INEOS delay the Fusilier EV & hybrid 4×4

A few weeks INEOS announced the launch of the Fusilier electric 4×4. It was to be available in two versions, as a battery-powered EV with a range of around 400km and a range-extender version that had a smaller battery good for around 200km with a petrol engine to recharge the battery.

INEOS have recently taken a commercial decision to delay, not cancel the Fusilier, and their statement is below:

We are delaying the launch of the INEOS Fusilier for two reasons; reluctant consumer uptake of EVs and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation. Charging infrastructure for EVs in most markets continues to grow and consumer confidence will match that, but for the industry to meet net-zero targets there needs to be long-term clarity from policymakers and a number of technology options available considering factors like raw materials, infrastructure and affordability. 

We are committed to bringing an EV to market not just because of legislation but because we want to – it is the right thing to do – but as a new small volume manufacturer, we can only produce vehicles that will sell. The Fusilier is an electric vehicle, but also provides the option of a range extender that uses a small low emission petrol engine to charge the electric battery when external charging isn’t available. This low-emission solution for longer journeys or where charging is not possible would still be banned in both Europe and the UK in 2035, if not earlier in the UK should Labour be elected into Government this week. 

Analysis

The EV market is in turmoil at the moment as the pro-EV early adopter market with relatively high incomes is saturated, and EVs are not 5-year cost-effective for many people. Even if EVs are long-term cost-effective, their high purchase price precludes many from purchase, the trap of the poor people who cannot trade long-term gain for short-term expense. And then there are higher insurance costs.

That’s just the EV market in general. When we consider 4x4s EV adoption becomes more problematic as the energy density remains poor, meaning that heavy batteries don’t offer much range, payload is compromised, unladen weights increase, and the vehicle takes a long time to charge its large battery, if you can find a charger in remote areas. 4x4s also need boxy shapes which compromise aerodynamics, as does the fitment of the usual accessories and especially towing. Simply, the reality of EV 4×4 operations is very different to that of a suburban roadcar, a use case for which EVs are ideally suited.

This problem for 4×4 owners is alluded to by INEOS:
This low-emission solution for longer journeys or where charging is not possible would still be banned in both Europe and the UK in 2035, if not earlier in the UK should Labour be elected into Government this week. 

…which is essentially the point I’m making about Australia’s new NVES standard which in my view is forcing 4×4 owners into EVs without there being an alternative on the market, and even before battery technology is able to power a electric version of a diesel 4×4. I think INEOS’s approach is entirely sensible given the conditions, but am disappointed it’ll be a while before I’ll able to figure out how the Fusilier works!