Bollinger Motors has big plans for the 2021 model year. We had the chance to have a glimpse at this future when we witnessed the unveiling of the B1 SUV as well as the B2 SUV in Ferndale last year. The company also revealed pricing for the duo shortly after, but while the B1 and B2 will serve as a figurative spearhead into the EV truck and utility markets, the company needed to shore up its chassis technology in order to take advantage of more markets. The company has resolved this, and has formally unveiled its all new E-Chassis which breaks new ground in a number of ways.
Unlike many other chassis offerings built for EV exclusive uses, Bollinger’s underpinnings are the only Class 3 platform on the market, and was designed for commercial applications with a nod towards offering nearly all the same levels of versatility that also define its more civilian focused B1 and B2 offerings. This focus on the commercial segment would help serve as a proving ground for Bollinger, while also helping the company take potential advantage of a large pool of sales in the commercial sector to help finance its efforts in expanding its sales power to mainstream vehicle markets.
“When we first built our Class 3 B1, we knew there was a commercial aspect to the platform,” says CEO Robert Bollinger. “Not only cab-on-chassis, but entirely new truck bodies can fit on our E-Chassis, and help propel the world to all-electric that much faster.”
The E-Chassis is also found on the soon to be unleashed B1 and B2, but this is the first time that we have heard more about the mysterious platform, and what it brings to the table, with the novel chassis offering a whole host of features and benefits which we have listed below.
120 kWh battery pack
· 180 kWh battery pack optional
· All-wheel drive
· All-terrain capabilities
· Dual motor
· Portal gear hubs
· 5000-lb. payload
· Ultra-low center of gravity
· Easily adjustable to fit various wheelbases
· Hydraulic anti-lock power brakes (ABS)
· Electronic traction control
· Electronic stability control
· Hydraulic power steering
· Hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension
· Independent front and rear suspension
· 5-15 kw on-board charger/inverter
· Complete power system controls, configurable to given vehicle application
· Integrated thermal-management system
· Meets Class 3 regulations
As mentioned, flexibility is a key selling point for the E-Chassis with Bollinger Motors confident that it can easily fit a wide range of parameters, while also being able to rapidly evolve to suit the needs of buyers in different off-shoots of the commercial segment. While the B1 and B2 showcased just how rugged the platform could be when fully tricked out with all-wheel drive and even portal gear hubs, Bollinger revealed that the platform could go far beyond that initial specification. This includes accommodating models that are either front or rear-wheel drive, the ability to offer models with or without portal hubs, and even a 180 kWh battery pack which could help enhance driving range. But the ability to accommodate front and rear wheel drive applications certainly has our attention, with this capability hinting that Bollinger Motors could ultimately explore beyond the rugged B1 and B2, and potentially offer smaller utility and truck models that would allow it to greater diversify its reach and audience.
The E-Chassis will be assembled alongside the B1 and B2, with Bollinger revealing that the first examples will be rolled out to interested commercial buyers sometime in 2021.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.