Updated 30 March 2018
Though Bollinger’s got more than a few hurdles to clear before the its all-electric off-roader is glinting in your driveway, they’ve made a rather large step in the right direction. Founder Robert Bollinger announced plans this week to partner with engineering firm Optimal, Inc. on production of the vehicle, with a late 2019 release date targeted.
The announcement coincides with Bollinger’s intended move to Detroit, which is about a half hour from Optimal, Inc.’s HQ in Plymouth, Michigan.
And oh yeah — as of this February, 12,000 people have already pre-ordered the truck.
Reserve yours here. Permission to waste today daydreaming about a day 18 months from now … granted.
Remember when Prius was the only environmentally friendly option on the market? We’ve come a long way, baby.
Because the Bollinger B1 is as easy on the eyes as it is the clear blue skies. Crafted from a lightweight aluminum, this boxy is the first full-performance, all-electric utility truck the manufacturer has unveiled.
Despite the lack of a gas tank, it’s still a hefty and rugged off-roader: 150 inches in length with a 76.5-inch width and 73.5-inch height. Built to best even the hairiest terrain, the all-wheel-drive brute rides on LT285/70/R17 tires with 360 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of near-instant torque. And that all-electric drivetrain will take you from 0–60 in just 4.5 seconds — you won’t find that in a Jeep.
Powering all that magic? Two lithium-ion battery pack options: a 60 kWh and a 100 kWh, capable of a 120-mile or 200-mile range, respectively. And don’t sweat those charge portals when adventuring — they’re engineered for protection and can withstand submersion under 3.3 ft of water for up to 30 minutes.
But forget the logistics for a moment. This thing looks sick, despite — or perhaps because of — the fact that its lines are ripped straight from a vintage Land Rover. Finished in Gunhouse Grey with black accents thorughout, it’ll seat four adrenaline-hungry friends in style (and safety, care of a steel safety cage).
There’s no word on production timing or pricing quite yet, but more details are expected to follow.
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