Over the last few years, the idea of commuting to work in an electric car has become more feasible. Battery technology has improved, and these cars have gotten lighter, faster, and more efficient. Tesla even announced the release of an all-electric semi truck, which it hopes will overtake traditional diesel rigs. However, the off-road market hasn't seen as much attention from electric vehicle manufacturers — until now.
Bollinger Motors, a New-York-based automotive company, has developed a truck known simply as the B1. The company calls it a “no nonsense back-to-basics all-electric sport utility truck”, and its appearance echoes classic off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes G-wagen. However, rather than the gas or diesel engines found in those vehicles, the Bollinger Motors B1 is powered by dual front and rear electric motors.
The powertrain reportedly produces an equivalent to 360 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque, and sends it through a pair of 2-speed gearboxes with electronic locking differentials at the front and rear of the truck. The result is an all-wheel-drive truck with hi/lo-range capabilities.
The system relies on either a 60 kWh or 100 kWh lithium ion battery pack, for either 120 or 200 miles of range, respectively. These batteries can be recharged via a J1772 (110 & 220) or CHAdeMO (DC Fast) port. Charging a fully-depleted battery via a Level 2 220V source takes 7 hours for 60 kWh models or 12 hours for 100 kWh models. Regenerative braking also recharges the batteries as the truck is used.
With standard 33-inch mud tires on 8-lug alloy wheels, the Bollinger Motors B1 offers 15.5 inches of ground clearance. Total travel of the hydro-pneumatic suspension is 10 inches. Short overhangs allow for 56- and 53-degree approach and departure angles, so you can drive over steep obstacles without snagging a bumper.
Portal axles keep the half-shafts tucked up in the wheel arches, further improving clearance. In case you do manage to get stuck, a 12,000-pound hydraulic winch is also included.
The inside of the Bollinger Motors B1 is just as spartan as its exterior, but it offers four seats and a huge 95 cubic feet of storage capacity. Thanks to its lack of engine, it also offers a unique pass-through “frunk” (front-trunk) compartment for long objects.
The cab is also convertible from full to half-covered configuration, so you can pull out the back seats and use the rear area as a truck bed.
The idea of an electric off-road vehicle has some considerable advantages, including the storage capacity mentioned earlier, as well as instant torque for fast acceleration and obstacle-climbing power. According to Road & Track, the B1 can reportedly launch from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds — that's nearly a second faster than a 2017 Ford Raptor. Road & Track even went so far as to call it “the future of off-roading”, but an on-sale date and pricing info are not yet available.
So, what do you think of the Bollinger Motors B1? Let us know in the poll below.