UK company INEOS Automotive unveils hydrogen Grenadier 4x4 demonstrator
INEOS Automotive’s hydrogen-fuelled Grenadier Demonstrator makes its global debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The 4x4 emits nothing but water vapour and demonstrates INEOS’s belief that hydrogen is a key fuel of the future. The hydrogen Grenadier Demonstrator is identical to the production Grenadier apart from a bonnet power bulge to accommodate the additional height of the fuel cell, but this would not be present in a production model.
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The flexibility of the Grenadier platform allowed INEOS Automotive engineers to integrate the zero-emissions powertrain by modifying the ladder frame and rear axle, accommodating the electric drive units to deliver true torque vectoring drive control to each rear wheel (Picture source: INEOS Automotive)
In a world where military vehicles are powered by conventional fossil fuels, a breakthrough occurs that, in a so-far-unknown future, could influence the landscape of warfare. Scientists and engineers are working tirelessly to develop hydrogen-based propulsion systems for military vehicles. Their goal is to create a sustainable and powerful alternative to traditional fuel sources, one that would reduce emissions and increase operational capabilities. French manufacturer Arquus, for instance, has been exploring this technology for a while. Hydrogen presents several concerns in the framework of military uses, namely for front-line vehicles But who knows?
INEOS Automotive’s project to develop a hydrogen-fuelled Grenadier began in June 2022, when the business partnered with Austrian engineering supplier/powertrain consultancy, AVL, to develop the current vehicle with a clear ambition – zero emissions with no compromise to the 4x4 experience.
The 4x4 uses BMW Group’s latest hydrogen fuel cell, zero-emissions powertrain, considered the most advanced and powerful in the automotive sector.
The flexibility of the Grenadier platform allowed INEOS Automotive engineers to integrate the zero-emissions powertrain by modifying the ladder frame and rear axle, accommodating the electric drive units to deliver true torque vectoring drive control to each rear wheel. The capabilities of torque vectoring result in what INEOS calls ‘gecko capability’ - outstanding control and manoeuvrability in all off-road conditions, as well as a tighter turning circle and enhanced on-road driving dynamics.
To get to this point, the hydrogen Grenadier Demonstrator has undergone rigorous testing to ensure there has been no compromise to its on- and off-road capabilities or towing capacities. Like the other versions of the Grenadier, the demonstrator has conquered the notorious trails of the Austrian mountains and the various offroad challenges around Graz.
About INEOS Grenadier
In 2017, INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for a stripped-back, utilitarian, hard-working 4x4 engineered for modern-day compliance and reliability. INEOS Automotive Limited was formed and a senior team of automotive professionals assembled to bring the vision to reality with a fresh perspective of 4x4 development and manufacturing.
Combining rugged British spirit and design with German engineering rigour, the Grenadier will be a truly uncompromising 4x4 built from the ground up. Engineered to overcome all conditions, it will provide best-in-class off-road capability, durability, and reliability to those who depend on a vehicle as a working tool, wherever they are in the world.
INEOS Automotive is a subsidiary of INEOS Group, a leading manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products. It employs 26,000 people across 36 businesses, with a production network spanning 194 manufacturing facilities in 29 countries. From paints to plastics, textiles to technology, medicines to mobile phones, materials manufactured by INEOS enhance almost every aspect of modern life. In 2019, INEOS had sales of circa $61bn.
Defense News July 2023