Ineos has revealed its third distinct model line, called the Fusilier. A smaller SUV than the Grenadier 4x4, and its related Quartermaster pick-up, the Fusilier is expected to be built from 2027 onwards in the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria, and will be powered by fully electric and range-extender hybrid electric powertrains.
Electric skateboard chassis
Revealing the Fusilier in London, Ineos claims that the Fusilier will deliver "world-class off-road capability, with zero compromise to on-road performance". It's likely to be better able to meet that brief in reality, as it sits on an electric 'skateboard' chassis and not the heavy-duty ladder-frame underpinnings of the larger Grenadier, which is firmly focused on being a tough 4x4.
Ineos confirmed in 2022 that it was working on a pure-electric drivetrain and the Fusilier will be the first recipient of that set-up. The range-extender will be offered alongside it in order to meet the needs of Ineos' broad customer base, many of whom need to take their vehicles a long way into the wilderness - where there's a notable dearth of electric-vehicle charging points.
No exact details of the alternative powertrains have been released by Ineos as yet, but they are expected to be confirmed in autumn of this year - with the timings for production set in stone then as well.
Magna link
Magna Steyr, the Austrian subsidiary of the Canadian company, has a long history of making vehicles for some of the biggest mainstream manufacturers. It currently builds the G-Class for Mercedes, the BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra models born from a joint project between the German and Japanese firms, the Fisker Ocean electric vehicle, and both of Jaguar's E-Pace and I-Pace SUVs.
Ineos developed the Fusilier in conjunction with Magna, which will build the off-roader at its Austrian factory. The company has also had input into Ineos' first two vehicles, the Grenadier and the Quartermaster.
Ineos says the development process for the Fusilier will include rigorous testing work on the Schöckl mountain, close to the Graz assembly facility.
BEV and REx
At the launch event in London, Sir Jim Ratcliffe - Ineos' chairman - 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 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.
"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 refuelling capabilities needed."
'Here for the long-haul'
A previous attempt at lower-carbon transport from Ineos was showcased at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where a Grenadier Hydrogen Fuel Cell demonstrator was on display. That car, though, is dependent on significant development of the hydrogen-refuelling infrastructure to succeed, whereas an electric vehicle is a more important addition to Ineos' line-up in the short term.
Lynn Calder, CEO of Ineos Automotive, added: "Announcing our third model line is another significant milestone for Ineos, cementing our intent as an automotive manufacturer - like our full vehicle line-up, we are here for the long-haul."