Bollinger Unveils B1 — World's First Electric Off-Roader

While carmakers are gearing up to electrify their cars, not many have looked into the sports utility vehicle (UV) segment. Some like Bollinger Motors are employing electric power to develop UVs.

American automaker Bollinger Motors has unveiled what it refers as the world's first all-electric sports utility truck (SUT). The Bollinger B1, as it is referred to, rides on top of a lightweight aluminium architecture, featuring a rugged, heavy-duty truck design with a classic, two-box look.

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Dimensions of the Bollinger B1 measure 150 inches long, 76.5 inches wide, and 73.5 inches tall. The electric sports utility truck is powered by a dual-motor powertrain that offers full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), and it promises to deliver best-in-class power with 355bhp and 640Nm of torque.

The dual-motor can sprint the electric SUT from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 204km/h. Buyers can choose between two lithium-ion battery options: 60 kWh or 100 kWh, returning either 193 or 322 km in range, respectively.

The battery charges in 7.3 hours on a Level 2 charger, or 45 minutes on a DC fast charger.

Bollinger emphasises on utility, and the electric powertrain is part of it. Electric motors are placed both at the front and rear, and it's a combination of torque and ground clearance (adjustable from 10 to 20 inches) which means it will make itself at home on or off the road.

The Bollinger B1 features a self-leveling, four-wheel independent suspension, and disconnecting anti-roll bars to allow for maximum articulation off-road. BFGoodrich LT285/70R17 Mud Terrain tires provide traction to the electric sports utility truck.

"We are so thrilled to be able to finally take the wraps off of our Bollinger B1 SUT," said Bollinger Motors' founder and CEO, 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."

The company says it will reveal the pricing later this year and is still working to secure manufacturing in the US. Once that is confirmed, Bollinger anticipates starting deliveries of the B1 in 19 months.

DriveSpark Thinks!

While there is a tremendous momentum in the electrification of sedans, the Bollinger B1 will cater to the off-roading community. More such automakers should venture into other segments to offer a broad range of all-electric vehicles.