Off-road start-up INEOS has so far rolled out two aggressive new models, the Grenadier SUV and the Grenadier Quartermaster pickup. As those vehicles roll out to customers around the globe INEOS is introducing a third model line. The new INEOS Fusilier will take a novel approach to minimizing emissions.
Founded in 2017 by the INEOS Group, one of the world’s largest chemical companies, INEOS Automotive’s self-proclaimed mission is to roll out a series of go-anywhere vehicles set to challenge the likes of more familiar brands like Jeep and Land Rover.
It introduced its first product line, the Grenadier SUV, two years ago, and is just launching production of the Grenadier Quartermaster pickup first shown at last year’s Goodyear Festival of Speed. But, the British start-up is already showing off what will become its third product line — one that is meant to meet increasingly stringent global emissions standards.
“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.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS Chairman
INEOS Fusilier: Range Anxiety Be Gone
Initially, the plan called for the new INEOS Fusilier to come with an all-electric drivetrain. But the project was briefly put on hold last year as the company sought out an alternative that could help it overcome dreaded range anxiety. While battery power was fine for short trips, said Ineos Chairman Jim Ratliffe, it likely wouldn’t work for buyers who were planning more extensive travel.
The solution is to offer “two powertrain options (which would) provide a real-world reduction in carbon emissions without compromise to the off-road capability or the on-road performance,” Ratcliffe explained.
Range Extender
One version of the Ineos Fusilier will come with a Samsung battery pack large enough to yield about 400 kilometers, or 250 miles, of range per charge, Ratliffe explained during a streaming news conference.
The second version will feature a 30% smaller battery pack that would reduce all-electric range to 270 km, or 168 miles. But, it will add a small internal combustion engine serving as a “range extender.”
Unlike today’s increasingly commonplace plug-in hybrids, the ICE part of the driveline will never directly send power to Fusilier’s wheels. Instead, it will serve as a generator, providing current to recharge the battery pack.
Since the engine will run at a fairly steady speed, Ratliffe noted, it can be optimized to minimize emissions whenever it operates.
Several manufacturers are considering the range-extender approach. Stellantis will go that route with the upcoming Ramcharger, a version of the all-electric Ram 1500 REV battery-electric pickup it’s bringing out for the 2025 model-year.
Rough & Rugged
“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 maximize 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.”
Toby Ecuyer, INEOS Group Head of Design
From a design perspective, Fusilier won’t stray far from the brutal look of the Ineos Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster models. It will feature sharp angles and an a relatively upright windshield. Hinges and bolts will be exposed — as is the case on classic off-road icons like the Defender, G-Wagon, etc…
The industrial design language will carry over into the interior. While there’ll be a modest-sized infotainment screen — with a navigation system designed to emphasize off-roading. Most vehicle functions will rely on classic knobs and switches.
“I can’t stand going through three layers of menus to turn the seat heater on,” said Ratliffe.
INEOS Fusilier Timing & Pricing
INEOS officials aren’t ready to discuss pricing for the Fusilier — though, as with other EVs, the battery-electric SUV will likely carry a premium over the brand’s two existing models. And, the addition of a range-extender will drive that version further up-market.
As for timing, “Because we stepped back,” said Ratliffe, the launch of the INEOS Fusilier now “will probably be early 2027, mid-2027.”
