The Bollinger B4 EV Truck at a Glance
The Bollinger B4 is a commercial-focused Class 4 electric truck announced for fleet and vocational buyers, not a consumer pickup like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T. As of early 2026, Bollinger Motors has targeted limited production with a ~200-mile EPA-estimated range, a ~150 kWh NMC battery pack, and an anticipated starting price in the $125,000–$160,000 range before incentives. The B4 is aimed at last-mile delivery, utility, and municipal fleets — not daily commuters. If you're a private buyer looking for an electric work truck, the F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, or Rivian R1T remain the only production-ready options today.
Who Is the Bollinger B4 Actually For?
Bollinger Motors carved a niche by targeting the underserved Class 3–4 commercial segment — think box trucks, dump bodies, utility service bodies, and cab-chassis upfits. The B4 is a cab-chassis platform designed to accept aftermarket bodies, making it fundamentally different from a consumer pickup. Its buyer profile is a fleet manager or small business owner who needs a zero-emission vocational truck for defined routes under 150 miles per day.
For individual consumers searching for a "Bollinger EV truck," it's essential to understand: the earlier Bollinger B1 SUV and B2 pickup concepts (announced circa 2017–2019) were never produced and have been effectively shelved. Bollinger pivoted entirely to commercial vehicles. If your search intent is a rugged, boxy personal electric truck, the vehicle you're imagining does not exist in production form from Bollinger.
Announced Specifications: What We Know
Because the B4 is in limited or pre-production status, the following figures are based on Bollinger's published preliminary specifications and industry reporting. Treat these as estimates subject to change until EPA certification and customer deliveries are confirmed.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Class | Class 4 (Cab-Chassis) |
| Battery Capacity | ~150 kWh (NMC chemistry, estimated) |
| EPA Range (Est.) | ~200 miles |
| Real-World Range (Loaded/Cold) | ~140–170 miles |
| Peak DC Fast Charge | ~150 kW (est.) |
| 10–80% Charge Time | ~60–75 minutes (est.) |
| Level 2 Charging | ~19.2 kW (AC) |
| GVWR | ~20,000+ lbs |
| Payload Capacity | ~8,000+ lbs (body-dependent) |
| Estimated Base Price | $125,000–$160,000 |
| Federal Tax Credit (§30D / §45W) | Up to $40,000 for commercial (15%/30% under §45W for fleets) |
A few notes on these numbers: the ~150 kWh pack is large by consumer standards (the F-150 Lightning Extended Range uses a 131 kWh pack), but a Class 4 truck hauling thousands of pounds of payload demands that energy. The 200-mile range estimate assumes moderate loads and temperate conditions. Fleet operators running fully loaded routes in winter climates should plan for 25–35% range reduction, bringing practical range to 130–150 miles. This is why Bollinger targets defined, return-to-base routes — not long-haul trucking.
Bollinger B4 vs. Gas Work Trucks: Cost Comparison
The real purchase decision for a Bollinger B4 comes down to total cost of ownership (TCO) versus a comparable diesel or gas Class 4 truck (e.g., Ford F-450, Ram 4500, Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD). Here's a 5-year projection for a fleet vehicle driven 30,000 miles/year (150,000 miles total):
| Cost Category | Bollinger B4 (EV) | Gas/Diesel Class 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price (est.) | $145,000 | $75,000 |
| Federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (§45W) | –$40,000 (30% of cost basis, up to $40k for vehicles over 14,000 lbs) | $0 |
| Net Effective Purchase | $105,000 | $75,000 |
| Fuel/Energy (150k miles) | $9,000–$13,500 (at $0.12–$0.18/kWh commercial rate, ~2.0 kWh/mi) | $37,500–$50,000 (diesel at $4.00/gal, ~7 MPG) |
| Maintenance (150k miles) | $4,000–$6,000 (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements due to regen) | $12,000–$18,000 (oil, filters, DEF, brake service, transmission) |
| Insurance (5 years) | $18,000–$24,000 (higher due to vehicle cost and EV repair specialization) | $14,000–$18,000 |
| Estimated 5-Year TCO | $136,000–$148,500 | $138,500–$161,000 |
The math is close, but the EV pulls ahead on fuel and maintenance savings — $28,000–$40,000 in energy and maintenance savings over five years is substantial. The critical variable is the §45W Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, which for vehicles over 14,000 lbs GVWR can provide up to $40,000 (30% of cost basis for tax-exempt entities, or the incremental cost over a comparable ICE vehicle for taxable businesses — consult your tax professional for your specific situation).
This credit is fundamentally different from the §30D consumer credit. Fleet buyers and businesses use §45W, and the rules around incremental cost calculations and tax-exempt entity direct pay are complex. The IRS outlines these requirements at irs.gov.
Charging Infrastructure: The Make-or-Break Factor
For a commercial Class 4 EV, charging isn't a convenience question — it's an operational requirement. The B4's ~150 kWh battery means charging times are significantly longer than consumer EVs, and infrastructure costs are substantial.
| Charging Level | Power | Miles Added/Hour (est.) | Full Charge Time | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (19.2 kW AC) | 19.2 kW | ~10–12 mi/hr | ~8–10 hours | Overnight depot charging |
| DC Fast Charge (150 kW peak) | 150 kW | ~75–90 mi/hr (peak) | ~60–75 min (10–80%) | Mid-day top-up, opportunity charging |
A fleet depot installing multiple Level 2 chargers for overnight charging faces significant electrical upgrades. A single 19.2 kW Level 2 station requires a dedicated 100A/208-240V circuit. For a fleet of five B4 trucks charging simultaneously, you're looking at a ~500A panel upgrade or dedicated transformer, which can cost $50,000–$150,000+ depending on utility service availability. This is where many fleet EV adoption plans stall — the trucks may be ready, but the electrical infrastructure is not.
DC fast charging at 150 kW is viable for opportunity charging during driver breaks, but at commercial electricity rates ($0.15–$0.30/kWh including demand charges), it's more expensive than depot Level 2 charging. Fleet operators should model their energy costs with their utility's commercial rate structure, including demand charges — a per-kW fee based on peak usage that can dramatically increase effective electricity cost.
Common Misconceptions About the Bollinger EV Truck
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "The Bollinger B2 pickup is available to buy." | The B2 consumer pickup concept was never produced. Bollinger pivoted to commercial Class 3–4 vehicles. The B1/B2 are discontinued concepts. |
| "It qualifies for the $7,500 consumer EV tax credit." | The §30D credit applies to light-duty consumer vehicles. The B4 is a Class 4 commercial truck and falls under the §45W Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, which has different rules and can provide up to $40,000. |
| "200 miles of range isn't enough for any real work." | The average Class 4 vocational truck drives 60–120 miles per day on defined routes (utility service, last-mile delivery, municipal services). 200 miles with overnight depot charging covers most duty cycles. |
| "Electric trucks can't handle cold weather." | Cold weather reduces range 25–35% in any EV. For a 200-mile truck, that means ~130–150 miles in winter. Fleet route planning must account for this, but it doesn't make the truck unusable. |
| "I can order one today for my personal use." | The B4 is a commercial/fleet-focused vehicle. Individual consumers cannot walk into a dealership and buy one. Bollinger sells primarily through fleet channels. |
If You're a Consumer Buyer: What to Get Instead
If your interest in a "Bollinger EV truck" stems from wanting a rugged, utilitarian electric pickup for personal use, here are the production vehicles actually available in 2026:
| Model | EPA Range | Battery | 0–60 mph | Base MSRP | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Lightning (Std Range) | 240 mi | 98 kWh (NMC) | ~5.0 sec | ~$55,000 | 7,700 lbs |
| Ford F-150 Lightning (Ext Range) | 320 mi | 131 kWh (NMC) | ~4.5 sec | ~$65,000 | 10,000 lbs |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV (4WT) | ~400 mi | ~200 kWh (NMC) | ~4.5 sec | ~$60,000 | 10,000 lbs |
| Rivian R1T (Dual Motor, Standard) | 270 mi | 95 kWh (NMC) | ~4.5 sec | ~$70,000 | 11,000 lbs |
| Tesla Cybertruck (AWD) | 340 mi | ~123 kWh (NMC) | ~4.1 sec | ~$80,000 | 11,000 lbs |
All of these trucks are available for individual purchase, qualify for standard consumer financing, and — depending on trim, MSRP caps, buyer income, and battery sourcing requirements — may be eligible for the §30D New Clean Vehicle Credit of up to $7,500 (with the critical-mineral and battery-component sourcing requirements that have narrowed eligibility significantly by 2026).
Decision Framework: Should You Wait for Bollinger or Buy Now?
Choose the Bollinger B4 if:
- You operate a commercial fleet with defined daily routes under 150 miles
- You need a Class 4 cab-chassis for upfit bodies (dump, utility, box, flatbed)
- You have depot charging infrastructure or the capital to install it
- You can utilize the §45W Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit ($40,000 potential)
- You're willing to wait for production availability and early-adopter risk
Choose a Ford F-150 Lightning, Silverado EV, or Rivian R1T if:
- You're an individual consumer or small-business owner needing a personal pickup
- You need a vehicle today with established dealer service networks
- Your use case includes towing over 7,000 lbs on long highway trips
- You want access to public DC fast-charging networks (Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America)
- You need proven real-world range data and consumer warranty coverage
Choose a diesel/gas Class 4 truck if:
- Your routes exceed 200 miles daily with no mid-day charging opportunity
- You operate in extreme cold climates where range loss compounds with high payload
- Your electrical service cannot support depot charging without a $100k+ upgrade
- You need immediate vehicle availability with no production delays
What First-Time EV Buyers (and Fleet Managers) Should Know
Whether you're evaluating the B4 for a fleet or simply researching electric trucks, these principles apply:
kW vs. kWh — know the difference. Kilowatts (kW) measure power — how fast energy flows during charging. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure energy — how much the battery holds. A 150 kWh battery charged at 150 kW doesn't fill in one hour; the charge curve tapers significantly above 80% state of charge to protect the battery. Expect the 10–80% portion to take roughly the advertised time, with 80–100% adding another 30–50% more time.
EPA range is a best-case estimate. The EPA test cycle includes low-speed urban driving and moderate temperatures. Real highway driving at 70 mph, cold weather below freezing, and heavy payloads all reduce range by 15–35%. Plan your routes around 70–75% of the EPA sticker number for a safety margin.
Home charging access determines daily satisfaction. For consumer EV truck owners, a Level 2 home charger (240V, 40–80A) is nearly essential. Installation costs range from $800–$3,500 depending on panel capacity and wiring distance. Without home charging, you're dependent on public infrastructure, which adds time and cost to ownership.
Battery warranties provide long-term protection. Most EV manufacturers warranty the battery for 8 years/100,000 miles with a capacity retention threshold of 70%. For commercial vehicles, warranty terms may differ — confirm coverage specifics before purchase, as fleet duty cycles (frequent DC fast charging, heavy payloads) can affect warranty conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bollinger B2 pickup still coming?
No. Bollinger Motors officially pivoted away from consumer vehicles (the B1 SUV and B2 pickup concepts) to focus exclusively on commercial Class 3–4 electric trucks. The B2 will not enter production.
Can I buy a Bollinger B4 as an individual?
The B4 is sold through commercial and fleet channels. While there's no explicit prohibition against individual purchase, Bollinger's sales model targets fleet operators, municipalities, and businesses. Consumer-oriented electric trucks from Ford, Chevrolet, Rivian, and Tesla are far more accessible for individual buyers.
What tax credit applies to the Bollinger B4?
As a Class 4 vehicle (GVWR over 14,000 lbs), the B4 is ineligible for the §30D consumer credit. Instead, it may qualify for the §45W Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, which provides up to $40,000 for qualifying commercial vehicles. Eligibility depends on the vehicle meeting battery sourcing requirements and the buyer's tax situation. Consult a tax professional.
How does the B4's range compare to a diesel work truck?
A diesel Class 4 truck with a 40-gallon tank getting 7–8 MPG has a practical range of 280–320 miles. The B4's ~200-mile range is shorter, but for defined daily routes under 150 miles with overnight depot charging, the range is operationally sufficient. The trade-off is lower fuel cost ($0.12–$0.18/kWh vs. $4.00+/gallon diesel) and reduced maintenance.
Will the B4 have NACS or CCS charging?
Bollinger has not publicly confirmed the final charging connector specification for production B4 units. Most commercial EVs currently use CCS1, but the industry is shifting toward NACS (Tesla's connector standard). Fleet buyers should confirm the connector before specifying depot charging equipment.
