Ineos has revealed its first all-electric vehicle called the Fusilier, but it hasn’t completely given up on internal combustion engines. Its new off-roader that follows the Grenadier and Quartermaster, will also be offered with a range extender engine to get as far off the beaten path as its owners need it to go.
Slightly smaller than Ineos’ first model, the Grenadier, the Fusilier will be driven exclusively by electric motors, but can be equipped with what the company describes as a “small” gas engine to charge the batteries when a plug isn’t available. Although the setup isn’t unique, it is successful, and was used by the Audi RS Q e-tron, which recently took first place in the Dakar rally.
“As we developed this vehicle, 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,” said Ineos Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “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.”
Read: Ineos Starts Building Grenadier Quartermaster Pickup, American Sales Begin Early 2024
Ineos says the Fusilier uses a “bespoke skateboard platform,” on top of which a steel body with aluminum doors has been added. It has not yet revealed performance figures, but last summer it said that its electric platform would be good for up to 249 miles (400 km) of range.
Like the Genadier, the Fusilier has been developed with the help of Magna, in Austria. The company has plenty of experience with off-roaders, and manufactures the Mercedes G-Class. It has also been tapped by VW to develop upcoming electric off-roaders for the Scout brand.
The company states that the Fusilier will undergo an extensive testing program, including trials on the Schöckl mountain. Upon completion, production will take place at Magna’s facility in Graz. Last summer, the automaker announced that its electric off-roader was scheduled for launch in 2026.
“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,” said Lynn Calder, Ineos’ CEO.