Ineos Automotive has revealed its Fusilier offroader, ahead of its arrival in both fully electric guise and as a range-extender.
It’s the third vehicle unveiled from the global chemical company’s automotive offshoot and follows the brand’s confirmation of a zero-emission model line in May 2022.
Unveiled following the Grenadier 4×4 and Quartermaster pickup, the Fusilier will deliver “world-class off-road capability, with zero compromise to on-road performance”.
Slightly shorter and lower than the Grenadier but with a “distinctive identity”, the Fusilier will be built on a bespoke skateboard platform with a steel top hat and underbody, and aluminium doors and closures.
First to arrive will be the previously announced all-electric powertrain (BEV), which is expected to have a range of around 249 miles.
Ineos has now confirmed that a range-extender is also in development, adding in a small petrol engine that powers a generator to maintain the charge level of the battery for when external charging isn’t available. Confirmation of the alternative powertrain details and launch timings are due by autumn 2024.
The range-extender will ensure the Fusilier “meets the broadest range of global consumer needs whilst pushing towards decarbonisation”.
Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of Ineos, said: “The Fusilier is a great-looking vehicle, and the two powertrain options provide a real-world reduction in carbon emissions without compromise to the off-road capability or the on-road performance.
“We’re excited to bring our electric 4×4 to market but we are beginning to understand the clear limitations of battery electric in certain situations. We believe the addition of a range extender electric to our line-up will offer our customers a very low-emission drive without the range anxiety drivers of electric vehicles experience today.”
He added: “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.”
Ineos also unveiled a Grenadier hydrogen fuel cell technology demonstrator at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023. It’s said that the demo proves the technology for a hydrogen-powered 4×4 is capable and ready for production, but the refuelling infrastructure needs to be in place before it is commercially viable.
Co-developed with Magna, the Fusilier will be built at the automotive supplier’s plant. Production is slated to begin in 2027.
