The Projekt Grenadier 4×4, the heavy-duty off-roader by Ineos, is being planned with a potential hydrogen fuel-cell version. An engineering study into the fuel cell 4×4 is scheduled to be started shortly to “assess the feasibility and production of a hydrogen fuel cell powered 4×4” according to documents seen by Autocar. The description is included in a list of £25m worth of government grants awarded yesterday, and announced at the FT’s “Future of the Car Summit 2019”. Transport minister Jesse Norman made the announcement “for the next round of low-carbon vehicle projects for vehicles that are not just clean, but connected too”. Details of the Grenadier fuel-cell are sketchy, but the feasibility study will also explore “vehicle requirements, system design and components supply” making it a comprehensive look at the design and manufacturing practicalities of the high-tech 4×4. Government figures show that the feasibility study will cost a relatively modest £249k and the government will provide £124k. “The support for these projects is key to the delivery of the government’s Road-to-Zero strategy which aims to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emissions vehicles,” said the Department of Transport. The Grenadier Projekt is being funded by chemicals giant Ineos, created from part of the former ICI empire, and owned by Jim Ratcliffe, one of the UK’s richest men. The 4×4 is modelled on the last-generation Land Rover Defender with unbeatable off-road performance and easy repair as its key design criteria. Ineos describes it as an “uncompromising 4×4”. An engine supply deal has been signed with BMW and engineering is being handled in Germany by a consultancy. A missing link is a factory, although Ford’s Bridgend plant has been rumoured as a possible
Origin: Ineos considering fuel-cell version of Projekt Grenadier 4×4