The evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$ (R-744) in a horizontal tube was investigated experimentally. The experiments were conducted without oil in a closed refrigerant loop which was driven by a magnetic gear pump. The main components of the refrigerant loop are a receiver, a variable-speed pump, a mass flow meter, a pre-heater and evaporator (test section). The test section consists of a smooth horizontal stainless steel tube of 7.75 mm inner diameter. The experiments were conducted at mass flux of 200 to $500kg/m^2s$, saturation temperature of $-5^{circ}C;to;5^{circ}C$, and heat flux of 10 to $40kW/m^2$. The test results showed the evaporation heat transfer of $CO_2$ has greater effect on nucleate boiling than convective boiling. The evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$ is highly dependent on the vapor quality, heat flux and saturation temperature. The evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$ is very larger than that of R-22 and R-134a. In comparison with test results and existing correlations, the best fit of the present experimental data is obtained with the correlation of Jung et al. But the existing correlations failed to predict the evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$. Therefore, it is necessary to develop reliable and accurate predictions determining the evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$ in a horizontal tube.