HORSE Partners with Marcopolo and WEG to Launch Hybrid Microbus

Key Highlights:

• HORSE has partnered with Marcopolo and WEG to develop the Volare Attack 9 hybrid microbus.
• The Volare Attack 9 is the first hybrid ethanol microbus using a Range Extender solution.
• The microbus will have a maximum range of 450 km and offer carbon-neutral mobility.
• HORSE’s Range Extender technology uses both combustion engines and batteries for low-emission transport.
• The hybrid microbus is expected to be available for sale in 2026.

HORSE, a division of HORSE Powertrain Limited and a global leader in innovative and low-emission powertrain systems, collaborated with Marcopolo, South America's largest bus manufacturer, and WEG, a Brazilian multinational manufacturer of electronic equipment, to create the new Volare Attack 9 hybrid microbus.

This new bus is the first hybrid ethanol microbus to use Range Extender technology, and it was showcased at the Marcopolo booth at the Lat.Bus 2024 Expo.

Patrice Haettel, CEO of HORSE, stated, "This Range Extender solution in the Volare Attack 9 is the result of an incredible collaboration between HORSE, WEG, and Marcopolo. Our considerable presence in the South American region positioned us perfectly to be a key partner in the delivery of such an interesting project. Marcopolo is displaying industry leadership by introducing this technology to the microbus class. We expect that this is the beginning of a series of sustainable solutions employing this technology that will be introduced in the region and beyond."

Volare Attack 9

The Volare Attack 9, with a maximum range of 450km, will go on the market in 2026. Like most new vehicles in Brazil, the combustion engine will be powered by sustainable and domestically manufactured bioethanol, ensuring carbon-neutral mobility for both customers and operators.

The Marcopolo Volare Attack 9 is the first hybrid ethanol microbus to utilize a Range Extender technology. WEG components are used in the powertrain of HORSE's Range Extenders, including electric generators, e-motors, inverters, and battery packs. 

Low-emission powertrain

The Volare Attack 9 hybrid is the first ethanol-powered hybrid minibus to use a Range Extender system, with a low-emission powertrain designed exclusively for the model. The project's performance has prompted HORSE and WEG to develop a standardised Range Extender architecture for light and heavy commercial vehicles.

The Range Extender's combustion engine will be HORSE's 85kW turbo 1.0-litre, three-cylinder 'HR10' unit. This engine is designed to operate on pure, carbon-neutral bioethanol.

Horse's Range Extender

HORSE claims that its market-leading Range Extender technology provides the benefits of decarbonised transportation at scale. These powertrains, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), combine combustion engines and batteries to provide versatile, low-emission transportation. 

Unlike PHEVs, the combustion engine in HORSE's Range Extenders never directly drives the vehicle's wheels; instead, it acts as an internal charging source for the battery.

This implies that, unlike a regular PHEV, a Range Extender vehicle's combustion engine can work continuously within its high-efficiency operating window and rpm range. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions caused by the powertrain's combustion engine.

The Range Extender's combustion engine, like that of a regular PHEV, may be turned on or off based on the remaining battery charge and location. The battery can be charged using any public or household power supply. 

Because of its efficient architecture, the Range Extender's high-voltage battery is roughly half the size of a pure EV battery. This translates to significant cost and weight reductions and increased packaging options for greater efficiency.

Also Read: Electric Buses Sales Report August 2024: Tata Motors Emerges as Top Choice for E-Buses

CMV360 Says

The collaboration between HORSE, Marcopolo, and WEG marks a significant step forward in sustainable transportation. The use of bioethanol and advanced hybrid technology offers a practical solution for reducing emissions while ensuring efficiency. 

If this project works out well, it could inspire more low-emission vehicles across different types of commercial transport, opening up greener options for South America and beyond.