Bollinger, the US-based electric truck and 4x4 startup, says that it will be able to offer a chassis-cab version of its battery-powered SUV, for those who fancy fitting a customised or specialist body. The move comes just a month after Bollinger said that it will offer a bare-bones chassis, available to anyone who wants to design a ground-up body to fit the mechanical package.
Cross between Land Rover Defender and a Humvee
What's a Bollinger, you ask? Well, the company was set up by Robert Bollinger in 2015, with the idea of making heavy-duty all-electric pickups and SUVs. Its B1 and B2 models look like the offspring of a late-night liaison between an original Land Rover Defender and a Humvee, and feature such clever ideas as empty load-through space that takes advantage of the fact that there's no engine, and which allows you to carry a long, narrow load through almost the entire the length of the vehicle.
For everyone from electricians to the army
This, the B2CC (for chassis cab) is going to be a heavy-duty vehicle for those who need the ultimate in capability. "The Bollinger B2 Chassis Cab's unique features - including the 5,000lb. [that's 2,200kg - Ed] payload and large energy source to power tools - make it perfect for businesses, small and large," says CEO Robert Bollinger. "Commercial fleets will be able to reduce their overall cost of operation while buying a truck designed, engineered, and built in the USA. The B2CC is an ideal option for municipalities, parks services, emergency response vehicles, airports, construction, landscaping, electricians, plumbers, security, non-tactical military, and more."
614hp powertrain
By building on Bollinger's 'E-Chassis' the B2CC can use the same 120kWh battery pack to power a 614hp electric powertrain. Obviously, the size, shape, and weight of whatever body is added will affect the range, so Bollinger hasn't issued one, but the B1 SUV gets a claimed 300km on a charge, so that gives you some idea. Bollinger also boasts of the chassis' very low centre of gravity, its hydraulic power steering (unusual in an electric car), 10kW on-board charger and inverter, and portal gear-hubs, which allow for the fitting of raised suspension and bigger wheels. Better than a Tesla Cybertruck? We'll see...