Ineos Delays Launch Of Electric SUV Fusilier Amid Market Uncertainties

Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company, Ineos, recently announced an indefinite postponement of its planned off-road electric vehicle (EV), the Fusilier. The delay is due to weak buyer demand for EVs and regulatory uncertainties.

The Fusilier was first revealed in February and was set to offer both a fully electric version and a gas range-extender option. Ineos also previously positioned the Fusilier as its first venture into the EV market. Initially aimed for production beginning in 2027, the off-road EV has now been put on hold without a specified new timeline.

A spokesperson for Ineos voiced the reasons for the delay stating, ““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.” The company also emphasized the need for long-term clarity from policymakers to meet net-zero targets effectively.

It was also further highlighted regarding particular concerns about the viability of the range-extender version, which would be banned in both Europe and the United Kingdom (UK) by 2035 due to its use of a small gas engine. This timeline could potentially be accelerated to 2030 in the UK as the Labour Party won the general election.

Notably, the decision to delay the Fusilier arrives merely months after Ratcliffe expressed full commitment to low-emission vehicles in an interview with Bloomberg Television. The project was to be developed in collaboration with automotive supplier Magna International, which confirmed Ineos’ decision to postpone.

With this postponement by Ineos reflects broader industry challenges, it also underscores the complexities facing the automotive landscape as it navigates the transition to electric mobility amidst evolving buyer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and global trade tensions.

As the EV industry awaits more details from Ineos on its Fusilier delay, the relief of market uncertainties will determine the EV model’s launch date.

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