The evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$(R-744) in a horizontal tube was investigated experimentally. The main components or 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 inner diameter of 4.57 mm. The experiments were conducted at mass flux of 200 to $500;kg/m^2s$, saturation temperature of -5 to $5^{circ}C$, and heat flux of 10 to $40;kW/m^2$. The test results showed the heat transfer of $CO_2$ has a greater effect on nucleate boiling more than convective boiling. Mass flux of $CO_2$ does not effect nucleate boiling too much. 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 existing correlations failed to predict the evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$, therefore, it is necessary to develope reliable and accurate predictions determining the evaporation heat transfer coefficient of $CO_2$ in a horizontal tube.