HORSE Teams Up with Marcopolo and WEG to Launch the Volare Attack 9, Pioneering Hybrid Ethanol Microbus
HORSE Powertrain Limited, a leader in innovative, low-emission powertrain systems, has joined forces with Marcopolo, South America’s largest bus manufacturer, and WEG, a Brazilian multinational in electronic equipment manufacturing, to launch the groundbreaking Volare Attack 9 hybrid microbus.
Unveiled at the Lat.Bus 2024 Expo, this pioneering vehicle marks a significant advancement as the first hybrid ethanol microbus equipped with a Range Extender solution. Slated for release in 2026, the Volare Attack 9 promises a maximum range of 450km. It utilises sustainable, domestically produced bioethanol for its combustion engine, achieving carbon-neutral mobility for both customers and operators.
Patrice Haettel, CEO of HORSE, highlighted the collaboration's success: “The Range Extender solution in the Volare Attack 9 showcases our remarkable collaboration with WEG and Marcopolo. Our strong presence in South America uniquely positions us to spearhead such innovative projects. Marcopolo is taking the lead in integrating this technology within the microbus sector. We are excited about the potential of introducing a series of sustainable solutions utilising this technology across the region and beyond.”
The Volare Attack 9 hybrid features a bespoke low-emission powertrain. The successful collaboration between HORSE and WEG paved the way for the development of a standardised Range Extender architecture for commercial vehicles of all sizes.
The Range Extender technology from HORSE utilises WEG’s components for the powertrain’s electric generators, e-motors, electrical inverters, and battery packs. The combustion engine, an 85kW turbo 1.0-litre three-cylinder ‘HR10’ unit, is specially adapted to run on clean, carbon-neutral bioethanol.
HORSE’s innovative Range Extender technology provides the benefits of decarbonised mobility on a large scale. Unlike plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the combustion engine in HORSE’s Range Extenders does not directly drive the wheels but serves as an internal charging source for the battery. This setup ensures the engine operates within its most efficient range, minimising fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the high-voltage battery of the Range Extender is about half the size of a pure EV battery, offering significant cost and weight savings and enhanced packaging flexibility for increased efficiency.
