Bollinger unveils electric SUV and pick-up

Michigan-based car-maker Bollinger has revealed prototype versions of the pure-electric B1 SUV and B2 pick-up truck it will launch in 2021.

Sharing the same Class 3 pure-electric vehicle architecture developed by the US start-up, the beauty of both the B1 and B2 are their simplicity, claims the Land Rover-rivalling  brand.

That explains why the utilitarian B1 and B2, which appears to take styling cues from the original Defender, have both been developed to be easy to manufacture and repair, with simple-to-replace body panels if you have any nasty brushes with the scenery.

Not that there isn't any clever thinking lurking beneath the surface.

Despite being easy to bolt together, the zero-emission SUV and pick-up are both all-aluminium and feature an electric motor on each axle, fed by a powerful 120kWh battery.

Providing for all-wheel drive, the twin motors also produce huge amounts of power -- as much as 452kW and an almighty 906Nm of torque.

Shrugging off a kerb weight expected to be north of 2000kg, Bollinger says both the B1 and B2 can scorch to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, although top speed is limited to 161km/h.

Range for both the boxy B1 and B2 has yet to be disclosed, but distances between recharges for earlier concepts fitted with a 100kWh lithium-ion battery reportedly offered about 320km, so expect more for the production version with the bigger battery.

Instead of focusing on lifestyle buyers, Bollinger says the production B1 and B2 will feature some serious off-road potential.

Hence both get a two-speed auto gearbox that incorporates high and low ranges.

The front and rear axles, meanwhile, include electronically locking differentials and Bollinger claims the B1 and B2 will features perfect 50:50 weight distribution and between 250-500mm of ground clearance.

It gets better for those who actually use their utes for work, since the B2 gets a decent 2359kg payload, although both vehicles can only tow 3402kg – around 100kg less than utes like the Toyota HiLux.

Aiding practicality for the pick-up is its unusual "pass through hatch" that lengthens the load bed to span almost the entire length of the vehicle.

Confirming it already has 30,000 expressions of interest for its vehicles, Bollinger says production of both the B1 and B2 will begin in 2021, when it will go head-to-head with the Rivian R1T and R1S, as well a new battery-powered Ford F-150.