In conjunction with next week’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (ACT Expo) in Long Beach, CA, Bollinger Motors released details on heavier duty versions of its commercial electric vehicle platform. The company has developed Class 4 and 5 versions of its existing Class 3 electric truck for a fuller range of Chass-E platforms.

They are the culmination of more than six years of electric-vehicle engineering starting with the original Class 3 Bollinger B1 SUV, which debuted in 2017. Founded in 2015 by CEO Robert Bollinger, Oak Park, MI-based Bollinger Motors is best known for its upcoming B1 sport utility truck and the B2 pickup truck targeted at the passenger-vehicle market, production of which is expected to start in late 2022.

“We started from day one working on Class 3 all-electric trucks,” said Bollinger. “We’ve proven our chops over the years with multiple prototypes, and our own battery development. Now we’re proud to take that hard work and provide electric-chassis solutions for OEMs and commercial customers in Classes 3, 4, and 5—where large payloads, sufficient range, and long-life durability are practically mandatory.”

The Chass-E platforms are fully operational electric skateboards intended for applications including chassis cabs, last-mile delivery vans, freight trucks, bucket trucks, airport tugs, and autonomous vehicles.

Adding to the 8000-lb payload Chass-E-3 are the 9000-lb Chass-E-4 and 11,000-lb Chass-E-5. All three platforms pull their energy from the patent-pending Bollinger Motors 700-V battery packs available in 140-, 210-, and 280-kW·h capacities.

The battery pack is composed of modules in 35-kW·h strings that can be connected in series or parallel to form a variety of pack sizes and configurations in both 350- and 700-V configurations. The modules are connected to both sides of a symmetrical and structural I-beam that includes channels through which cooling fluid is pumped. The I-beams also provide cross-vehicle structural support and help protect the pack from side intrusions.

“The variety of battery packs available to all three vehicle-class sizes means that the end customers can choose their payload, wheelbase, price point, and mile-range targets that best suit their fleet,” said Frank Jenkins, Commercial Sales Director for Bollinger Motors.

The platforms are powered by solid-rear-axle E-Drives engineered for long-life commercial use.

“Solid rear axles are the cornerstone for commercial fleets,” said David Cripps, Chief Engineer at Bollinger Motors. “They are stronger and more durable than alternative ways to electrify trucks. It’s the most efficient way to switch to electrification while keeping what works best for commercial.”

The Chass-E platform now spans GVWRs of 14,000 to 19,500 lb, cargo capacities of more than 800 to 1200 ft³ (22,650 to 34,000 L), and wheelbases of 139 to 190 in (3530 to 4830 mm). The range is up to more than 200 mi (320 km). Features include 14.7-kW power export, upfit-ready straight rail design, over-the-air updates, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot/360-degree cameras.