderate-sized battery with a range extender can be more logical than oversizing kWh容量. This approach aligns with debates like “Does an electric car really need 600 miles of range?” — for many users, real-world range combined with an extender meets 99% of their needs.
How does the C15 handle emissions, noise, and different modern fuels?
Designed to meet the latest emission standards (equivalent to Euro 7), the C15 operates within optimized load and speed zones — an ideal scenario for catalysts and after-treatment systems to deliver efficiency and low emissions. In addition to gasoline, it accepts ethanol, methanol, and e-fuels, paving the way for further CO₂ reduction on a well-to-wheel basis.
In terms of NVH, the trick is to run the engine in ‘sweet spot’ zones and controlled cycles, mitigating noise through acoustic enclosure. Simultaneously, some are betting on minimizing reliance on the range extender through increasingly fast recharges, like the fast-charging battery capable of 18-minute recharge. Both strategies can coexist, depending on usage and local charging infrastructure.
Quick Comparison: C15 vs. Alternatives
- OEM modular installation
- Does not drive the wheels (series)
- Fits in many EV front trunks
- Flexible fuels and e-fuels
- Less kWh, less weight
- Reduced range anxiety
- Simplified maintenance
- Controlled NVH cycles
For fleets and markets with uneven infrastructure, the modular package reduces project risk and total ownership cost. In regions with mobile energy infrastructure, the ecosystem can be even more resilient — as seen with solutions like Volvo’s portable energy batteries, which complement the range-on-demand strategy.
Now it’s your turn: does the C15 make more sense than giant batteries or ultra-fast charging for your use? Leave a comment and tell us how you would drive with a REEV “briefcase-sized”.
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.