UK-based INEOS Automotive has announced it will be adding two new models to its small but focused overlanding-friendly vehicle lineup in the form of an all-electric and a “range extended” electric with a small fuel-based engine for generating electricity. Currently, INEOS offers two models: the Grenadier 4×4, which is currently in production, and the forthcoming Grenadier Quartermaster pickup, which is scheduled to come stateside this year. INEOS has also shown a hydrogen-powered prototype.
According to Car and Driver, the Quartermaster is in the initial stages of production with a planned summer release in the U.S. at the company’s expanding roster of INEOS dealerships. Pricing will start just short of $90,000 for the Quartermaster, which is similar in layout to the Jeep Gladiator. The INEOS vehicles are an automotive passion project headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe (below, with the Fusilier prototype), Chairman of the multinational chemical company INEOS. He is a noted automobile enthusiast and adventurer with an estimated net worth north of $30 billion.
Details on the new Fusilier’s dual powertrains were not specified beyond a planned “skateboard” architecture that places the battery pack between the frame rails. Pricing information, battery pack size, and vehicle range were not specified in a press release from the company. The second version of the Fusilier will include “a small petrol engine that powers a generator to maintain the charge level of the battery for when external charging isn’t available,” according to INEOS.
The company says more details on the power systems will be revealed later this summer. With the sudden retreat on all-electric vehicles in the marketplace, hybrids with all-electric driving capability but also fueled engines have gotten renewed attention, such as the discontinued but popular PHEV Chevy Volt and BMW i3 short-range all-electric car, which debuted in 2013. The i3 was offered with the option of a small gas engine sourced from the company’s motorcycle division that could charge the car’s battery if no standard charger was available.
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Ratliff acknowledged the issues with purely battery-powered overlanding models in the Fusiliers press release, saying:
“We quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonization but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies. BEVs [Battery Electric Vehicles] 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 refueling capabilities needed.”
Along with renders of the Fusilier, further information provided by INEOS revealed that the vehicle will be optimized for electric operation with smoother edges for better airflow, active grille shutters, integrated headlights, repositioned door hinges, a raked windshield and other small touches, but the vehicle will essentially look much like the Grenadier. Motor performance numbers and other details on overlanding geometry were not released. INEOS said the Fusilier will be” tuned to maximize efficiency without compromising its purpose.”
Overland Expo Compass will publish updates on the INEOS Fusilier and other models as more details are received.
