Bollinger Motors first unveiled its B1 prototype in 2017. A little over two years (and one relocation to the Detroit area) later, the company has finally revealed the production vehicle versions of its all-electric B1 and B2. Here’s what you need to know about the new Bollinger Motors EVs.
The Bollingers look like vintage off-roaders. The B1 and B2 are boxy and beautiful. They draw their style inspiration from classics like the Land Rover Defender and the Ford Bronco; as such, they will look more like those trucks than the new versions. Two notable features include a glass roof and a third windshield wiper (FJ Cruiser style).
The B1 and B2 will be performance beasts. Their dual-motor system puts out 614 horsepower and 668 pound-feet of (instant-on) torque. The trucks will accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. They will have nearly-even 45/55 weight distribution, and better approach (52 degrees), break over (30 degrees), and departure (43 degrees) angles than a Jeep Wrangler.
They will be niche vehicles. Bollinger is not aiming for the family SUV/truck market. There are no airbags; Class 3 trucks such as these don’t require them. The trucks do not have a fifth seat, much less a third row. Think of the B1 and B2 as electric options for the buyer who would blow six figures on a restored and modified Bronco.
They can do truck stuff. The B1 and B2 will have a massive payload capacity of 5,201 pounds, which is more than an F-250 Super Duty. A towing capacity of 7,500 lbs would place the trucks toward the high end of the midsize truck segment. Range while towing or hauling massive loads is an open question.
The four-door versions will arrive first. Bollinger’s initial prototype was a two-door version, but production will begin with the four-door SUV and truck. The bigger vehicles can accommodate more space for battery packs, which Bollinger needs to deliver decent range. A two-door production version with current technology would be a short-range (figure 100 miles) runabout.
They will have a distinctive storage pass-through. Because there’s an electric engine, the B1 and B2 don’t have a firewall. That permits a storage pass-through from trunk to frunk for extra-long items.
The trucks will offer competitive range: The B1 and B2 will use a 120-kWh battery system, delivering an estimated 200 miles of EPA range.
Pricing remains TBD. Expect something north of Rivian’s expected pricing. Bollinger told Gear Patrol in February that the company may begin with a limited run of more expensive “founder’s series” trucks.
We don’t know when exactly it will hit production. Bollinger told Gear Patrol that the goal was for the first B1 to roll off the line by Summer 2020, but time will tell.
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