After months of teasing, startup Bollinger Motors has unveiled its electric truck, which is laconically named B1. While many electric-car startups aim to dethrone Tesla with luxury models, Bollinger is aiming at the opposite end of the market.
It may look like it was designed using an Etch-A-Sketch, but the B1's basic styling fits its planned role as a work vehicle and off-road toy. The B1 boasts 15.5 inches of ground clearance, although the suspension can be adjusted to add more, according to Bollinger. Available in full-cab or half-cab body styles, it seats four, and features a spartan interior designed to be hosed down after a day in the mud.
One electric motor powers each axle, for a combined 360 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. The dual-motor setup not only provides all-wheel drive traction, but can also hurl the B1 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Bollinger also claims a top speed of 127 mph, and a payload capacity of 6,100 pounds. The truck weighs 3,900 pounds, according to Bollinger.
Bollinger will offer a 60-kilowatt-hour battery pack affording an estimated 120 miles of range, and a 100-kWh pack with 200 miles of range. The smaller pack will take 7.3 hours to charge with a 240-volt Level 2 AC source, or 45 minutes with a DC fast-charging station, while the bigger pack will take 12.1 hours with a Level 2 station and 75 minutes with a DC fast-charging station. Bollinger uses the same CHAdeMO DC fast-charging standard as the Nissan Leaf.
Like a Tesla, the B1 features a "frunk" for cargo storage. A passthrough panel in the dashboard connects it to the open rear cargo area, allowing drivers to store long items up to 12 feet in length. The dashboard also incorporates USB and 12-volt power outlets, and there are 110-volt outlets in the rear.
While some electric-car startups try to build their own factories, Bollinger is taking the more sensible approach of contracting B1 production to a third-party manufacturer, at least for now. The company is in talks with the government of its home state of New York about building a factory in the state as well.
Once a manufacturing partner is secured, Bollinger plans to begin deliveries within 19 months. The company will not discuss pricing, but said it will begin accepting $1,000 down payments next year. Sales will be handled online for now, but Bollinger hopes to open a network of dealerships in the future.