Hydrogen Grenadier demonstrator from INEOS Automotive

A 4X4 using BMW Group’s latest hydrogen fuel cell powertrain has been unveiled by INEOS Automotive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“The hydrogen powered Grenadier Demonstrator is an extraordinary vehicle, capable of doing everything a conventionally powered Grenadier can do but with zero emissions (water vapour),” says INEOS Automotive chief executive Lynn Calder, adding that INEOS produces 400,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually and is committed to hydrogen as a key fuel of the future.

”Our demonstrator proves that the technology is capable, but what we need now is support from policy makers to help provide the infrastructure for the next generation of hydrogen vehicles.”

While the hydrogen Grenadier demonstrator is the same at the production Grenadier apart from a bonnet power bulge to accommodate the additional height of the fuel cell, the bulge will not be in a production model, INEOS says.

Calder says the hydrogen model can do everything the conventional one does.

The project began in June 2022 when INEOS partnered with Austrian engineering supplier/powertrain consultancy AVL to develop the hydrogen vehicle.

It has been tested on Austrian mountain trails and in various offroad challenges around Graz.

The Grenadier platform’s flexibility 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.

Calder says an INEOS electric model is due in 2026.

“BEVs are perfect for certain uses, shorter trips, most private car journeys and urban deliveries, whilst hydrogen FCEVs are more suited for longer trips, heavy duty cycles where batteries impact too much on payload and where long range between stops is necessary.”

Range, price and specifications for any hydrogen Grenadier are not provided.

Click here for more INEOS Grenadier information.