Bollinger Motors is an electric vehicle manufacturer focused on Class 4 and Class 5 trucks. Founded in 2015, the company initially set out to develop off-road electric vehicles but later pivoted to commercial fleet electrification, seeing a gap in the medium-duty truck market. Now headquartered in Oak Park, Michigan, Bollinger is majority-owned by California-based Mullen Automotive (Nasdaq: MULN).

SBN Detroit interviewed Jim Connelly, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer, to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the Class 4 and Class 5 electric truck market, the considerations driving fleet electrification, and the broader implications for sustainability and economic growth in the region.

Q: How did Bollinger Motors get started, and what led the company into the Class 4 and 5 truck market?

A: Robert Bollinger founded Bollinger Motors in 2015 in upstate New York with the goal of developing a rugged, off-road vehicle for his farm that didn’t rely on gas. He and a small team of engineers started experimenting in his garage.

As things progressed, Robert saw a gap in the commercial truck space – there were virtually no electric options in the Class 4, 5, and 6 segments. With government incentives accelerating EV adoption, the opportunity to focus on the commercial market became clear.

Bollinger moved operations to Oak Park in 2017, tapping into the automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise in Detroit.

Q: What is the driving force behind the development of Class 4 and 5 trucks, and how does this market function?

A: The commercial vehicle sector has been expanding rapidly, particularly with the rise of last-mile delivery services and the increasing demand for residential delivery. Class 4 and 5 trucks are utilized across several industries, including landscaping, telecommunications, and delivery services. These versatile vehicles play a key role in urban and regional transportation.

Electrification makes perfect sense for this market. Most Class 4 and 5 vehicles operate locally, returning to a central depot each evening, which simplifies charging logistics. The predictable routes and relatively moderate daily mileage make them ideal candidates for EV adoption.

Q: What are the main factors driving businesses to transition to electric trucks at this size?

A: Sustainability goals are a major motivator. Large corporations are looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and transitioning their fleets from gas and diesel to electric clearly aligns with their environmental objectives.

Cost savings are a key factor as well. Fuel economy improvements, lower maintenance costs, and federal and state incentives make electric fleet adoption financially appealing. Since these vehicles are driven extensively, reducing fuel costs and minimizing maintenance expenses significantly lower the total cost of ownership over time.

Q: What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in establishing EV adoption in this segment?

The biggest challenge is infrastructure development. Companies need to build charging infrastructure to support EV fleets, which can be a major hurdle.

Another challenge is driver familiarity. Drivers are used to gas and diesel vehicles, so transitioning to EVs can be disruptive. We intentionally designed the truck’s cab and controls to be similar to traditional vehicles.

When it comes to opportunities, the market is wide open.

Q: How does Bollinger’s partnership with EO Charging support fleet electrification?

A: While many companies are eager to transition to electric fleets, most fleet managers have spent their careers managing gas and diesel vehicles. The shift to EVs requires new knowledge about charging infrastructure, vehicle compatibility, and grid capacity – areas that can cause angst.

EO Charging provides end-to-end solutions, assessing customers’ facilities, infrastructure, and utility needs. They work alongside us to ensure that everything is in place – from hardware installation to liaising with utility companies – so businesses can confidently move forward with EV adoption.

Q: What has the response from fleet operators been since Bollinger launched sales last fall?

A: The response has been very positive. At the recent NTEA Work Truck Show, we participated in ride-and-drive events, where industry leaders and fleet managers had the opportunity to test our vehicles. Many have since expressed strong interest in long-term test drives, which we are now scheduling.

We’ve also established a growing dealer network, with over 50 locations nationwide and are continuing to expand. Discussions with additional dealer groups indicate that demand for electric commercial trucks is rising steadily.

Q: How do these trucks compare to diesel alternatives in cost and emissions?

A: The total cost of ownership varies depending on several factors, including miles driven, fuel prices, vehicle lifespan, and upfitting requirements.

We use a tool developed by Argonne National Laboratory at the University of Chicago, which allows businesses to calculate the payback period and emissions reductions for their specific use case. While EVs have a higher upfront cost, they become more cost-effective over time due to fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and substantial government incentives.

Speaking of incentives, the federal government offers a $40,000 tax credit for Class 4 EVs under the Inflation Reduction Act. Certain states, such as California, provide additional incentives of up to $60,000 per vehicle, meaning businesses can receive up to $100,000 in incentives per truck.

These incentives make early EV adoption much more financially viable. Many states now offer additional grants and rebates as well. We have a dedicated team that helps customers navigate these incentives, ensuring they maximize available savings.

Q: What role does Bollinger’s Michigan headquarters play in the future of EV truck production?

A: Robert Bollinger always knew that to scale, he needed to be in Detroit – the automotive capital of the world. Southeast Michigan provides access to a highly skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and a network of suppliers and engineers that is unmatched anywhere else in the country.

We see ourselves as more than just an EV company – we are an automotive company. Being headquartered in Michigan allows us to merge cutting-edge technology with traditional automotive craftsmanship, ensuring we produce world-class electric trucks that meet the needs of commercial fleets today and into the future.

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