Remember INEOS Automotive? They came up with a Defender-tribute project called the Grenadier back in 2020. Now they’re taking this retro-inspired concept to a new level with the INEOS Fusilier – battery electric vehicle with a petrol range extender engine.
The INEOS Fusilier was unveiled in London by INEOS CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The company confirmed they would deliver a zero-emissions model line and the Fusilier looks like the first step in that direction though the petrol generator which recharges the battery will still have some emissions tied to it.
Details of this new powertrain have not been confirmed yet but are expected later this year. All we know is that it will consist of a small displacement petrol motor and a battery electric powertrain that can also be charged from the wall.
Like the other INEOS automotive products, the Fusilier will be built by Magna Steyr, who are also responsible for building loads of other vehicles for a diverse range of manufacturers. The new Toyota Supra, the Jaguar I-Pace, even the Fisker Ocean are all built by Magna Steyr. The off-roader will be shorter in length and lower in height than the Grenadier while also using some of that model’s fundamental DNA. That being said, the skateboard platform that underpins the INEOS Fusilier is said to be bespoke, consisting of a steel top hat and underbody with aluminium doors and closures. The Fusilier will be developed on Austria’s Schöckl mountain near Magna Steyr’s assembly facility in Graz.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS says, “As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonisation but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies. BEVs are perfect for certain uses: shorter trips and urban deliveries, but industry and governments need to have realistic expectations around other technologies that can help accelerate the necessary pace of change. That is the reason we are offering an additional powertrain for the Fusilier, one that dramatically reduces emissions but has the range and refuelling capabilities needed.”
