- Horse's B20 carries an IPX8 rating and is designed to operate in water up to 1.1m deep.
- The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine produces 140-185kW and 300-380Nm while weighing 130kg.
- It supports HEV, PHEV and REEV applications, with water protection that automatically adjusts power and throttle response.
Horse Powertrain has developed a hybrid petrol engine designed to keep working while submerged in water up to 1.1m deep. Called the B20, the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit carries an IPX8 waterproof rating and uses automatic controls to manage its behaviour in water. It is intended for off-road vehicles.
The company first showed the B20 at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. It is now used in the China-only Geely Galaxy Cruiser 700 plug-in hybrid, paired with Horse's 3DHT230 3-speed hybrid transmission.
Sealed for deep crossings
Water protection extends beyond the engine itself. Horse has sealed the interface between the engine and transmission, while the sensors and electrical components are also rated to IPX8.
Once the vehicle enters water, the system automatically adjusts engine power and throttle response to protect the powertrain while it is submerged. Horse says the engine can continue operating at depths of up to 1.1m, with the protection active throughout the crossing.
Built for several hybrid layouts
The B20 produces between 140kW and 185kW, with torque ranging from 300Nm to 380Nm. It weighs 130kg and can be used in conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range-extender applications, listed by Horse as HEV, PHEV and REEV respectively.
Horse also claims brake thermal efficiency of 48.4% and a 100% grade capability. The latter figure describes the engine's suitability for steep off-road climbs, alongside its ability to operate in deep water.
For now, the Galaxy Cruiser 700 is the only customer vehicle identified for the B20. Horse has not disclosed a New Zealand launch, a local customer vehicle or pricing.
