Meet the Bollinger B1, a hardcore electric off-roader
While it might look like the new Land Rover Defender (which we’re still waiting for) the Bollinger B1 is from Bollinger Motors – a young start-up out of New York State in the USA, which has nothing to do with the up-market French champagne of the same name.
The prototype of the B1 electric off-roader, is described by the company as, “the world’s first all-electric, all-wheel drive, off-road utility truck”, and is built on a folding bench instead of using modern presses, which is why it resembles a Defender.
It uses an all-aluminium chassis with a steel rollover for reduced weight and compact proportions. It’s almost 1.2 metres shorter than the latest Land Rover Discovery, with approach and departure angles of 56 and 53 degrees respectively.
The Bollinger B1 rides on fully-adjustable, self-levelling, four-wheel independent hydro-pneumatic suspension, with disconnecting anti-sway bars (like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which has a disconnecting front sway bar) and can be raised by up to 51cm. Standard ground clearance is set at almost 40cm.
The Bollinger B1 is driven by two electric motors mounted on the axles, which drive all four wheels via the usual drive shafts. Maximum system output with both motors totals 268Nm and 640Nm of torque.
Interestingly, the B1’s battery pack is sealed and can be submerged to a depth of one metre for 30 minutes. Should it get a bit muddy inside, no problem, says the company, “you just hose it out.”
All the instrumentation is analogue, and the cargo area is unique, in that it’s rated to carry 72 sheets of 1/2 plywood sheets, as well as 24 sticks of 2x4s through the Pass-Thru load system.
The electric SUV boasts some impressive performance figures; 0-100km/h is around 4.6 seconds, and a top speed of 204 km/h.
Range varies between 193 and 320 kilometres with charge times of seven and 12 hours, based on 60 kWh and 100 kWh charge levels.
The company claims a perfect 50/50 weight balance, hydraulic steering, and a towing capacity of 2766kg.
Customer deliveries aren’t expected to commence for 19 months, and orders will be taken exclusively via the factory, although there are plans to introduce shop-front style stores down the track. Pricing hasn’t been released.