Rugged off-road SUV swaps out Hyundai tech for zero-emissions BMW fuel-cell
INEOS Automotive has unveiled a zero-emissions INEOS Grenadier powered by a BMW Group hydrogen fuel-cell – rather than a Hyundai FCEV powertrain – at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today.
INEOS said it chose the BMW Group fuel-cell because it is the “most advanced and powerful in the automotive sector”.
Emitting only water vapour, the hydrogen-powered Grenadier Demonstrator revealed at Goodwood was co-developed by INEOS Automotive and Austrian engineering firm AVL, and the zero-emissions off-roader has already been tested on trails in the Austrian mountains.
In the metal, the new Grenadier FCEV prototype differs from the standard Station Wagon only by wearing a modified bonnet with a large power bulge, which was needed to house the tall fuel-cells.
In development since June 2022, the prototype was designed to be a no-compromise zero-emissions 4×4 and, according to engineers, accommodating the FCEV powertrain involved modifying the ladder-frame and rear axle.
The electric motor and transmissions can provide torque vectoring to each rear wheel, allowing what INEOS claims is “outstanding control and manoeuvrability” off-road, as well as a tighter turning circle and enhanced on-road handling.
INEOS insiders say the prototype is so good off-road that it has “gecko capability”.
Hydrogen remains an attractive proposition for INEOS Automotive as its chemical-making parent already produces 400,000 tonnes of the gas annually.
INEOS says it is committed to introducing its first EV in 2026, but believes FCEV power will be applicable to long-range vehicles, or utes in which heavy batteries rob payloads.
Commenting on the new Grenadier Demonstrator, INEOS CEO Lynn Calder said: “The hydrogen powered Grenadier Demonstrator is an extraordinary vehicle, capable of doing everything a conventionally powered Grenadier can do but with zero emissions.
“It shows INEOS’s determination to make supremely capable cars that will help us reach net zero.”
Originally, it was thought INEOS would plough ahead with Hyundai to develop a hydrogen-powered off-roader after a joint-venture was announced with the Korean car-making giant back in late 2020.
However, as we reported earlier this year, doubts were cast over a Hyundai FCEV-powered INEOS Grenadier after it was revealed the deal was not between Hyundai and INEOS Automotive, but INEOS the chemical manufacturer.
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Keyword: Hydrogen-powered INEOS Grenadier Demonstrator revealed