Bollinger B1 Electric 4×4: Airbags, Fording Water, Electric Range, and Price? (Q&A)

The news of the Bollinger B1 all-electric 4×4 has taken many by surprise. Indeed, this vehicle is unlike any other. The boxy exterior hides an all-aluminum chassis and a high-tech dual electric motor drivetrain. The B1 has the off-road hardware and specifications that will put most other production trucks or SUVs to shame. The SUT is wider than a Jeep Wrangler, but it has a shorter wheelbase than a Wrangler Unlimited (four door). It has a curb weight of around 3,900 lbs, but it is designed to be a Class 3 vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 10,001 lbs.

Bollinger Motors B1

Propulsion Dual electric motors Total: 360 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque
Transmission Helical gear reduction 2-speed (Hi/Lo)
Battery Lithium-ion: 60 kWh Level 2 charge: 7 hr DC Fast charge: 45 min Range est: 120 miles
Lithium-ion: 100 kWh Level 2 charge: 12 hr DC Fast charge: 75 min Range est: 200 miles
Efficiency Estimate 67.4 MPGe Brakes: regen 4-wheel anti-lock inboard discs
0-60 MPH 4.5 sec
Top Speed 127 MPH
Curb Weight 3,900 lbs GVWR: 10,001 lbs
Payload 6,100 lbs Max Towing 6,100 lbs
Wheelbase: 105 inches Length: 150 inches Width: 76.5 inches
Ground Clearance 15.5 inches Wheel Travel 10 inches
Off-road specs Approach angle: 56 deg Departure angle: 53 deg Breakover angle: 33 deg

Naturally, there are still many questions to be answered. You will find answers to the most popular questions here.

Question: Where are the airbags and the backup camera? What about on-road safety regulations?

Answer: Bollinger Motors says that the B1 is solely designed to be a Class 3 vehicle (GVWR of 10,001 lbs). As such, the vehicle is not required to have airbags and cameras. It is not required to satisfy passenger car crash tests. Class 3 vehicles have a different safety standard and the production B1 will comply with all such regulations. Hence, the B1 will be road legal in the United States?

 

bollinger b1 transmission transfer case
Bollinger B1 2-speed transmission

Question: What about fording water in an all-electric vehicle?

Answer: The B1 complies with the current water protection standard for electric vehicles. The battery pack compartments are encased in four layers of protection between metal casings and water tight seals. This allows the vehicle to withstand submersion under 3.3 feet of water for 30 minutes.

Portal axle with gear reduction (all four corners)

Question: How far can the B1 drive on a charge?

Answer: Bollinger Motors says the B1 will have an estimated 200 miles of driving range with a 100 kWh battery pack. This pack can be fully recharged in about 12 hours on a level 2 charger (75 minutes of a DC fast-charger).

Question: How much will the B1 cost?

Answer: The price has not yet been announced.

Question: When will the B1 be available for sale?

Answer: Bollinger estimates sales to begin in the first quarter of 2019.

Check out the video for many more answers.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is an Automotive Enthusiast, Producer, Reviewer, Videographer, Writer, Software Engineer, Husband, Father, and Friend.