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Next Generation Highlander To Be Unveiled End Of Month

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A new Toyota Highlander is on its way.

Toyota announced March 13 that the next generation of its Highlander mid-size SUV will make its world debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show.

Toyota said it will stage the world debut of this third generation Highlander during a press conference to be held on Wednesday, March 27.

No words yet on when this new model will be available and if the hybrid version will still be part of the lineup, but we do know this new generation will start with the 2014 model year.

The current 2013 Highlander Hybrid (pictured) uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive system that pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor for total system output of 280 net horsepower.

The 4WD Highlander Hybrid generates rear-wheel power with a separate electric motor that provides additional drive torque on demand.

This allows the Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i system to do without power-transfer gearing or a driveshaft between the front and the back. The system electronically varies front and rear torque distribution depending on traction conditions.

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Volvo V60 diesel Plug-in Hybrid Heading To NY

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Is Volvo considering offering its V60 diesel plug-in Hybrid in North America? Many sure hope so and this new announcement from the Swedish company will have some believing so.

The world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid will make its American display debut and Volvo hopes it will take center stage at the New York International Auto Show.

The plug-in hybrid is one of three remaining candidates for the prestigious 2013 World Green Car of the Year award.

The winning environmental car, which is selected by 66 top motoring journalists from 23 countries around the world, will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on March 28, 2013.

The Volvo Car Group press conference in the Jacob Javits Center at 10:30 AM on March 28 will also include the world premiere of Volvo’s latest R-Design models as well as the announcement of a new and exciting addition to the North American Volvo model line-up.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid. It includes two complete drive trains and a battery. The driver can select the preferred driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

“The ingenious on-demand possibility makes the V60 Plug-in Hybrid superior to all other hybrids on the market. Thanks to the Pure, Hybrid and Power modes, the car is the perfect choice for the uncompromising customer who wants to minimise his or her carbon dioxide emissions but maximise driving pleasure,” said Doug Speck, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group.

Per Volvo, pushing the Pure button gives the driver up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on pure electric power.

In Hybrid mode, the carbon dioxide emissions are 48 g/ kilometers. This corresponds to fuel consumption of just 1.8 l/100 kilometers (NEDC certification driving cycle for hybrids), translating into 130 mpg.

The Power mode releases the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor, creating a veritable driving machine with a total power output of 215+70 horsepower. The electric motor’s lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car’s acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds.

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Leaf EV As NY Taxi In Pilot Program

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Nissan and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched a new electric vehicle taxi pilot, one using the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle.

This pilot program, which puts six LEAF taxis into service beginning this spring, will help Nissan, the city, the taxi industry and the public understand how zero emission vehicles can be integrated into future taxi fleets.
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Both Nissan and the mayor took the opportunity of Earth Day to announce the program, April 22.

“As part of our commitment to zero emission vehicles for the mass-market, Nissan is looking for ways to broaden the use of electric cars, including commercial applications like taxis,” said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles. “Following the selection of Nissan NV200 as New York City’s Taxi of Tomorrow, our relationship with the city provides us the ultimate proving ground to conduct this LEAF taxi pilot to help optimize the use of electric vehicle technology for future applications.”

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Nissan and partners in New York City will also install, as part of the pilot program, several CHAdeMO-based DC quick chargers, which will enable drivers to re-charge their electric taxis quickly during their shift.

With quick charging, the Nissan Leaf can be recharged to about 80 percent in under 30 minutes.

“Even though the Taxi of Tomorrow won’t be on the road for another six months, we’re already looking ahead to the taxi of the day after tomorrow,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Nissan’s proven track record with electric vehicles will put us ahead of the curve in helping us answer important questions about incorporating electric taxis into the fleet so that we can achieve the goal of a one-third electric taxi fleet by 2020.”

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Nissan Starts Production Of NY’s Taxi Of Tomorrow

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Production of the Nissan NV200 Taxi – New York’s “Taxi of Tomorrow” – is now underway at the company’s assembly plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Nissan said it developed the new taxi, which is based on the NV200 compact cargo vehicle, to suit the specific demands of the more than 600,000 people who ride in New York City taxicabs every day.

In 2011, after a competitive two-year selection process, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) of New York City selected Nissan NV200 as the exclusive taxi for the city.

Nissan did not yet say if there will ever be a version available with electric propulsion. The company does produce a NV200 powered by a variation of the Leaf electric powertrain, but no plans yet have been confirmed to make it available as part of New York’s “Taxi of Tomorrow” program.

El ìTaxi del MaÒanaî de Nissan, hecho en MÈxico en exclusiNissan said the taxi will roll off the line looking as if it’s ready to be hailed. Preparations to launch production of the taxi in Cuernavaca entailed the challenge of modifying the production line to integrate exclusive taxi characteristics without affecting production volumes and while maintaining award-winning quality records. The Paint Shop added the exclusive New York taxi yellow color and new elements to achieve a perfect under-floor seal. The plant also added an exclusive afterline to complete taxi-specific manufacturing processes such as bodylines, side door windows and the vehicle’s panoramic roof.

Nissan previously said it created its own “New York Avenue” at its Arizona proving grounds to replicate harsh conditions of New York City streets to rigorously test the NV200 taxi so that the suspension can be tuned specifically to NYC road conditions. Additionally, Nissan hired New York City cab drivers to drive test vehicles around the city, collecting data which was then used to refine the vehicle. In total, these drivers logged more than 155,000 miles – enough to cover every street in Manhattan more than 300 times.

The NV200 taxi is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, said by Nissan to be engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet.

These NV200 taxi will progressively replace the current fleet of mostly V8-powered Ford Crown Victoria.

INFOGRAPHIC: From Taxi of Yesterday to Taxi of Tomorrow

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California: Hydrogen And Zero-Emission Vehicles Push

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California is pushing even more for green cars and some of the state’s agencies are collaborating on a range of initiatives to support the goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said last week that the California Energy Commission carried out one of these initiatives, voting to use nearly $50 million to put in place 28 new, public hydrogen refueling stations and one mobile refueler by the end of 2015. The agency said the move was one of several actions designed to help achieve a key goal of the state’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) plan: to accelerate construction of hydrogen refueling infrastructure across the state.

SEE ALSO: How Fuel Cell Vehicles Work

“California is rolling out the carpet for Californians who choose these ultra-clean hydrogen powered electric cars and for the companies that make them,” said Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols. “These private-public partnerships to build dozens of hydrogen fueling stations set the stage for hydrogen fuel cell electric cars to become commonplace on our streets and provide a new generation of long-range zero-emission vehicles for California consumers.”

The main goal is to help with clean air and climate challenges the state is facing.

“Making the transition to cleaner, lower polluting near-zero and zero-emission vehicles is a critical component to addressing California’s clean air and climate challenges. The transportation sector accounts for about 40 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions,” said Commissioner Janea A. Scott, the Energy Commission’s lead commissioner on transportation. “We are pleased to be part of this state collaboration and will continue to work diligently on standing up hydrogen fuel cells and other electric vehicle technologies.”

California working with many partners

The state’s effort to bring more fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) to the road and the infrastructure to fuel them features support from Toyota, station developers, the Fuel Cell Partnership, the Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission and GO-Biz, said CARB in a statement issues yesterday.

Honda has shown this concept signaling design intent for a replacement of its present FCX Clarity in 2015 or 2016.

Honda has shown this concept signaling design intent for a replacement of its present FCX Clarity in 2015 or 2016.

GO-Biz is said to bring hands-on experience cutting through red tape, which will be used to get stations permitted and constructed in a timely manner. The Air Resources Board and Energy Commission said they provide the longest running state-level experience in the country when it comes to hydrogen vehicle and infrastructure development.

New money coming for hydrogen stations

Twenty hydrogen refueling stations have received funding from the Energy Commission and 28 more stations are scheduled:

•       First Element (19 stations in partnership with Toyota)
•       HyGen Industries (3 stations)
•       Linde, LLC (2 stations)
•       Air Liquide Industrial US LP (1 station)
•       ITM Power, Inc. (1 station)
•       Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation (1 station)
•       Ontario CNG Station, Inc. (1 station)
•       Institute of Gas Technology (1 mobile refueling station)

There are currently 10 operational hydrogen refueling stations in California—the most recent opened in May 2014 on the CSU Los Angeles campus. With the announcement of Energy Commission funding for additional stations, California is slated to have 51 public hydrogen refueling facilities on line by 2017.

Two-hundred-million dollars in cap-and-trade proceeds has been allocated for low-carbon transportation projects, $116 million of which is slated for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, providing up to $5,000 per vehicle.

CARB added to date the state has committed about $110 million to hydrogen infrastructure. This puts California on a glide path to 100 stations, the state’s goal for launching a commercially self-sustaining network to support a growing number of FCEVs.

Not only in California

A second initiative involves California joining two national programs organized by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop hydrogen infrastructure across the country, explained CARB.

Hyundai is ahead of Toyota and leasing its Tucson FCV this year.

Hyundai is ahead of Toyota and leasing its Tucson FCV this year.

First, the Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Research and Station Technology (H2FIRST) project is led by the Sandia Laboratories and the Department of Energy’s National Energy Renewable Laboratory. By focusing on the national laboratories’ core capabilities, it is believed by CARB the effort will speed and support the widespread deployment of FCEVs.

The H2FIRST project will complement California’s second national partnership, H2USA. This public-private partnership brings together automakers, government agencies, gas suppliers, and the hydrogen and fuel cell industries to coordinate research and identify cost-effective ways to deploy infrastructure that can deliver affordable, clean hydrogen fuel in the United States, continued CARB.

East – West Collaboration

CARB added another initiative has California working with other states to harmonize regulations and building codes to ease the location and construction of refueling stations for hydrogen and electric vehicles. An eight-state ZEV Action Plan released last month lays the foundation to coordinate efforts among California, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Oregon, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.

The goal of this collaborative effort is to put 3.3 million ZEVs on the highways in those states by 2025 with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and public health, while enhancing energy diversity, saving consumers money and promoting economic growth.

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Revised Mitsubishi Outlander Coming For 2016

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A revised Mitsubishi Outlander will show up for the 2016 model-year, in time for the expected North American introduction of the PHEV version.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) announced it will make the world premiere of the 2016 Outlander at the 2015 New York International Auto Show, Thursday, April 2.

MMNA explained the 2016 Outlander will be the first Mitsubishi vehicle to debut the brand’s new design language.

SEE ALSO: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Is UK’s Best-Selling Plug-in


The 2016 Outlander is said to feature over 100 engineering and design improvements including a new appearance, enhanced road performance as the result of improvements to noise levels, ride, handling and throttle response, and a more eloquent yet functional interior space.

Per MMNA, the new 2016 Outlander demonstrates the brand’s renewed emphasis on style, refinement and overall driving experience.

The end result is expected to be close in look to the concept showed in Paris.

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Five Green Cars Of Interest At the 2016 New York Auto Show

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Only a few – but a significant few – green cars are debuting this week at the New York International Auto Show.

Other cars that could have made a list include conventional gas sippers, but we only mention the highest mpg example of those, with the other four being electrified in some form or fashion.

And, for those planning to look further, plenty of already revealed alternative-energy cars will be on display, but here’s a run-down of new cars meant to save fuel and emissions.

2017 Toyota Prius Prime

Prius Prime

The revised plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s perennially best-selling Prius has finally come out from behind the curtain.

Most notable is an 8.8-kilowatt-hour battery doubling effective range to 22 miles, Toyota estimates prior to the U.S. EPA’s official stamp of approval.

On electricity the two-motor powertrain also boasts the highest miles per gallon equivalent of any plug-in hybrid – 120 MPGe – representing a 26-percent improvement over the outgoing Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

The model is hoped to propel Toyota to greater prominence in this narrow segment of plug-in hybrids now populated by just a few models in the under $40,000 price point. Actual pricing has not been announced.

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage Sedan

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And then, if all you want is a cheap set of wheels priced in the lower teens that is easy on the gas budget, there may still be something to be said for the sedan version of Mitsubishi’s Mirage expected to be in the 40 mpg ballpark.

A lot of up-front costs are saved for the basic conventional 1.2-liter three-cylinder powertrain and its fuel economy is on par with a number of hybrids, if not the highest.

Launched already in other markets, including Canada, it has sold significantly better than its maker estimated, and for the U.S. offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and comes with revised suspension settings.

Formerly a hatchback version had been the only body style, and this also will carry forth.

2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

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Refreshed for the current model’s mid-cycle point, the seven-passenger hybrid family hauler from Toyota will be offered in a lower LE and XLE trim.

Toyota has previously been known to content the Highlander Hybrid heavily to near Lexus levels of equipment, and the Limited and Platinum trims will indeed still be offered atop the range.

Fuel economy for the hybrid with 3.5-liter V6 and all-wheel drive has been 27 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined, and Toyota has hinted at an “enhanced” engine for better economy for 2017.

Other improvements are aesthetic and features, including a new grille.

2017/18 Hyundai Ioniq Trio

Hyundai ioniq EV (left), Ioniq Hybrid (center), Ioniq PHEV (right).

Hyundai ioniq EV (left), Ioniq Hybrid (center), Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid (right).

Already having made its global debut abroad is Hyundai’s Ioniq which comes in three powertrain versions – hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric.

The vehicle was rumored for the past couple years or so as a “Prius fighter” hybrid but when introduced, Hyundai revealed it had made extra use from one purpose-made electrified vehicle platform to spin off the trio of variants.

It is hoped by Hyundai to be a Prius beater, too, and pending EPA certification it will surpass the 56 mpg Prius Eco with 57-58 mpg according to Manager of Product Planning, John Shon.

Not content to edge out the Prius Liftback hybrid, the plug-in hybrid version of the Ioniq will also exceed the 22-mile range Prius Prime, and Shon said it should get greater than 25 miles, less than 30 miles EV range from its 8.9-kwh lithium-polymer battery.

The battery electric model is also competitively positioned with highest range at the moment, this being 110 miles.

It arrives as the Nissan Leaf is in its last or next to last year however, and just barely beats its now up-to 107-mile range. Also, its estimated range falls well short of 200-mile next-generation EVs including the 2017 Chevy Bolt, which will be produced late this year as well as the Tesla Model 3 and next-generation Nissan Leaf.

Hyundai has not announced pricing, but said the Ioniq EV will be positioned competitively in response to the range-for-dollar question consumers may have.

In any case, the Ioniq triplets are an interesting combo that saved billions in development costs while signaling dedication by Hyundai which has declared it wishes to be in the global top two among green car sellers by 2020.

The first of the three to arrive in U.S. dealers will be the 2017 Hybrid in the fourth quarter of this year followed shortly by the 2017 Ioniq Electric, and the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid will be a 2018 model arriving early 2017.

Pricing has not been announced for any of the models.

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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At last the five-passenger SUV American plug-in enthusiasts have been clamoring for the past three years is due to arrive this fall.

EV range in Europe is 32 miles, it may achieve in the 20s in the U.S., but EPA certification has not yet been announced for the 2.0-liter four / two-motor hybrid system with 12 kilowatt-hour battery.

Mitsubishi is ailing in the U.S., but its PHEV in Europe has been a best seller. Battery supply and regulatory issues in California were also blamed for its delay to the States.

It has since been mid-cycle refreshed and still offers long enough EV range to make a difference in a family oriented all-wheel drive crossover SUV format.

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New York State Launches EV Rebate Program

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New York State is launching a rebate program for EVs this spring.

New York is one of eight states that follows California’s lead when it comes to emissions standards. But the state doesn’t mandate sales of zero-emissions vehicles from automakers, nor does it offer incentives to consumers for buying them.

Until now. Starting later this spring, perhaps as soon as April 1, the state will offer a $2,000 rebate for the purchase of either a battery-electric car or a plug-in hybrid.

SEE ALSO: 7 States With the Best Green Car Incentives

Technically, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles will also be eligible, but none are sold in the Empire State at this time.

“We want to make electric vehicles a mainstream option,” state Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Westchester County Democrat who leads the Assembly energy committee, said to the Associated Press. “They are becoming more affordable and we need to encourage them.”

SEE ALSO: Ontario Opens Its Up-To $14,000 In Incentives To Teslas and Other Eligible Models

The program was actually approved last year, as state lawmakers worked on the 2016-2017 fiscal-year budget, but details weren’t yet finalized.

In fact, the details are still being hammered out by the agency responsible – the New State Energy Research and Development Authority – even though the legislation had set an April 1 deadline for launch.

Part of the launch will include outreach to dealers by officials, to make sure the dealers are aware of the program.

In order for these type of programs to incentivize consumers to buy EVs, consumers need to be aware of them – and so, too, do the dealers that sell the cars.

New York joins other states in the Northeast, such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Delaware in offering rebates for EVs.

The state has already encouraged fleet use of EVs, and supported improved charging infrastructure. It also signed an agreement with the other seven states that use California emissions standards to get more EVs on its highways and byways. It signed the agreement in 2013.

All told, the eight states are aiming for a combined 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles to hit their pavement by 2025.

Times-Union, Green Car Reports

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Production Honda Clarity EV and PHEV To Make World Debut In New York

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Honda today gave a sneak preview of two new vehicles to be introduced at the New York International Auto Show in April.

The Clarity Fuel Cell, currently on sale in California, will be joined by a battery electric version and a plug-in hybrid version. The all-electric is expected to have a range of approximately 80 miles, while the plug-in hybrid will be able to go 40 miles in pure EV mode.

All three models share the midsize five-passenger sedan platform introduced in the Fuel Cell version. Apart from minor trim differences, the cars will stand out from other models in the Honda Motor Company lineup. Unique LED lighting treatments front and rear as well as a streamlined profile give the Clarity a shape that is almost a cross between a new Civic and the former Insight.

Interior and exterior dimensions of the Clarity triplets are within inches of the current Honda Accord. Given Honda’s history of introducing and withdrawing Accord Hybrids over the past decade, it remains to be seen whether the 2017 model will carry over.

The Clarity Electric will arrive in California and other EV-friendly states in the coming months, with the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid following later in the year. It will be offered in all 50 states.

No word on pricing, but the Clarity Fuel Cell is offered with a 36-month lease at $369 a month, which also includes up to $15,000 worth of hydrogen fuel for the Californians who live close enough to a station. Honda is targeting affordability with the Clarity Electric, while the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will be the volume leader.

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200-Mile Range Bollinger B1 Electric Truck Promises On/Off Road Dominance

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For EV enthusiasts who’ve long lamented there are no all-electric trucks for sale, Bollinger Motors today revealed what may be an off-roading EVer’s dream come true.

The completely bespoke B1 built in-house by the New York-based startup touts 60-kWh and 100-kWh battery options for up to 200 miles range, 360 horsepower, and rock-crawling dual-motor AWD capability thanks to a sophisticated long-travel suspension.

Meant for on and off-road, the “Gunhouse grey” vehicle looks like a cross between a generation 1 Ford Bronco, Hummer, Jeep, with a twist of Soviet-era military truck thrown in.

The pure battery electric truck was revealed far from its intended terrain during a media event at the Classic Car Club of Manhattan, where folks otherwise may be who will have the funds for whatever this beauty will sell for.

Pricing is undisclosed at the moment, but its spec sheet looks like the off-road equivalent to a semi-exotic sports car with few compromises preventing it from fulfilling its mission.

Bollinger is calling it an SUT, a Sport Utility Truck, and it engineered in perfect 50/50 weight distribution on a classic three-box design for the all-aluminum chassis with a high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel rollover structure.

“We are so thrilled to be able to finally take the wraps off of our Bollinger B1 SUT,” said Bollinger Motors’ founder and CEO, Robert Bollinger. “This is the culmination of what has been a 40-year-long boyhood dream of mine and I couldn’t be more pleased with the vehicle and the incredible team who worked so hard to create it.”

By itself the chassis weighs only 295 pounds, and it promises high structural and torsional rigidity with proportions that are optimal for serious off-roading.

To help with that, the 150-inch long truck rolling on a wheelbase of 105 inches has 15.5 inches of ground clearance under an adjustable, self-leveling, 4-wheel independent, hydro-pneumatic suspension with 10 inches of wheel travel.

If contemplating really tough maneuvers where greater suspension articulation is needed, the anti-roll bars disconnect to allow this.

Ultra Light/Tesla Quick

A curb weight of just 3,900 pounds is a good 1,000 pound lighter than a Model S, and impressive for a battery electric vehicle with up to 100-kWh battery.

Sprints from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds about match the first 2012 Model S P85 Performance, though it’s not as quick as the latest faster Teslas.

Overall length is 150 inches, width is 76.5 inches, and height is 73.5 inches. Wheelbase is 105 inches, front and rear track is 68 inches, approach angle is 56 degrees, departure angle is 53 degrees, and break over angle is 33 degrees.

Output is 360 horsepower, and 472 pounds-feet of instant torque. Top speed is said to be 127 mph.

The truck also has payload capacity of 6,100 pounds, and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) just over 10,001 pounds.

Of the two battery options, the 60 kWh version is said to deliver 120 miles range, and the 100 kWh version delivers 200 miles.

“Because the entire drivetrain and battery storage system is located between the chassis rails, the B1 has abundant and unique storage areas and a very low center of gravity providing for unsurpassed stability,” said Karl Hacken, Bollinger Motors’ lead engineer. “The hydraulically-assisted steering rack was designed in-house allowing us the ability to fine tune the driving dynamics to our exact specifications.”

Although the truck is lighter than a Tesla, it is an aerodynamic brick rolling on big-honkin’ Mud Terrain LT285/70/R17 tires with high offset aluminum wheels. Also, Bollinger estimates efficiency at a relatively low by automotive standards 67.4 MPGe.

Further, not stated is electric range when this thing is slinging mud, and climbing and charging hard off in the backcountry. For its part, the maker says the vehicle should satisfy.

The battery compartments are encased in four protective layers between metal casings and water tight seals. The company says these are engineered to withstand submersion under 3.3 feet of water for 30 minutes – industry standard for EVs.

“At either a 120 or 200 mile estimated range, the Bollinger B1 will have more range than most electric vehicles on the road today,” said John Hutchison, Bollinger Motors engineer. “The average US driver travels less than 36 miles per day, so the B1 has plenty of charge for anything you throw at it. I think we found the right combination of utility, off-road capability and range options.”

Charging is by level one or level two through a standard J1772 connector, or three via a CHAdeMO charge port on the vehicle’s fender.

Minimalist Interior

The aluminum-laded interior has only vital components to operate the truck on and off road, and this is by design.

“The interior follows the strong and straight-line design of the exterior using simplicity and straight-forwardness as the main design language,” said Ross Compton, who assisted Bollinger with the design of the B1. “We also wanted to give the vehicle a feel of openness and spaciousness so you can use the vehicle in a variety of different ways.”

On the lower left side of the dash are controls for lights, windshield wipers, air suspension and the built-in winch. On the lower right are controls for front differential lock, rear differential lock, fan speed and climate control.

“An industry first” 3-section roller system is utilized by the HVAC system, and controls are rubber sealed so owners can put down their cigars for a moment and hose out the truck after a day of thrashing it in dirty terrain.

Note 13 inch by 14 inch passthrough door. The compartment allows for easy access into the frunk and can accommodate up to 24 2X4 boards.

The in-dash waterproof receiver has Bluetooth capability with AM/FM Radio, AUX Input for iPod/MP3 Players and SD/USB Flash Readers. Also included are 110-volt outlets.

“Since the B1 is an all-electric truck, it’s really a portable energy source,” said CEO Robert Bollinger. “So we put 100 volt plugs throughout the truck so you can use it to power any equipment and tools you might need out in the field. USB and 12 volt plugs are also integrated into the dash to cover all power needs.”

Business Case

Bollinger says it’s done its homework, and this is a vehicle that is to see production.

It’s talking with U.S. based third-party vehicle manufacturers, and is also communicating with the state of New York regarding potential future build facilities.

“While we’ll be announcing pricing and manufacturing targets later this year, the business case for the B1 makes sense at a very realistic and modest production number and at a price point of a nicely equipped sport utility vehicle,” said Bollinger. “When you factor in this vehicle’s superiority over the other choices on today’s market, we think we have a winning combination.”

Bollinger says once production starts, the first units will be delivered to customers within 19 months.

Those interested can presently hold a place in line with no money down, and starting early next year reservation holders will be able to preorder the B1 with a $1,000 down.

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