Ineos reportedly has delayed the launch of its electrified Fusilier, blaming weak consumer demand and uncertainty about government policies.
The Guardian noted CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe only unveiled plans to produce the low emission vehicles in February with production expected to begin in 2027.
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However, it emerged on Wednesday that the project to build the Fusilier, to be marketed as a plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle (EV), had been delayed indefinitely.
Ratcliffe reportedly had said the Fusilier, smaller than the company’s existing Grenadier 4×4, would be equipped with an electric motor powered by a battery, as well as a range extender option using a small petrol engine to keep the battery charged up.
However, the company said regulatory changes could hurt the viability of its petrol engine range extender.
The company said: “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.” It added there needed to be long term clarity from policymakers to meet net zero targets.
According to the Guardian, an Ineos Automotive spokesperson told Bloomberg the range extender would be banned in Europe and the UK in 2035.
Should Labour win today’s general election, it has pledged to bring forward the UK ban on the sale of new petrol cars by five years to 2030.
