• INEOS Automotive has unveiled its third model line – the INEOS Fusilier.
• The new 4X4 will offer two powertrain options to meet global consumer needs: an all-electric and a range-extender electric.
• The vehicle will be slightly smaller than the INEOS Grenadier, offering world class performance on- and off-road, developed in conjunction with industry-leading automotive supplier, Magna.
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS says, “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 4X4 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.”

INEOS Fusilier both zero and low emission options.

The new vehicle will deliver world-class off-road capability, with zero compromise to on-road performance, and offers both zero and low emission options.

Unveiled in London by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it was confirmed that alongside the previously announced all-electric powertrain (BEV), a low emission range-extender electric is in development to ensure the INEOS Fusilier meets the broadest range of global consumer needs whilst pushing towards decarbonisation. The range-extender option consists of 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 expected by autumn 2024.

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.”

INEOS partnered with Magna

Developed in conjunction with industry-leading automotive supplier, Magna, which will also manufacture the vehicle in its facility in Graz, Austria, the INEOS Fusilier will represent a unique proposition for customers. Building on the Grenadier’s DNA with a modern direction and distinctive identity, the new 4X4 will be slightly shorter in length and slightly lower in height. It will be built on a bespoke skateboard platform with a steel top hat and underbody, and aluminium doors and closures.

INEOS partnered with Magna on the development of the Grenadier station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up. As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers and independent contract manufacturers, Magna produces a number of conventional ICE, hybrid and electric vehicles for various automakers. Part of the development process for the INEOS Fusilier will include a rigorous testing programme on Austria’s Schöckl mountain, close to Magna’s complete vehicle assembly facility in Graz.

Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive, comments, “Announcing our third model line is 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.”

Demonstrating its wider commitment to future decarbonisation, INEOS Automotive also unveiled a Grenadier Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology Demonstrator at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2023. The Demonstrator proves that the technology for a hydrogen powered 4X4 is capable and ready for production, but the refuelling infrastructure needs to be in place before it is commercially viable.

THE INEOS Fusilier Exterior Reveal Design Backgrounder

“INEOS Automotive’s core values have informed the design from the beginning – practical, no nonsense and solid off-road performance. The Fusilier stands with an assured posture and meaningful attitude – aerodynamically tuned to maximise efficiency without compromising its purpose. Softer lines, a curved, raked windscreen and underbody profiling, it is defiant of the homogenous norm, but stands approachable, adventurous and understood”, commented INEOS Group Head of Design, Toby Ecuyer.

The all-new INEOS Fusilier follows in the very capable footsteps of the Grenadier. Building on its DNA with a modern direction and distinctive identity. The Fusilier’s design is an evolution of the instantly recognisable proportions of a traditional 4X4. With a suite of sophisticated features that successfully maximise its aerodynamic efficiency.

INEOS Fusilier design features

• Design and engineering direction to appeal to those who seek a modern classic with serious off-road capability.
• Updating the archetypal 4X4 for an electrified powertrain to minimise drag without impacting the functional design sees a smoothing of body lines and a more athletic style.
• Chamfered edges and corners assist with uninterrupted airflow and maintaining that crucial unobstructed visibility over the road and terrain ahead.
• Exterior functional features have been cleverly incorporated into the bodywork for a more stylised appeal. There when you need them, out of sight when you don’t.
• Active grille shutters have been introduced to manage airflow at the front of the vehicle. Depending on its cooling or range-efficiency requirements, opening and closing automatically as required.
• Extensive use of flushed glazing and the integration of secondary features such as the side steps, boxed wheel arches and skid plates. These create a cohesive look, hinting at its dual-purpose functionality while maximising aerodynamics.
• Familial style aspects seen on the Grenadier and Quartermaster include 7″ circular all-LED lighting front and rear. This is symbolising the strength of a steel tube running fore and aft, visible B-pillar between the doors and 4-way roof strengthening structure.
• Door hinges are on-show, now recessed for airflow.
• Wide horizontal front grille features integrated twin LED working lamps for maximum illumination.

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But despite all of the hype the uptake of fully electric cars is marginal at best with 3568 electric vehicles sold YTD UNTIL the end of September. That’s out of a total of some 816000 vehicles so approximately less than half of one percent of vehicle sales.

What if there was another alternative, the Hydrogen Fuel cell electric vehicle.

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The beauty of hydrogen fuel cells is that you get electricity, heat and clean  water as outputs with hydrogen and oxygen as inputs. Oxygen is abundant in the atmosphere while hydrogen is the most common element in the universe.

Hydrogen used in fuel cells has the energy to weight ratio ten times greater than lithium-ion batteries. Consequently, it offers much greater range while being lighter and occupying smaller volumes. It can also be recharged in a few minutes, similarly to gasoline vehicles.

INEOS, Europe’s biggest operator of electrolysis needed to produce clean, low carbon hydrogen,  believe that hydrogen is the fuel of the future and is exploring new opportunities in the hydrogen economy, along with a hydrogen fuel cell demonstrator of its Grenadier 4×4 now in development and will begin testing by the end of 2022.

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The campaign kicked off with the publication of a powerful editorial in the Sunday Telegraph on the hydrogen economy written by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’s founder and chairman.

Today sees this followed by a national multi-media campaign that includes substantial billboard and digital advertising as well as a hydrogen bus exhibition tour and presence in Glasgow at COP26.

Sir Jim says: “We believe that hydrogen is the fuel of the future and INEOS is determined to take a leading role in its development. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen only produces water and is the UK’s best chance of reaching its carbon reduction targets”.

INEOS Automotive is also exploring new opportunities in the hydrogen economy, with a hydrogen fuel cell demonstrator of its Grenadier 4×4 now in development.

Hydrogen Revolution

Hydrogen is a fabulous, clean source of energy that can be used as both a raw material for industry and as a power source for transport and the home. It has a massive role to play in lowering the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and INEOS is committed to playing a leading role in the hydrogen revolution.

INEOS is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology which uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation & industrial use.

INEOS already produces and uses 400,000 tonnes of low carbon hydrogen every year, the equivalent of replacing up to 2 billion litres of diesel. It knows how to make, transport, store and use it.

Being a user and producer of hydrogen puts INEOS in a unique position at the heart of green hydrogen development. And the company has announced that it intends to invest €2 billion in new production of green hydrogen across Europe.

It is also launching a major hydrogen advocacy campaign to draw attention to both the benefits and applications of hydrogen. The campaign will include significant billboard and digital advertising in London and Glasgow, a UK hydrogen bus tour and the exhibiting of a hydrogen powered car at COP 26.

Sir Jim says, “Electric cars are ideal for city centres and short journeys. But hydrogen is much better for longer journeys and heavier loads and that requires immediate investment in hydrogen distribution and hydrogen filling stations.”

INEOS Automotive division

The company’s INEOS Automotive division is also backing hydrogen fuel cells as the clean powertrain solution for future versions of its upcoming 4X4 vehicle. Thanks to a partnership agreement signed in November 2020, the Grenadier hydrogen fuel cell concept will use fuel cell technology from Hyundai Motor Company, with testing to begin by the end of 2022.

In the longer term, hydrogen’s other massive contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gases will be in the home heating space where natural gas can be replaced by hydrogen which could cut greenhouses gases by up to a third on its own.

Wherever possible, INEOS will continue to prioritise the production of green hydrogen which is made from water using electrolysis powered by renewable energy, but it is also investing in the production of blue hydrogen when the carbon produced can be safely captured and stored underground.

Sir Jim, though, adds a warning for the UK government. “The issue is that industry can only do so much, and the UK government must start to invest in the development of our hydrogen infrastructure to allow the gas to be much more widely used. At the moment, we are massively lagging behind Europe and the gap is starting to grow”.

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Hyundai Motor Company and INEOS today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore new opportunities to accelerate the global hydrogen economy.

• Hyundai and INEOS signed a memorandum of understanding to explore together new opportunities in the hydrogen economy
• Opportunities include production and supply of hydrogen as well as new hydrogen applications, technologies and business models
• The two companies will also work together to explore the use of the Hyundai fuel cell system in the INEOS Grenadier vehicle

Hyundai and INEOS will jointly investigate opportunities for the production and supply of hydrogen as well as the worldwide deployment of hydrogen applications and technologies. Both companies will initially seek to facilitate public and private sector projects focused on the development of a hydrogen value chain in Europe.

The agreement also includes the evaluation of Hyundai’s proprietary fuel cell system for the recently announced INEOS Grenadier 4×4 vehicle. This cooperation represents an important step in INEOS’ efforts to diversify its powertrain options at an early stage.

Hyundai’s proprietary modular fuel cell system, which evaluation vehicles will use, has already proven reliable and effective in the Hyundai NEXO SUV. The world’s first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV has the longest driving range among hydrogen-powered vehicles in the market. Hyundai is one of leading company in the field of fuel cell technology having started the world’s first mass production of fuel cell electric vehicles in 2013.

“INEOS’ move into the development of a fuel cell electric vehicle and hydrogen ecosystem marks yet another milestone towards sustainable and clean transportation,” said Saehoon Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Fuel Cell Center at Hyundai Motor Company. “Hyundai believes this will provide an important low-carbon option across a wide range of sectors. We also hope our decades-long expertise in hydrogen fuel cell work in synergy with INEOS’ expertise in field of chemistry to realize the mass production of green hydrogen and fuel cells for the Grenadier.”

Peter Williams Technology Director INEOS, said, “The agreement between INEOS and Hyundai presents both companies with new opportunities to extend a leading role in the clean hydrogen economy. Evaluating new production processes, technology and applications, combined with our existing capabilities puts us in a unique position to meet emerging demand for affordable, low-carbon energy sources and the needs of demanding 4×4 owners in the future.”

INEOS recently launched a new business to develop and build clean hydrogen capacity across Europe in support of the drive towards a zero-carbon future. The company currently produces 300,000 tons of hydrogen a year mainly as a by-product from its chemical manufacturing operations.

Through its subsidiary INOVYN, INEOS is Europe’s largest existing operator of electrolysis, the critical technology that uses renewable energy to produce hydrogen for power generation, transportation and industrial use. Its experience in storage and handling of hydrogen combined with its established know-how in electrolysis technology, puts INEOS in a unique position to drive progress towards a carbon-free future based on hydrogen.

In 2018, Hyundai Motor Group announced its mid- to long-term roadmap, Fuel Cell Vision 2030, to increase annual production of hydrogen fuel cell systems to 700,000 units by 2030.

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