Ineos CEO advocates for diverse vehicle technologies

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the debate over the most suitable technology to power future vehicles has intensified. Lynn Calder, CEO of Ineos Automotive, a vehicle-making arm of the British chemical conglomerate Ineos Group, has expressed her belief that the industry should rely on a range of technologies moving forward. Despite the current trend of focusing heavily on electric vehicles, Calder argues that a more diverse approach is necessary to meet the varying needs of consumers and achieve emission targets.

Ineos Automotive currently sells the Grenadier off road SUV, which is powered by gasoline and diesel engines. While acknowledging that this approach "goes against the grain of what everyone else is doing," Calder emphasises that the company takes its responsibility toward net zero emissions "very seriously." To this end, Ineos has been exploring various technologies, including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cells, to power their future vehicles.

In 2026, Ineos plans to introduce the Fusilier off-road SUV, which will be available in a zero-emission form. The company also aims to launch three more model lines before the end of the decade, showcasing its commitment to developing more environmentally friendly vehicles.

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However, Calder firmly believes that focusing solely on electric vehicles is not a viable solution. "We are not saying that electric vehicles do not have a place. We very much believe that they do have a place. But I just do not see a scenario where 100 percent of powertrain requirements are fulfilled by electric," she stated at the Automotive News Europe Congress in Frankfurt on June 12.

Calder urges governments and regulators to clearly specify the emission targets that automakers need to achieve and by when. However, she also emphasises the importance of remaining "neutral" about which technology should be employed to reach these goals. "This is not about us wanting to come with gas guzzlers," Calder clarified, "but about a rational approach and coming up with a multifold set of technologies that will actually help us achieve the goal."

The Ineos CEO raises valid concerns about the practicality and feasibility of an electric-only approach. She points out that the preferences and needs of drivers have not been adequately considered, stating, "Nobody has asked the drivers what they want. If the customer does not want to drive it, if it does not fit into the driver's life it will fail." Additionally, Calder highlights the importance of considering the infrastructure and energy sources required to support a widespread shift to electric vehicles. "If we do not think about the grid and how we are going to actually fund it, it will fail," she warned. "If we do not think about where the electricity is coming from, then it will fail."

As the automotive industry continues to navigate the challenges of reducing emissions and meeting the evolving needs of consumers, it is clear that a multifaceted approach to vehicle technology is necessary. While electric vehicles undoubtedly have a role to play, it is crucial to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks of relying solely on this technology. By embracing a mix of technologies, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and more efficient gasoline and diesel engines, automakers can provide consumers with a range of options that cater to their diverse needs and preferences while still working towards the goal of reducing emissions and combating climate change.