Bollinger Motors B1 revealed

BOLLINGER Motors has dropped the curtains on its B1, the world’s first all-electric sport utility truck.

Revealed at the Classic Car Club of Manhattan in New York, the all-wheel drive B1 employs a dual-motor powertrain configuration, with front- and rear-mounted synchronous electric motors. This full-time all-wheel drive system is capable of delivering 270kW and 640Nm.

“We are so thrilled to be able to finally take the wraps off of our Bollinger B1 SUT,” founder and CEO, Robert Bollinger said. “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.”

Two lithium-ion battery-pack options (60kWh and 100kWh) will be offered for production models, providing maximum ranges of either 120 (193km) or 200 miles (322km). Charging includes conventional 110V and 220V options, as well as Level 3 “DC Fast” charging. The battery packs are designed to withstand being submerged in 3.3ft of water for 30 minutes.

“At either a 120 or 200 mile estimated range, the Bollinger B1 will have more range than most electric vehicles on the road today," John Hutchison, Bollinger Motors engineer, said. “The average US driver travels less than 36 miles (58km) per day, so the B1 has plenty of charge for anything you throw at it. I think we found the right combination of utility, off-road capability and range options.”

CJ Winegar, another Bollinger Motors engineer, added: “The B1 combines Bollinger Motors’ advanced all-wheel-drive system with our all-electric powertrain to produce best-in-class horsepower, torque and ground clearance.”

Self-levelling, four-wheel independent, hydro-pneumatic suspension can adjust ground clearance between 10 and 20 inches. While approach, departure and breakover angles are 56 degrees, 53 degrees and 33 degrees, respectively.

The B1’s off-road credentials are improved further thanks to its advanced, all-aluminium chassis and high-strength, low-alloy steel rollover structure.

The 1769kg B1 has a payload capacity of 2767kg. While rolling stock is in the form of Mud Terrain LT285/70/R17 tyres with high offset aluminium wheels.

The minimalist interior is designed with off-roading in mind, evidenced by the rubber seals and gaskets of the instruments (and polyurethane –coated floor plans) which can all be hosed down.

“The interior follows the strong and straight-line design of the exterior using simplicity and straight-forwardness as the main design language,” Ross Compton, who assisted Bollinger with the design of the B1, said. “We also wanted to give the vehicle a feel of openness and spaciousness so you can use the vehicle in a variety of different ways.”

Bollinger added: “Since the B1 is an all-electric truck, it's really a portable energy source. So we put 100 volt plugs throughout the truck so you can use it to power any equipment and tools you might need out in the field. USB and 12 volt plugs are also integrated into the dash to cover all power needs."

Bollinger Motors is currently in talks with third-party manufacturers in the US, and it’s also reviewing options for potential build facilities.

"While we'll be announcing pricing and manufacturing targets later this year, the business case for the B1 makes sense at a very realistic and modest production number and at a price point of a nicely equipped sport utility vehicle," Bollinger said. "When you factor in this vehicle's superiority over the other choices on today's market, we think we have a winning combination."

Once manufacturing is locked away, deliveries are expected to start in the USA within 19 months.

For more information, head to: www.bollingermotors.com.