Bollinger Motors

Bollinger Motors, an American electric vehicle manufacturer, was established in 2015 by Robert Bollinger in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The founder's journey into the automotive world was unconventional; after graduating with an Industrial Design degree from Carnegie Mellon, he worked in advertising and later helped build and sell an organic cosmetic company. The capital from that sale provided the financial backing for Bollinger to pursue his lifelong passion for cars, initially sparked by a desire for an environmentally friendly and rugged truck for his organic farm.

The company's initial focus was on consumer-oriented, rugged, all-electric SUVs and pickups. In 2017, the B1 SUV prototype was unveiled, featuring a distinct, angular design that garnered significant attention. Following the prototype's debut, the company relocated to the Detroit, Michigan area to leverage the region's deep automotive engineering talent pool. A major strategic pivot occurred in early 2022 when Bollinger Motors indefinitely postponed its consumer models, the B1 and B2, to concentrate on the commercial electric vehicle market. This decision was driven by the assessment that the commercial segment was more prepared for electrification. This strategic shift culminated in the company becoming a majority-owned subsidiary of Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) in September 2022.

Bollinger Motors now focuses on developing and manufacturing all-electric commercial trucks, specifically in Classes 4 through 6. The company operates as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), selling chassis cabs to commercial fleets and upfitters who then add specific bodies like contractor beds or delivery boxes. Production of its first vehicle, the Class 4 Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab, began in September 2024 at a facility in Livonia, Michigan, managed by manufacturing partner Roush Industries. The business model involves direct sales to fleet management companies and sales through a growing national dealer network that also provides service. Revenue is generated from vehicle sales, with significant financial incentives available to customers through federal and state programs, potentially exceeding $100,000 per vehicle.

The flagship product, the Bollinger B4, is a Class 4 all-electric chassis cab built on a proprietary 40-inch wide frame, which is wider than the industry standard and designed to securely house batteries and components between the rails for improved safety and driving dynamics. It is powered by an 800-volt system and features two LFP battery packs from supplier Our Next Energy (ONE), totaling 158 kWh. This provides a range of up to 185 miles. The B4 delivers 323 horsepower and has a payload capacity of 7,325 pounds. Charging can be done via AC Level 2 in nine hours or DC Fast Charge in about two hours. Following the B4, the company plans to launch the Bollinger B5, a Class 5 truck with increased payload capacity, expected in 2026.

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