Autocar’s vision of what the Projekt Grenadier 4×4 will look like
An engineering study will begin shortly to explore the feasibility of a fuel cell variant of the Defender-inspired 4×4
The Projekt Grenadier 4×4, the heavy-duty off-roader by British firm Ineos, is being planned with a potential hydrogen fuel cell version.
An engineering study 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 £25 million worth of grants awarded by the Government yesterday and announced at the Financial Times’ 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 hydrogen Grenadier 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 £249,000, of which Westminster will provide £124,000.
“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,” stated the Department for Transport.
The Grenadier is being funded by chemicals company Ineos, created from part of the former ICI empire and owned by one of the UK’s richest men, Jim Ratcliffe.
The 4×4 is inspired by the original Land Rover Defender, with unbeatable off-road performance and easy repair 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 by a consultancy firm in Germany. A missing link is a factory, although Ford’s plant in Bridgend, South Wales has been rumoured as a possible site.
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Source: Autocar
