Horse has started eMotor production at its Aveiro facility in Portugal. The new radial flux eMotor is designed for use in hybrid powertrain architectures using Horse’s HR12, HR16 and HR18 internal combustion engines.
The eMotor can be used in both full hybrid and plug-in hybrid applications and delivers a maximum power of 49kW and 212Nm of torque. Patrice Haettel, chief executive officer at Horse, said, “The start of eMotor production at Aveiro reinforces Horse’s commitment to delivering efficient powertrains using the latest technology. With its compact design, and the ability to work in 100% electric mode, this powerful and efficient motor is perfect for many types of hybrid vehicles.”
The motor features a compact design and will be mounted between the internal combustion engine and the transmission to provide two driving modes: 100% electric and hybrid. In electric mode, the eMotor drives the wheels directly at speeds of up to 130km/h. In hybrid mode, it assists the IC engine to deliver enhanced acceleration and improved fuel efficiency. When the vehicle is decelerating, the eMotor acts as a generator, recovering kinetic energy that is stored in the vehicle’s battery.
To kickstart production, Horse’s Aveiro plant invested in four new lines. This translates to a production capacity of around 160,000 units a year. Each line has a dedicated function and among these lines is a three-head precision winding machine, allowing faster and more accurate construction of the eMotor’s core.