A major innovation in the automotive world comes from Romania: production has begun on the world's first, mass-produced liquified petroleum gas (LPG) direct-injection engine. Signing off on this first is Horse Technologies, a company specializing in the development of low-emission propulsion systems, which was born out of a joint venture between the Renault Group and the Geely Fund to produce next-generation combustion and hybrid engines.
The star is the new HR12 LPG, a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine designed to run on both gasoline and LPG. In addition to dual fueling, the real revolution lies in the use of direct injection technology for the liquified petroleum, a solution never before seen on a mass-produced engine.
Cutting-Edge Technology & Environmental Efficiency
The new engine also integrates a 48-volt mild hybrid system, with a belt-driven starter generator and DC/DC converter, which can provide additional torque under acceleration, reduce fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions.
Performance sits at 138 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 170 pound-feet of torque available as early as 2,100 rpm. When powered by LPG, the engine provides a 9 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to gasoline.
The LPG fuel system has been completely redesigned: the engine features a specifically developed direct injection system, an electronic vaporizer for precise compression control, and reinforced mechanical components. The LPG tank is located in the spare tire compartment, without sacrificing interior space.
Gallery: Horse Technologies' HR12 LPG 1.2-Liter Turbocharged Engine
Developed by engineering teams in Romania, the HR12 LPG engine is Euro 6e compliant and ready to meet future Euro 7 standards. It will be produced at Horse's plant in Mioveni, which has a production capacity of 450,000 engines per year.
“The arrival of the HR12 LPG demonstrates our commitment to delivering genuinely innovative powertrain solutions across all fuel types," said Patrice Haettel, Horse's CEO. "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."
Technological Breakthrough
Currently, there are no other direct injection engines for LPG that are mass-produced on a large scale, such as the HR12 LPG. Most bi-fuel (gasoline/LPG) engines still use indirect injection technology, in which LPG is mixed with air before entering the cylinders. This limits its efficiency and performance compared to gasoline.
The HR12 LPG engine is a technological breakthrough because it combines three innovations never before combined in an LPG engine: direct injection, mild-hybrid assistance, and industrial-scale production, allowing more precise and optimized combustion, improved power, and better efficiency while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The engine technology is worth keeping an eye on because it reduces emissions, is Euro 6e compliant, and features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, pushing the boundaries of innovation.
