The EVs are certainly mellowed down, but at least they didn’t lose their features like the Rivian twins
by Sidd Dhimaan, on LISTEN 04:00Bollinger was one of the first automakers to enter the electric pickup truck segment. The company introduced the B1 SUV and the B2 pickup truck a few years back, and they looked quite boxy and old-school, a little too quirky and retro when compared to the fluid designs of the new segment entrants. But, as is with any concept vehicle, the production version comes out looking a little more sedate and mainstream. The Bollinger twins are no exception.
The automaker revealed a few renderings of both the EVs and despite the changes, they look quite good.
The good thing is that the boxy design isn’t tweaked much and it will keep the purists and old-school enthusiasts happy. However, they are certainly toned down. For some reason, Bollinger decided to reveal these production-intent products in a white shade as opposed to the black ones we’re used to seeing. Not a great choice, honestly, as it makes both vehicles look further tamed.
Up front, the area around the headlights used to serve as the air intake for the dual radiators sitting behind. But over the years, Bollinger has managed to improve the thermal management, which has led to keeping just one radiator behind the bumper. These EVs boasted of three wipers on the windshield on the initial prototype, but it now features a two-wiper setup.
The side profile features some practical changes. The B-pillar is now moved slightly forward to allow passengers to enter the vehicle comfortably. Both the B1 and the B2 are now two inches taller which results in increased headroom. The sliding glasses are now replaced with manually-operated traditional windows.
The biggest change on the B2 pickup truck is the separation of the bed from the cab.
This allows the company to offer cab-chassis to its customers. Speaking with Car and Driver, the company’s CEO, Robert Bollinger, said, “the largest difference is that the entire body has been re-engineered for production. It’s all truly body-on-frame now and optimized for manufacturing."
The Bollinger B1 and B2 will be powered by two electric motors that churn out 614 ponies and 668 pound-feet of twist.
The EVs will be able to hit the 60 mph mark from rest in 4.3 seconds and will have a top speed of around 100 mph. While specs are also quite impressive, the biggest drawback is the range. Despite boasting a 120-kWh battery pack, the EVs will deliver only around 200 miles on a full charge. For such heavy vehicles with poor aerodynamics, the range is acceptable; but when you compare them to the competition, they’re not great.
| Powertrain | two electric motor |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 614 HP |
| Torque | 668 LB-FT |
| 0 to 60 mph | 4.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 100 mph |
| Battery pack | 120-kWh |
| Range | 200 miles |
Earlier this year, the company revealed “the world’s first and only Class 3 all-electric chassis-cab truck platform,” called the E-Chassis, thus announcing its intentions to milk the commercial segment before it gets crowded. In fact, it even followed up on the same by announcing an electric delivery van called the Deliver-E. The E-Chassis comes with a huge list of features, but here are some of the most noteworthy ones:
- All-wheel drive with All-terrain capabilities
- Dual motor setup
- 5000 pounds of payload capacity
- Ultra-low center of gravity
- Hydraulic anti-lock power brakes (ABS)
- Electronic traction and stability control
- Hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension
- Independent front and rear suspension
- 5-15 kW on-board charger/inverter
- Complete power system controls, configurable to given vehicle application
- Integrated thermal-management system
The B1 and the B2 will have a starting sticker price of $125,000, and Bollinger is planning to get them to production by the end of 2021. Do you think the company will be able to sell the B1 and the B2 in huge numbers, or will the sale of E-Chassis be its bread-and-butter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source: Car & Driver
