Bollinger trumpets B1 SUV's off-road prowess
American pure-electric Defender/Wrangler rival goes bushBollinger Motors has released three new videos of its B1 SUV tackling tough off-road courses in North America -- reportedly in Colorado and Utah.
Proving it's a natural rival to the former Land Rover Defender, or recently revealed all-new Jeep Wrangler, the three videos show the B1 tackling tough terrain, snow, sand, gravel and rocks, before climbing to almost 4000 metres above sea level.
Celebrating more than 10,000 customer reservations for its pure-electric SUV, the fledgling car-maker is now believed to be accelerating plans to secure a manufacturing plant and partner capable of building 10,000-20,000 B1s per year.
Assuming the logistics are conquered, Bollinger says deliveries should begin around early 2019.
When it does go on sale, the B1 will be available with either 60kWh or 100kWh battery packs offering a driving range between recharges of 200km to around 320km.
The performance model, employing dual electric motors (a two-wheel drive version will be available), is claimed to produce 265kW/640Nm. That's is claimed to be sufficient for the boxy SUV to accelerate to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and top out at 204km/h.
Bollinger also asserts its lower-output 60kwh B1 can be recharged in seven hours using a household plug socket, or just 45 minutes with a fast-charger.
Blessed with more than 390mm of ground clearance, the B1 is claimed to come with a fully-independent hydro-pneumatic suspension which can raise the ride height by a further 130mm, lifting the body out of harm's way.
Factor in anti-roll bars which can be disconnected for better wheel articulation, plus a set of mud terrain tyres, and it's apparent why the B1 should be a handy tool off the bitumen.
And, for a serious off-roader, the B1 is impressively light -- tipping the scales at 1800kg.
What you don't get is much in the way of in-car entertainment.
There's no electric windows or satellite-navigation, although the B1 does come with Bluetooth and lots of USB ports.
Bollinger Motors says it has no plans to introduce any autonomous driving aids.
The company hopes the B1’s zero-emissions and sturdy off-road ability will win business with North American government agencies such as police departments and the Fish and Wildlife Services.
It's set to be priced to the public from $US60,000 ($A75,000) and Bollinger claims it has taken more than 10,000 reservations from customers who are invited to place a $US1000 deposit ahead of deliveries starting in 2019.
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