Ineos Grenadier goes electric

Green power is set to change the off-road world, and this tough-looking machine promises to lead the charge.

Ineos has locked in plans to introduce electrified cousins to the Grenadier four-wheel-drive.

Set to be sold as the Fusilier, the big wagon ditches the six-cylinder BMW-sourced engines of regular Grenadier models in favour of electric motors.

Technical details surrounding the new machine are slim.

Ineos has unveiled the Fusilier electric four-wheel-drive. Photo: Supplied.

We don’t know how much power it will have or what size the battery will be.

We do know that it will have four-wheel-drive, and that the system will be ready to tackle rugged work – including water crossings and muddy trails.

Interestingly, the car will be available with a choice of pure electric power, or with a small petrol engine that serves as a generator to top up the battery and keep the car moving in remote locations.

The Fusilier electric four-wheel-drive will be joined by a range-extender version. Photo: Supplied.

BMW tried something similar with “range extender” versions of the i3 electric car that had a motorcycle engine on board, and Mazda is flirting with employing a compact rotary engine for similar purposes in upcoming sports cars.

While the Fusilier looks similar to the Grenadier – and its Quartermaster pick-up cousin – Ineos says it is a distinctly different car that is shorter in length, and lower in height than the original models.

Ineos chair Sir Jim Ratcliffe said his brand is happy to offer a choice of petrol, diesel and electric power.

The Ineos Fusilier electric four-wheel-drive will join the Grenadier and Quartermaster in showrooms. Photo: Supplied.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Ineos Fusilier electric four-wheel-drive looks set to be sold in Australia. Photo: Supplied.

Lynn Calder, chief executive of Ineos Automotive, said the Fusilier was “another significant milestone for Ineos Automotive, cementing our intent as an automotive manufacturer”.

“Like our full vehicle line-up, we are here for the long-haul,” she said.

Though full specifications and arrival dates have not been confirmed, a spokeswoman for the brand said the Ineos Fusilier is likely to be offered in Australia.

Originally published as Ineos Grenadier goes electric