Young automaker Ineos continues working on the fuel cell version of its Grenadier SUV, but there will be no production start anytime soon.
The corresponding statement was made by Mark Tennant, Commercial Director of Ineos, in an interview with CarExpert. According to him, mass-producing a hydrogen-powered SUV inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender is not viable – primarily due to the missing infrastructure.
The media first learned about this version being in development a year and a half ago. Back then, the company said that hydrogen fuel cells were the right choice for a zero-emission vehicle. Tennant reiterated this viewpoint, but added that the company was in no position to bet its resources on these vehicles as long as refueling still presented a major challenge.
He also noted that the cell-powered Grenadier prototype was on its way to completion in mid-2023. He refused to provide any drivetrain specifics.
Ineos started Grenadier production in October 2022. The Defender-inspired SUV comes in two flavors: the six-cylinder petrol version makes 286 PS (282 hp / 210 kW), while the diesel variant produces 249 PS (246 hp / 183 kW). Both engines are sourced from BMW. Later on, the automaker intends to launch a pickup truck and a seven-seat version of the SUV.