IN A NUTSHELL
  • 🚗 Renault and Horse have introduced the groundbreaking H13 engine, capable of running on both gasoline and ethanol.
  • 🔧 The engine features a redesigned injection system that automatically adapts to the fuel type without driver intervention.
  • 🌍 Initially targeting markets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, the H13 engine may see European expansion in a hybrid form.
  • 💰 With a $113 million investment, Renault aims to produce 600,000 H13 engines annually, democratizing dual-fuel technology.

The automotive industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and Renault, along with its Brazilian partner Horse, is at the forefront with the introduction of the groundbreaking H13 engine. This dual-fuel innovation is a significant leap towards more sustainable transportation solutions, addressing increasing environmental demands. Designed to operate efficiently on both gasoline and ethanol, the H13 engine represents a strategic move to reduce CO2 emissions and optimize local energy resources.

The H13 Engine: A Major Technological Breakthrough

Renault and Horse have unveiled the H13 engine, a 1.3 turbocharged flex-fuel engine capable of running on both gasoline and ethanol. This four-cylinder engine stands out for its ability to seamlessly switch between these two fuels without complex adjustments or manual interventions. The power output varies slightly depending on the fuel used, achieving 164 horsepower with gasoline and 167 horsepower with ethanol. The engine maintains a constant torque of 184 lb-ft at just 1,600 rpm, ensuring smooth urban driving.

This innovative technology offers flexibility, ideal for regions where fuel availability may fluctuate. Ethanol, often derived from renewable sources such as sugarcane or corn, also helps reduce the carbon footprint of vehicles equipped with this engine. The H13’s performance demonstrates that the automotive industry can effectively combine energy efficiency with environmental responsibility.

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An Optimized Injection System for Ethanol

To meet the specific requirements of ethanol, Renault and Horse engineers have completely redesigned the direct injection system. Engine components are built to withstand the more corrosive nature of ethanol, ensuring increased longevity and reliability. The six-orifice injectors operate at a pressure of 2,900 psi, enabling optimal fuel atomization.

This innovation allows the engine to automatically adapt to the type of fuel used, without driver intervention. Whether the tank contains gasoline or ethanol, the engine adjusts its performance in real-time, ensuring a smooth and jerk-free transition. This ingenious system underscores Renault’s commitment to more ecological mobility while offering drivers an enhanced driving experience.

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Target Markets and Expansion Potential

Initially, the H13 engine will power Renault and Dacia models aimed at specific markets such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In these regions, ethanol is frequently used as an economical and ecological alternative to gasoline, thanks to its local production from renewable resources. This strategic choice allows Renault to strengthen its presence in markets where the demand for alternative energy solutions is strong.

In Europe, the H13 engine could be introduced in a hybrid form, combining the benefits of flex-fuel and electric power. This would offer an even more sustainable solution for European consumers, who are increasingly aware of environmental issues. With ethanol infrastructure still limited in Europe, market adaptation will be crucial for the success of this technology on the continent.

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Investment and Future Prospects

Renault and Horse have invested $113 million in the development of the H13 engine, with the ambitious goal of producing 600,000 units annually. This significant production capacity aims to reduce manufacturing costs and make dual-fuel technologies more accessible to the general public. This industrial project demonstrates Renault’s commitment to more sustainable mobility, aligning with a strategy similar to that adopted for diesel engines in the 2000s.

The success of the H13 could prompt other manufacturers to explore similar technologies, expanding consumer options for alternative fuels. While Stellantis already offers ethanol-compatible models in France, increased competition could drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of these technologies in the European market. The energy transition is underway, and internal combustion engines, far from obsolete, still play a crucial role in this transformation.

The H13 engine from Renault and Horse opens new horizons for the global automotive industry. By offering a viable alternative to traditional fuels, this innovation could redefine the standards of sustainable mobility. As ethanol infrastructure continues to develop, one question remains: what will be the next steps to integrate these technologies on a large scale in Europe and beyond?

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Hina Dinoo is a Toronto-based journalist at kore.am, reporting on culture, social change, tech, and the evolving relationship between communities and innovation. With a degree from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, she brings clarity to complexity. Her work explores how societal systems — cultural, technological, and economic — shape the modern Asian American experience. Contact: [email protected]

6 Comments
  1. Wow, a dual-fuel engine! Does this mean I can finally use the leftover ethanol from my home-brewed beer? 🍺🚗

  2. This is great news for the environment! Thank you, Renault and Horse, for leading the way in sustainable tech. 🌍

  3. Interesting concept, but how will it hold up in extremely cold climates where ethanol might not perform well?

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