Bollinger introduces electric cabover chassis

The new Class 4 truck from Bollinger. (Photo: Bollinger)

Bollinger Motors has introduced a Class 4 all-electric fleet truck, the Bollinger B4, which incorporates a cab-forward design with what the company called “industry-leading safety, cargo, and turn circle capabilities.”

“The cab-forward design is a radical change from our previous concepts,” said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors. “And that’s on purpose. We listened to our commercial customers and developed what they need for ultimate efficiency.”

The new Bollinger B4 reportedly incorporates feedback from dozens of major fleets looking to electrify their vehicles. The result is a cab-forward truck, designed from the ground up to offer maximum cargo volume, accommodate unlimited adaptation and prioritize safety.

“The cab-forward design also increases both overall cargo space behind the cab and critical downward visibility in front,” said Kent Harrison, chief product officer of Bollinger Motors. “The B4’s 41 ft. turning circle will be better than any comparable wheelbase truck - which will improve driving dynamics in both rural and urban settings.”

The Bollinger B4 is driven by a solid rear-axle e-drive to meet demand for higher payloads. High-voltage components operate on an 800 V platform, with batteries created from LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry, which the company said ensures safety and reduces cost.

Customers may outfit their B4s with either one or two battery packs to accommodate cost and range requirements. Range estimates exceed current customer need and offer roughly 100 miles per battery pack.

Bollinger Motors will track test B4 chassis cab trucks this fall with numerous fleet customers, upfitters, and charging companies to gather constructive feedback.

Bollinger said customers of its B4 could benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act recently signed into law by the current administration, with the B4 expected to be eligible for a 30% tax credit up to $40,000 under the newly created 45W Commercial EV Tax Credit.

“Commercial fleets need a cost-competitive alternative to traditional ICE vehicles, and these credits, along with Bollinger’s aggressive efforts to deliver a quality product with a lower total cost of ownership, make EV’s a more affordable and viable option than their ICE counterparts,” said Ed Burke, commercial sales director. “These credits are a win for Bollinger, our customers, and our nation’s sustainability agenda as we help accelerate the adoption of this clean technology across America’s roadways.”

“Bollinger Motors has been developing medium duty all-electric trucks since 2015,” said Bryan Chambers, chief operating officer of Bollinger Motors. “Our extensive Class 4-6 engineering and supply chain development means our commercial trucks are on the fast track to production.”

Bollinger said it will begin production with Class 4 chassis cabs - with Class 5 and Class 6 trucks to follow. Price and release date for the B4 chassis cabs will be announced at a later date.

Robert Bollinger founded the company in 2015 to build electric trucks and SUVs for consumers, but early last year announced a shift to commercial vehicles. Based in Oak Park, Mich., the company has since turned its focus to Class 4 through 6 vehicles.