British manufacturer Ineos has confirmed it will produce a full-electric off-road capable SUV by 2026, but it will be smaller than its Grenadier and use a different platform.
The brand plans to utilise an existing ‘skateboard’ electric vehicle platform from another manufacturer to produce the Ineos EV.
“This is a complete new car, you will recognise it’s the same company, the same family, but it’s a new car. It is a battery-electric vehicle on a skateboard [platform]… But still with the goal to have best-in-class of BEV (battery electric vehicle) 4×4,” the company’s head of engineering, Oliver Schlipf, told CarExpert.
Although it remains to be seen which manufacturer Ineos will source a platform from, it could be BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
Ineos Grenadier
Ineos currently sources its engines from BMW and is utilising a former Mercedes-Benz factory to build the Grenadier – coincidentally engineered by Magna-Steyr, the same company responsible for building the G-Class.
Although the company hasn’t indicated what its electric off-roader will rival, it will be smaller than the Grenadier.
For reference, the Grenadier measures 4856mm long, 1930mm wide sans mirrors, 2036mm tall, and rides a 2922mm wheelbase. That makes it slightly shorter overall than a Land Rover Defender 110.
“From an engineering perspective, it will be a challenge definitely to have a very good 4×4 battery electric vehicle on a skateboard, there are some other challenges to overcome, such as wheel travel,” said Mr Schlipf.
“But honestly even the specification is not completely done yet. We’re still trying to figure out what is the right specification for the vehicle – we’re in the design phase, the feasibility phase is not complete” he added.
The battery-electric SUV will give Ineos a rival to the likes of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQG, an electric version of the G-Class.
Other electric off-roaders include the Rivian R1S and recently revealed Yangwang U8 from BYD, as well as the upcoming Jeep Recon and Volkswagen’s upcoming, unnamed SUV from its new Scout brand.
