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News

Bollinger B1 And B2: Everything We Know So Far

The Bollinger B1, a promising all-electric SUV with 614 horsepower, was set to disrupt the industry. However, Bollinger canceled both the B1 SUV and the B2 truck, leaving a gap in the electric vehicle market. Now, Bollinger Motors has announced plans to bring back both models at an undisclosed date.

The Bollinger models were notable because they showed that power and off-road capabilities could coexist with an electric motor. The unique style of the Bollinger vehicles, reminiscent of vintage military vehicles, added to their appeal. However, with the upcoming release of other utilitarian-style electric SUVs, the Bollinger’s relaunch comes at a time when competition is becoming fierce.

Information for this article has been sourced from Bollinger, Car and Driver, and Investor Place.

Related: 10 Best Electric Pickup Trucks We Can’t Wait To Drive

The Bollinger B1 And B2 Are Making A Comeback

Bollinger B1
Bollinger

The Bollinger B1, first introduced in 2017, was designed to be an SUV with two electric motors and all-wheel drive. It aimed to have a quick acceleration rate and appeal to a wide range of potential customers. The Bollinger B2, a pickup truck version of the B1, shared many similarities with its SUV counterpart.

Bollinger B1 SUV

Bollinger B2 Truck

Layout

Dual electric motors

Dual electric motors

Horsepower

614 horsepower

614 horsepower

Torque

668 pound-feet

668 pound-feet

Range

200 miles

200 miles

0-60 MPH

4.5 seconds

4.5 seconds

Top Speed

100 MPH

100 MPH

Source: Bollinger (estimated values from 2022)

The revival of the Bollinger SUV and truck plans means exciting things are ahead for electric vehicle customers. However, the company’s focus seems to be on commercial work vehicles like the B4. Engineering work for the B1 and B2 may be outsourced. Bollinger founder Robert Bollinger stated that work on the vehicles is continuing.

Related: The Future Of Electric Pickup Trucks

A Unique Construction Sets The Models Apart By Linking Vintage and Modern

Bollinger
Bollinger

Unlike other EV start-ups, the Bollinger vehicles embrace a simpler, vintage design. Without the latest technology and large touchscreens, the Bollinger brand attracts classic car lovers and off-road enthusiasts. The company’s focus on electrifying the commercial truck market sets it apart from other automakers.

The initial rendering of the Bollinger B1 generated significant interest, with 10,000 vehicle reservations within five months. This showed that there was a demand for blocky work vehicles with a vintage aesthetic. While more manufacturers are jumping on the trend of creating vintage electric off-roaders, Bollinger’s expertise in commercial work vehicles may give it an edge.

Related: Why Electric Pickup Trucks Are So Important

With A Steep $125,000 Price Tag, The Bollinger Models Are More Costly Than The Competition

Bollinger B1 side view
Bollinger

The Bollinger B1 and B2 were initially expected to have a starting price of $125,000, making them more expensive than their competition. While the vintage aesthetic and off-road capabilities may attract some customers, other manufacturers offer similar vehicles at lower prices. The range of 200 miles, once considered sufficient, now falls short compared to newer electric vehicles.

Despite the challenges, Bollinger motors has a unique business model focused on electrifying the commercial trucking industry. This expertise may give them an advantage over other automakers who are just starting to enter the market for electric SUVs and trucks.

Related: Every New Electric Truck You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

We’ll Have To Wait And Watch What Happens

With the future release of the Bollinger B1 and B2, it is unclear how they will fare in the market. However, Bollinger’s unique design and expertise in commercial work vehicles may give them an edge over the competition. Only time will tell if the Bollinger models can justify their steep price tag and find success among electric vehicle customers.

News

Bollinger B1 And B2: Everything We Know So Far

The Bollinger B1 was much more than a concept. It promised a horsepower of 614 ponies and was set to enter the electric market in 2022. However, Bollinger canceled both the Bollinger B1 SUV and Bollinger B2 truck, leaving a gap in the electric vehicle world.

Now, Bollinger Motors has announced that it plans to bring back the two concept models at an undetermined release date. These models were unprecedented because they proved that power and off-roading navigation could coexist with a 100-percent electric motor. The Bollinger also had a unique style with a vintage military feel that is usually associated with gas-guzzlers.

The relaunch of the Bollinger models comes at a prime time, as more utilitarian-style electric SUVs are scheduled to make a debut.

Information for this article has been sourced from Bollinger, Car and Driver, and Investor Place.

Related: 10 Best Electric Pickup Trucks We Can’t Wait To Drive

The Bollinger B1 And B2 Are Making A Comeback

Bollinger B1
Bollinger

The Bollinger B1 was first introduced in 2017 with an anticipated acceleration rate of 4.5 seconds to 60 MPH. It was designed to be adaptable and appeal to a wider range of potential customers. The Bollinger B2, on the other hand, had a pickup truck persona.

Bollinger B1 and B2 Specs

Bollinger B1 SUV

Bollinger B2 Truck

Layout

Dual electric motors

Dual electric motors

Horsepower

614 horsepower

614 horsepower

Torque

668 pound-feet

668 pound-feet

Range

200 miles

200 miles

0-60 MPH

4.5 seconds

4.5 seconds

Top Speed

100 MPH

100 MPH

Source: Bollinger (estimated values from 2022)

The Bollinger SUV and truck plans may focus more on commercial work vehicles rather than consumers. The company will outsource engineering work for the B1 and B2 models.

“The B1 team is starting right now,” said Robert Bollinger, founder of Bollinger Motors. “We got to a pretty good point with the bodywork and stamping before we paused. We’re bringing all that back, and the work is continuing.”

Related: The Future Of Electric Pickup Trucks

A Unique Construction Sets The Models Apart By Linking Vintage and Modern

Bollinger
Bollinger

Unlike other EV start-ups that focus on abstract features and clean lines, the Bollinger embraces a simpler vintage aesthetic. It doesn’t have swanky technology and mega touchscreen displays. It’s a no-frills car that appeals to classic car lovers, off-road adventurers, and environment enthusiasts. The Bollinger brand is full of contradictions, but it oddly works.

Robert Bollinger, the head of Bollinger Motors, initially aimed to revolutionize the commercial truck market. However, the Bollinger B1, with its unique design, garnered a lot of attention from consumers. In just five months, 10,000 vehicle reservations piled up for the Bollinger SUV.

While other manufacturers have also started making vintage electric off-roaders, Bollinger possesses a niche market and expertise in establishing efficient work vehicles, which gives it an advantage.

With A Steep $125,000 Price Tag, The Bollinger Models Are More Costly Than The Competition

Bollinger B1 side view
Bollinger

The Bollinger B1 and B2 models were anticipated to enter the electric vehicle market with a starting price of $125,000, which is higher than the competition. For example, the Munro MK_1 is expected to start at around $60,000, and the Volkswagen Scout is rumored to start at $40,000. The Mercedes EQG concept comes closest in price at $150,000.

Having a range of 200 miles may not be enough to impress customers anymore, as electric vehicle technology has advanced rapidly. SUVs like the Fisker Ocean Extreme exceed 350 miles in range, setting a high benchmark for battery longevity.

Despite competition from other manufacturers, Bollinger Motors has a unique focus on commercial work vehicles and applies the same principles to consumer vehicles. This makes its vehicles more practical for off-roading and sets it apart from other automakers.

We’ll Have To Wait And Watch What Happens

It is too soon to tell whether Bollinger will succeed with its pricing strategy or if other manufacturers will face challenges when the B1 and B2 models are released. While there is no clear timeline for production, Bollinger fans can look forward to the eventual release of these electric utility vehicles.

News

Why An Electric Audi TT Would Be A Great Porsche 718 EV Alternative

An all-electric Porsche 718 is all set to enter the booming electric vehicle market in 2025. Rumored to be offered in hardtop and convertible options, the sporty EV seems like a fun-filled top-down driving experience. But competitors are taking notice and coming up with a range of rivals. An all-electric Audi TT would stand toe-to-toe with the highly anticipated Porsche.

The Audi brand has high standards and expansive dreams for a 2026 all-electric rollout. A new Audi TT is rumored to fit into those electrification goals, following in the path of Audi’s e-tron fleet and the whisperings of the electrification of the Audi R8.

Related: What The Porsche 718 EV Needs To Kickstart The Electric Sports Car Segment

Audi Is Already Leading The Range Battle

2024 silver Porsche 718 Spyder RS
Porsche 

An electric Audi TT would be far from the first electric car Audi has unveiled. The Audi e-tron collection debuted with the 2019 Audi e-tron. The all-electric SUV came onto a growing EV scene with a 204-mile range, lagging behind similarly priced cars like the Tesla Model X Long Range. However, as the manufacturer’s EV fleet grew alongside the standards of the electric vehicle industry, that range stretched to keep up with competitors. The 2024 Q8 e-tron debuts a range between 285 and 330 miles. While the range of the newest iteration doesn’t stir up a frenzy in the EV market like the Fisker Ocean Extreme’s promise of 360 miles of range or the Lucid Pure Air’s 410 miles, it does fit in snuggly to compete with similarly set up rivals.

The 2025 Porsche 718 EV is still heavily under wraps. However, Porsche’s electric lineup doesn’t offer the longevity that Audi’s fleet does. The 2023 Porsche Taycan marked the German-based brand’s entry into electrification. The all-electric sports car, however, didn’t exceed range expectations. With a 246-mile range, the car made for speed didn’t deliver on longevity. It’s nearly $91,000 price tag reflected a 2.4-second 0-60 MPH acceleration rate and a horsepower of 750 paired with 774 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power on track, the lack of range made the car look dated compared to less expensive competitors with longer range, similar acceleration speeds, and matched power.

The 2023 Lucid Air, for example, comes in at a starting price ($77,400) $13,500 below the 2023 Porsche Taycan ($90,900), and sets the industry ablaze with 384 miles of range. But that stretch of road time doesn’t come at the expense of horsepower or speed. The electric vehicle’s top speed comes in at just 22 MPH slower than the 2023 Porsche and the three seconds needed to reach 60 MPH isn’t drastically slower than the Porsche’s 2.4 seconds. A 620-horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque come together to offer a swanky, speedy, and less spendy alternative. While the Audi e-tron lineup doesn’t match the specs of electric vehicles like the Lucid Air, its range is crawling up there. The 2025 Porsche 718 EV, however, will need some catching up to do in order to put up a fight.

Related: Everything We Know About The All-Electric Porsche 718 Boxster And Cayman

An All-Electric Audi TT Could Offer More Bang For Your Buck

2015 blue Audi TT Roadster - front and left side view - convertible with roof down
Audi

The 2023 Audi TT hit the ground running. Starting out at $53,295, the gas-powered Audi prioritized a more affordable sports car status over being labeled as an outstanding powerhouse. At over $15,000 more, the 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman offers a horsepower of 300 paired with 280 pound-feet of torque. With just 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Audi TT falls behind the gas-powered Cayman.

2023 Audi TT Specs vs. 2023 Porsche 718 Cayman Specs

Model

2023 Audi TT

2024 Porsche 718 Cayman

Layout

Turbocharged 4-Cylinder engine

Turbocharged 4-Cylinder engine

Horsepower

228 Horsepower

300 Horsepower

Torque

258 pound-feet

280 pound-feet

0-60 MPH

5.6 seconds

4.9 seconds

Top Speed

130 MPH

170 MPH

Price

$53,295

$68,3000

Skeptics are already gathering at the mention of an all-electric Porsche 718. It is always a risk to revamp a gas-powered car, as it will be compared to its predecessor. The sports car community may need some winning over in order to make a tough sell like an electric Porsche sports car work — especially one with an already adoring fan base. If the Porsche 718 EV can’t keep up with or meet the demands for speed, power, price, style, and endurance, it may not fair well in a competitive and cut-throat electric marketplace. That is where an electric version of the Audi TT has an opportunity to balance range with a rocket ship status.

The newer iteration would need some serious redesigning in order to achieve those goals, but with Audi’s previous experience of creating a lineup of electric vehicles, transferring that tech and prioritizing both speed and range should offer up a welcome challenge. As the Porsche 718 EV catches up with its gas-fueled relative, an electric Audi TT must look at its own electric fleet for inspiration. Expectations are a bit higher for a brand with eight EVs currently on the market, so a strong research and development ground should already be laid and expertise on the subject of electrification should be ample.

Related: Everything We Know About The Porsche 718 Boxster EV

An EV TT Would Fit Perfectly Into Audi’s 2026 Electrification Deadline

Audi e-tron Spyder
Audi

By 2026, Audi plans to complete the transition to a 100-percent electric production plan for new vehicles. Audi said the automaker would phase out any and all internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2033. With this plan in mind and acting as the main driver of future releases, Audi will release its final car powered by an ICE in 2025. Audi’s current fleet of EVs includes the Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, e-tron, and the e-tron S and S Sportback. An Audi TT fueled by an electric motor would be a natural progression towards the company’s goals for all new vehicles to sport electric power trains in just two years’ time.

Audi’s plans for the future also include four concepts that either introduce brand-new electric vehicles or electrified and revamped versions of old favorites. Audi teased that the Skysphere will be a two-door roadster with self-driving features and a sports car aesthetic. The Grandsphere will push the boundaries of Audi’s collection of sedans, again offering self-driving assist without pedals or a steering wheel when the mode is activiated. The futuristic utopia Audi is dreaming up doesn’t stop there. The Urbansphere’s large size evokes a similar image to the Chevrolet Suburban and the brand has called it a “mobile lounge or an office on wheels.” Lastly, the Activesphere, made for adventuring, will be an all-electric vehicle with a coupe-like body featuring space for storing all the equipment needed for mountaineering.

The electric sports car market is slim and rarely offers wild ranges. However, an electric Audi TT has the opportunity to use its electric expertise from the e-tron series for a future sports car that pushes the limits of what is expected. As the company gears towards an all-electric identity in 10 years, it is already forging a path forward in sustainable design and performance. The Audi TT, if electrified, is that next step forward.

Sources include: Audi, Porsche, Lucid, Car and Driver, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Featured

Here Is A Closer Look At The Production-ready Mahindra BE.05 Under Wraps


The BE.05 is scheduled to enter the Indian markets in October 2025

Mahindra BE.05

  • The overall design is similar to that of the concept.

  • Its cabin is also expected to get minimal changes in the production-ready version.

  • Will be based on the INGLO platform and can get a 60kWh battery pack with a range of over 450km.

  • Launch is slated for October 2025 and is expected to be priced from Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

The Chief Of Design at Mahindra, Pratap Bose, has recently released a few images of the production-ready version of the Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV. While the unit shown was still in disguise, it gives some hints at the changes done over the concept that was showcased in 2022. Let’s explore the latest preview in more detail.

Not Far From The Concept

One thing that Mahindra has managed to do is retain the overall design language of the concept. It is a good thing, because that makes the BE.05 keep its futuristic appeal. The front profile still looks the same with the pointy bonnet, sharp and sleek LED DRLs and slim bumper.

The profile is where you can spot some changes that make the BE.05 a reality. It now gets more realistic five-spoke alloy wheels, and the cameras mounted on the A-pillars have been replaced with proper ORVMs. The wheel arches don’t seem to have any cladding and the B-pillar here is more prominent.

Also Read: Every Mahindra Electric SUV We Have Seen So Far That Is Meant For Launch

Coming to the rear, there seem to be no changes at all to the production-spec design. From the top, you can spot the split rear spoiler and the protruding rear end, which houses the sleek LED tail lamps that follow the stylings of the LED DRLs, and the massive rear bumper.

We’re glad to report that the overall design of the BE.05 is quite similar to its concept version.

Interior Design

The cabin is expected to be similar to the concept as well. Mahindra will retain the dual 12.3-inch displays, layered dashboard design, squarish steering wheel and the overall cockpit design which were present in the concept.

Mahindra BE.05 Cabin

We can expect minor changes in terms of the colour scheme of the cabin, and the futuristic cockpit design could be toned down a little. Interior of the BE 05 has not been spied yet but there could be changes depending on the variant as well.

Range & Powertrain

Mahindra INGLO Platform

The BE.05 will be the carmaker’s first dedicated EV offering based on Mahindra’s INGLO platform. The electric SUV will likely come with a 60kWh battery pack and can pack a claimed range of around 450km. In this particular electric SUV, expect only a two-wheel-drive system, but all-wheel-drive is supported as well. The new battery technology from Mahindra is compatible with fast charging of up of 175kW with a 5 to 80 per cent charging time of just 30 minutes.

Launch, Price & Rivals

First Spy Shots Of The Mahindra BE.05 Have Surfaced

The Mahindra BE.05 is slated to arrive in October 2025 with an expected starting price of Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom). It will be a rival to the Hyundai Creta-based EV and the Tata Curvv EV.

Motorsport

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Production Is Now Underway, Arrival at Dealerships Imminent

As summer draws to a close, Toyota has made a strategic move to dominate the SUV market news. The debut of the Grand Highlander may have taken place earlier this year, but its production has finally started at Toyota’s large manufacturing plant in southern Indiana. Barring any unforeseen complications, this new three-row SUV will be available at dealerships within a few weeks.

The timing of this announcement is rather intriguing, especially considering the highly anticipated recent debut of the new Toyota Land Cruiser, which occurred less than 24 hours ago as of the publication of this article on August 2. There is a certain symmetry in this news, even though these SUVs share the Toyota badge, as they represent two distinct interpretations of the segment. While the Grand Highlander aims to transport up to eight individuals comfortably, while still offering some off-road capability, the new Land Cruiser boasts a five-passenger configuration and prioritizes handling rugged terrains.


Motorsport

1953 Volvo Military Truck Looks Indestructible, And It’s For Sale

A unique piece of Volvo history is currently for sale in Australia on Collecting Cars. It’s a 1953 Volvo TP21 “Sugga,” which could be considered a precursor to the modern SUV.

The TP21 Sugga, meaning “sow” in Swedish, was first introduced in 1953. It was equipped with a 3.67-liter flathead inline-six engine that produced 90 horsepower. The vehicle also featured a four-speed manual transmission, selectable four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and locking front and rear differentials. Volvo primarily produced these trucks as personnel carriers and radio vehicles for military use.

According to a report from Hemmings, some of these TP21 Sugga trucks were still in service with the Swedish military until the 1990s.


Motorsport

What’s The Difference Between Polestar And Volvo?

The Polestar brand is a recent addition to the global automotive market. In October 2017, it became its own brand separate from Volvo, where it was originally a division for high-performance cars. This move was announced by Volvo Cars and Geely and marked the brand’s dedication to producing electric vehicles (EVs), coinciding with the 20th anniversary of its foundation by Flash / Polestar Racing.

A Unique Philosophy

The initial aim behind the creation of Polestar as a standalone brand was to compete in the emerging market of electrified cars. Their first model, the Polestar 1, was a large plug-in hybrid luxury coupe, followed by the Polestar 2, an all-electric midsize sedan that directly rivals the Tesla Model 3. Despite being a new brand, Polestar managed to sell around 110,000 vehicles worldwide between 2020 and May 2023, demonstrating their success in the premium segment.

A Better Volvo?

The confusion between Polestar and Volvo’s positioning began when Volvo introduced its first fully electric autonomous model, the Volvo C40. This highlighted Volvo’s plans to produce premium electric vehicles, raising questions about how the two brands will differentiate themselves while pursuing a similar goal.

Subsequently, Polestar unveiled the Polestar 3 around the same time as Volvo revealed the new XC90. Both vehicles are large premium electric SUVs, but their construction philosophies differ. Polestar’s existence is based on three fundamental pillars: design, innovation, and sustainability. They aim to produce a climate-neutral car by 2030, which aligns with Volvo’s values and objectives. However, the specifics of their differences are yet to be seen.

Volvo Will Also Become Fully Electric

As automakers transition from combustion to electric power, they are creating new brands or sub-brands to better position themselves in the new era. For example, BMW has the “i” sub-brand, and Mercedes has the “EQ” family. However, as the shift towards electric vehicles becomes predominant, manufacturers must avoid redundancy between these brands. Geely and Volvo Cars aim to position Polestar as a real alternative without negatively impacting Volvo’s sales.

Ultimately, the success and differentiation of Polestar will depend on the public’s response to their upcoming models. For now, both Polestar and Volvo can coexist, but only time will tell how they will continue to evolve.

The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.