INEOS Automotive is one of the latest players to join the roster of the automotive market. The English firm is part of one of the most important industrial conglomerates in the world, led by its founder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The English entrepreneur has set out to return all the splendor to the category of pure SUVs. However, also plans to launch more efficient versions powered by 100% electric mechanics, like the one just confirmed.
The INEOS Grenadier, and the history that surrounds it, is one of those legends that make the world of motorsports something unique and special. Grenadier corresponds to the name of the pub where Mr. Ratcliffe and his closest circle of friends decided to launch an off-roader like the ones from before, seeing the current panorama of the category where the most iconic models have either disappeared or have been transformed into asphalt beasts. The launch of the latest Land Rover Defender, with its significant change in mindset, was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
With one of the largest personal fortunes in the British Isles, and with an impressive business network, the Grenadier project has been taking shape over the last few years. Recovering the pure 4×4 essence is the main objective of the entire team that surrounds the development of the Grenadier. Throughout these years we have known that INEOS wants to offer a very complete mechanical range. At first, the thermal versions with BMW diesel and gasoline engines will be launched exclusively.
In a further step, the most efficient and environmentally friendly units will arrive. A fuel cell INEOS Grenadier and a 100% electric INEOS Grenadier. The first has already been confirmed for some time, since we must not forget that one of the business areas of the INEOS company is obtaining oil, gas and hydrogen, so the resources cannot be more at hand. As for the 100% electric version, there were still many doubts to be cleared up, since there was little information regarding it. Until now.
In a new chapter of this adventure, INEOS Automotive has just confirmed that an electric version will hit the market, although it will only do so under the shortest body of all, something that makes all the sense in the world. The Grenadier will be a pure 4×4 like before, with its many advantages and disadvantages. The weight will not be an ally since it has oversized mechanical components capable of withstanding the most adverse terrain and conditions possible. For this reason the developers have thought that to make a viable electric it is best to opt for the shortest body of all.
With just three doors, the electric Grenadier will be the smallest of the family. Development tests are expected to begin at the end of this year, with its launch scheduled for 2024.. It remains to be seen who will be the partner in this journey, although all the bullshit points to BMW, which, as we have already said, is in charge of supplying the thermal engines. In addition to a great 4×4 capacity, the battery-powered Grenadier will have to offer long-range electric ranges that give peace of mind when entering the field. Little by little we will know more.
