Lucas Bell 
Over the last year, the electric pickup truck segment has become front of mind for a great deal of manufacturers. As we continue to move towards the supposed electric age, it is no surprise that automakers want to show that some of their most popular (and most profitable) vehicles are ready for “the greener tomorrow.” While usual suspects like Ford, General Motors and Tesla have all dominated the media’s attention in this space, smaller companies like Rivian and Bollinger Motors have started to shape their EV-centered identities. In fact, there’s no less than ten electric pickup trucks planned for the market in the coming years. Some of which are more viable than others.
Bollinger Motors is the Michigan-based company that has debuted three EV models over the last year, including the B1 SUV, the B2 pickup truck, and the B2CC Chassis Cab variant. While each vehicle is geared towards a different purpose, all three ride on Bollinger’s E-Chassis system. Power is provided by a 120 kWh battery pack, which drives a dual motor all-wheel drive setup. The EV powertrain produces a supercar-esque 614 horsepower and 668 pound-feet of torque, capable of propelling the Class 3 trucks from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. All this performance comes with a range of up to 200 miles.
When the B1 and B2 originally debuted with a $125,000 price tag, it was clear that the truck was designed to be the third or fourth vehicle in someone’s stable. One that doubles as a conversation piece. It promises tremendously capable, especially in an off-road setting, but it is undeniably a niche manufacturer product. Then came the recent debut of the B2CC model, which actually might be a rather clever idea.
“We know we’re going up against Chevy and Ford and Ram in the chassis cab space,” said Robert Bollinger in an Interview with MC&T. “They will always have a large audience for their trucks. We offer something completely different and vastly more capable. Not only are we electric and Class 3, but the ground clearance, wheel travel, all wheel drive all the time, and much more — that is why someone will buy our chassis cab.”
Whereas a Ford Super Duty might be more equipped to tow heavy equipment, the Bollinger B2CC has real potential in other commercial applications. The all-wheel drive capability of this platform makes it an interesting proposition for municipal applications in snowy or rural states. Bollinger noted that the 200 mile range isn’t much of a concern in a setting like Detroit, where municipal vehicles stay within city limits. This is true for a lot of cities across the United States, which brings up another interesting point about this EV.
“For the B2 Chassis Cab we’re talking to fleet owners who worry more about total cost of ownership over a 5-10 year period,” said Bollinger. “And, electric always wins that argument.”
The cost associated with turning over municipal fleets is a huge commitment for any city or town across the country. It’s not hard to imagine local governments embracing an electric vehicle that is not only greener, but cheaper on the taxpayer to run. Could we see Bollinger mail carriers in the future?
The Bollinger Motors B2CC might just be the most interesting model they’ve released yet, as it could turn out to be the most practical of them all. The price is still verging on eye-watering, but perhaps fleet purchases could drive that down. At this point it is fair to say that Bollinger has created their own space in the EV truck segment.
