Horse Technologies has begun production of its HR12 LPG engine at the Mioveni facility in Romania, introducing the world’s first mass-produced engine to integrate direct injection technology with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) capability. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine also incorporates 48-volt mild hybrid technology alongside its dual-fuel system.
Equipped with a belt-integrated starter generator and DC/DC converter, the powertrain delivers torque assistance during acceleration and supports start-stop functionality. According to IHS Markit, global production of 48V mild hybrids is expected to surpass 10 million units annually by 2025, underscoring the industry’s rapid shift toward efficiency and emissions reduction.
Horse Technologies, a division of Horse Powertrain operating 17 plants and five R&D centers worldwide, designed the HR12 to meet EU and international standards. The engine generates 140 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque from 2,100 rpm, while cutting CO₂ emissions by 9% when running on LPG compared with gasoline.
The breakthrough lies in its direct injection system, which relies on specialized components such as an electronic vaporizer for precise compression control and reinforced valve-train parts tailored to LPG’s combustion profile. The LPG tank is designed to fit in the spare wheel well, preserving cabin and trunk space.
Mild-hybrid vehicles typically achieve a 2–8% fuel economy improvement, or 0.4 to 1.7 km/l better efficiency, compared to non-hybrid equivalents. Regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by capturing energy during deceleration.
Fully compliant with Euro 6e standards and engineered to meet Euro 7 regulations, the HR12 is the seventh powertrain generation developed at Mioveni, a plant capable of producing up to 450,000 engines annually. Development was carried out across Horse Technologies’ engineering hubs in București, Titu, and Mioveni.
By combining LPG capability with mild-hybrid technology, the HR12 offers automakers a practical transitional solution that supports both alternative fuel adoption and electrification as the industry advances toward fully electric mobility.
“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.”
Source: electrichybridvehicletechnology.com/news