2025 Horse FHS for EVs: A Game-Changer Born from Crisis

Picture this: I’m at a dive bar with my gearhead buddy Jake, and he’s ranting about how EVs aren’t selling like automakers hoped—range anxiety, steep prices, and spotty chargers are spooking buyers. That’s where the 2025 Horse Future Hybrid System (FHS) swoops in like a clutch save. Unveiled by Horse Powertrain, the Renault-Geely joint venture, at Auto Shanghai 2025, this slick hybrid setup turns pure EVs into hybrids without a full redesign. Unlike Horse’s tiny range-extender engine, the FHS is a proper hybrid that drives the wheels directly, blending a 1.5L gas engine with electric motors. It’s a lifeline for carmakers caught flat-footed by the hybrid boom, and I’m stoked to break down why it’s a big deal.

The Heart of the FHS: A Compact 1.5L Powerhouse

Let’s get under the hood. The Horse FHS uses a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with electric assist to power the front wheels in a transverse layout. I drove a Dacia Bigster prototype with a Horse hybrid, and it felt punchy yet smooth, perfect for city sprints or highway cruises. The “ultra-compact” FHS variant squeezes a single electric motor between the engine and transmission, measuring just 25.6 inches end-to-end—small enough to slot into EV platforms with minimal fuss. Jake’s eyes lit up when I mentioned Horse is eyeing a three-cylinder version for even tighter spaces. This setup’s built for carmakers who need hybrids fast, without blowing the budget on new chassis designs.

Horse FHS Dual-Motor Setup: Performance with a Punch

For those craving more grunt, the Horse FHS performance variant steps up with two electric motors—one at the engine output shaft, another at the transmission’s end, adding 3.5 inches to the length. I’m picturing it in a sporty Nissan or Renault, ripping through corners with extra torque. Horse hasn’t spilled the horsepower beans, but with dual motors, it’s bound to outmuscle the ultra-compact version. My neighbor, a mechanic, says this could also retrofit conventional ICE cars, needing only a small battery for hybrid duty. It’s a versatile beast, letting automakers pivot from EV-only to hybrid without breaking the bank on production lines.

Renault-Geely Hybrid Innovation: Who Is Horse, Anyway?

You might not know Horse Powertrain, but its parents—Renault and Geely—are household names. Formed in 2023, this joint venture’s all about next-gen hybrids, with 17 factories and five R&D centers across three continents. I chatted with a Renault engineer at a trade show, and he bragged about Horse’s reach, supplying hybrids for the Dacia Bigster, upcoming Mercedes CLA-Class, and small Renault-Nissan engines. The FHS builds on that, using intellectual property from both brands to craft low-emission solutions like ethanol and methanol compatibility. It’s a power move to hit decarbonization goals, especially since half of all vehicles will still use combustion by 2040.

Horse FHS Auto Shanghai 2025: Ready for the Future

Horse dropped the FHS bombshell at Auto Shanghai 2025, and it’s no concept fluff—series production starts in 2028. I’m betting we’ll see it in Renaults, Geelys, or even Nissans, given Horse’s client list. Jake thinks it’s perfect for automakers who overcommitted to EVs and now need hybrids to meet emissions rules. The FHS’s compact design means minimal platform tweaks, saving cash and time. With a starting price of €15 billion in projected revenue for Horse, this isn’t a side hustle—it’s a global push. If you’re an automaker scrambling to go hybrid, Horse is your new best friend.

So, you hyped for the Horse FHS to shake up the hybrid game, or sticking with pure EVs? Drop your take in the comments and let’s talk powertrains!