The Projekt Grenadier 4x4, 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 4x4” 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 4x4.
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 4x4 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 4x4”.
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Rule 1.
“uncompromising 4x4” well that'll be broken if they put a 'fool' cell in it, then what about the BMW deal, surely they break that before a wheel has turned (or even been put on a axle).
Why would they want something the size of Ford's Bridgend factory, just how big will the demand be for Defender clone from an 'never made a car before' manufacturer.
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
Bazzer
I think it odd that they went
I think it odd that they went to Germany for all the engineering - really odd. The one thing we have here is engineering skills and knowledge - a truly incredible base. And they went there for the engines as well (well, I assume BMW engines are built in Germnay, but I'll be educated by someone if not). All Ratcliffe has to do to complete the balls-up is to go to Germany to make the thing.
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