Automotive

Ineos readying highly capable all-electric 4x4 for 2026 launch

Ineos readying highly capable all-electric 4x4 for 2026 launch
The original Ineos Grenadier takes on the Schöckl during testing phase; the electric 4x4 will have to complete the same regimen
The original Ineos Grenadier takes on the Schöckl during testing phase; the electric 4x4 will have to complete the same regimen
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The original Ineos Grenadier takes on the Schöckl during testing phase; the electric 4x4 will have to complete the same regimen
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The original Ineos Grenadier takes on the Schöckl during testing phase; the electric 4x4 will have to complete the same regimen
Ineos takes a fleet of Grenadiers across Great Britain on what it calls Expedition 1.0
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Ineos takes a fleet of Grenadiers across Great Britain on what it calls Expedition 1.0
Ineos Expedition 1.0 water crossing
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Ineos Expedition 1.0 water crossing
Ineos Expedition 1.0
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Ineos Expedition 1.0
Ineos Expedition 1.0
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Ineos Expedition 1.0
Ineos Grenadier cold-weather Schöckl testing, 2021/22
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Ineos Grenadier cold-weather Schöckl testing, 2021/22
Ineos Grenadier Schöckl testing, 2021/22
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Ineos Grenadier Schöckl testing, 2021/22
Ineos Grenadier Schöckl testing, 2021/22
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Ineos Grenadier Schöckl testing, 2021/22
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Ineos Automotive may have been born around a singular vehicle, but it doesn't plan to maintain a one-auto lineup. In fact, it's preparing to follow the greater industry into the EV business. The spinoff of the British petrochemical giant of the same surname is working on its first all-electric vehicle. Like the company's original Grenadier, the electric 4x4 will be built with an eye toward uncompromising off-road performance. Toward that end, Ineos will team with Magna Steyr leading up to a 2026 launch.

Ineos' electric utility vehicle won't be a mere Grenadier EV, as the company says that the EV will be smaller, which should only make it more of an off-road force. Not to be confused with the hydrogen fuel cell Grenadier prototype Ineos has shown in the past, this electric 4x4 will rely on pure battery power and be designed for "world-class off-road capability, without compromising on-road comfort or performance."

Ineos has named OEM vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr its development and manufacturing partner for the project. While Ineos builds the Grenadier at its own plant in Hambach, France, it worked closely with the Graz, Austria-based team at Magna Steyr on Grenadier engineering and development.

Magna Steyr's long history of 4x4 expertise drives far deeper than the Grenadier. Long before being absorbed by Canada's Magna International and reincorporated into Magna Steyr in 2001, Steyr-Daimler-Puch developed iconic off-road machines such as the Haflinger and Pinzgauer, honing expertise that helped it go on to co-develop the Mercedes G-Class, which has been manufactured in Graz since the 4x4's 1979 debut.

Ineos Grenadier Schöckl testing, 2021/22
Ineos Grenadier Schöckl testing, 2021/22

Magna Steyr has another built-in advantage when it comes to developing an off-roader: the Schöckl. The 4,740-foot (1,445-m) mountain plateau just outside of Graz is known for its steep gradients and has always served as a proving grounds for the G-Class – Mercedes calls it the "Green Hell of Styria," referencing the Austrian state of which Graz is the capital. The Ineos Grenadier also proved its mettle on the Schöckl, and Ineos confirms that its electric 4x4 will do the same.

The Ineos EV will come at a time when electric off-roading should really be heating up with next-generation offerings like the VW Scout EV and Mercedes-Benz EQG with silicon-anode battery joining other available and upcoming truck and utility vehicle offerings from Rivian, Ford, GMC and more.

Source: Ineos Automotive

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7 comments
7 comments
Hobocat
Looks great, anything for regular folks in EV's? Like under $100,000? Bolt * leaf have been around forever.....someone make something remotely affordable please.....for the real world. Enough vanity projects, for now.....
Robt
@Hobocat They’re not vanity projects. Early uses of new technology are always expensive to manufacture, hence the selling price. As companies learn from their early efforts, prices start to drop and volumes rise; it’s a long established pattern.
How long has it taken Tesla to advance from the Model S to their upcoming (claimed) $25,000 EV?
EVBitzUK
(Sigh!) Indeed. I fear we shall have to look to China for what you, me, every sensible farmer and off-roader wants in this area... and I don't think we'll have much longer to wait. Why on Earth doesn't some enterprising soul make a GRP ute-style 'kit-car' that takes, say the Freelander as a donor (transfer box, suspension, wheels, steering, lights, wiring loom, front doors, windscreen, etc), with an off the shelf EV kit that has 2 or 3 battery size configurations? £20k would do it easily, these days...
Hendrik Ehlers
An EV Grenadier would be highly welcomed. It is the ultimate way to enjoy wildlife without being intrusive. But I don’t live in Styria but in a large desert country. If I cannot charge it - and it may take days - via some rolled out solar panels or a small generator pack, it is not worth considering.
EVBitzUK
@Hendrik Ehlers - That is, of course, the advantage of 'living in the desert'. Not renowned for regular cloudy days, are they? So, why *not* just install an unmanned charging station with an acre of PV and a whacking great battery every 50km along every main road in the country? The cost probably won't be an issue (depending on which desert you live in...).
Username
I hope they make a 2 door
ljaques
I wonder if these are clones of the ageless Defenders of old, hopefully with a non Prince of Darkness electrical system.
Releasing much info except the price is a bit depressing.
@Username, I'd also like to see a 2-dr model. Pickup and SUV makers are losing money making ONLY train length vehicles these days.