Horse Technologies has commenced production of its HR12 LPG engine at the Mioveni plant in Romania, marking the first volume production engine globally to combine direct injection technology with liquid petroleum gas fuel capability. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit incorporates 48-volt mild hybrid technology alongside its dual-fuel operation.

The powertrain features a belt-integrated starter generator and DC/DC converter that provides torque assistance during acceleration while enabling start-stop functionality. Market research company IHS Markit expects global annual production of 48V mild hybrids to be well over 10 Million as early as 2025, reflecting growing industry adoption of the technology for emissions reduction.
Horse Technologies, a division of Horse Powertrain operating 17 plants and five research centers globally, developed the engine to meet both European Union and international market requirements. The unit produces 140 horsepower at 5,500rpm and 230Nm of torque from 2,100rpm, while delivering nine percent lower CO2 emissions when operating on LPG compared to gasoline.

The direct injection system represents the engine’s key technical innovation, requiring specialized components including an electronic vaporizer for precise compression control and reinforced valve-train parts to accommodate LPG’s different combustion characteristics. The fuel tank design allows installation in the spare wheel well without compromising interior space.
Vehicles equipped with a mild-hybrid system typically see anywhere from a 0.4 to 1.7 km/l improvement in fuel economy relative to comparable models without the technology – a saving of 2 to 8 per cent. The mild hybrid system’s regenerative braking capability captures energy during deceleration that would otherwise be lost as heat.

“The arrival of the HR12 LPG demonstrates our commitment to delivering genuinely innovative powertrain solutions across all fuel types,” said Patrice Haettel, CEO of Horse Technologies. “Direct-injection technology for LPG fuel makes it a true world-first for Horse Technologies and is further evidence of our global technology leadership as alternative fuels experts.”
The engine complies with current Euro 6e regulations and is designed to meet forthcoming Euro 7 standards. Development involved engineering teams across Bucuresti, Titu and Mioveni facilities, representing the seventh powertrain generation produced at the Romanian plant, which has annual capacity for 450,000 engines.

The combination of LPG fuel capability with mild hybrid technology addresses both alternative fuel adoption and electrification trends, offering manufacturers a transitional solution as the industry moves toward comprehensive electrification.