Bollinger B1 Electric Truck Brings Clean Driving Off-road
The startup is currently in the process of securing a manufacturing partner to handle the production of crucial automotive components. Next year, the company intends to open reservation slots for the EV, starting at $1,000.
Electric cars will take on very different features, depending on their respective applications. For private, urban driving, EVs are spacious and comfortable – designed to ease the stress of daily commuting. But for off-roaders and campers, EVs must be capable of withstanding rugged environments and rough handling.
Enter the B1 from EV startup Bollinger Motors. Launched by prolific entrepreneur Robert Bollinger, the electric sports utility truck looks like a compact hummer from the 90s. Under the hood, it operates on two battery options: 60 or 100 kilowatt-hours, capable of producing 120 or 200 miles of range per charge.
Read on to learn about the B1 and how it could serve the needs of outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
Tech Specs and Features
The Bollinger B1 boasts durability and performance in extreme, outdoor environments. For unpredictable terrain, the EV leverages its two-motor electric powertrain for massive torque. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph under 4.5 seconds and handle payloads up to a staggering 6,100 lbs. Owners are treated to huge storage capacities, with the trunk located at the front of the truck, instead of the back.
"The big draw for the B1 as far as utility goes, though, is the amount of space available. The two rear seats are removable, and the trunk area is 49 inches wide between the wheel wells, which is just big enough to stack 4 x 8-foot plywood sheets," said Sean O'Kane from The Verge.
In addition to having two power cell options, individuals also have two charging options: a 240V Level 2 charging port is available at the front, left fender; while a CHAdeMO DC quick-charging port can be found on the other side. The front panel seems to be lacking, in terms of futuristic features and looks. It still relies on traditional knobs and meters – a step backwards, compared to digital dashboards and HUDs found in modern cars today.
Although there is plenty of room for cameras and sensors, the B1 will likely not receive driverless features in the long term, due to cost-related challenges.
Reservations Only, For Now
The startup is currently in the process of securing a manufacturing partner to handle the production of crucial automotive components. After the collaboration is formed or a manufacturing factory is built (the startup is talking with New York officials about the plans), the business could start deliveries within 19 months. So far, it has not released pricing information for consumers who are eager to get their hands on the B1. Next year, the company intends to open reservation slots for the EV, starting at $1,000.
Like Tesla, Bollinger will first offer its EVs online and eventually setup showrooms, when demand increases for the unit. It might also partner with existing dealerships to ease construction costs related to the stores.
"We are so thrilled to be able to finally take the wraps off of our Bollinger B1 SUT," said Bollinger Motors CEO and Founder, Robert Bollinger. "This is the culmination of what has been a 40-year-long boyhood dream of mine and I couldn't be more pleased with the vehicle and the incredible team who worked so hard to create it."
