In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) has announced that its subsidiary, Bollinger Motors, has secured certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its B4 all-electric, Class 4 low forward chassis truck. This certification marks a crucial step forward in Bollinger’s journey to bring its innovative EV to market and electrify commercial fleets across the United States.
The CARB certification is a prerequisite for selling vehicles in California and 14 other states, including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. This expanded market access represents a substantial opportunity for Bollinger Motors to establish a strong presence in key EV-friendly regions.
One of the most notable implications of this certification is the financial incentive it unlocks for potential customers. According to the announcement, B4 EV truck buyers may now be eligible for federal and state incentives of up to $100,000. This substantial financial support could significantly accelerate the adoption of Bollinger’s electric trucks by commercial fleet operators looking to transition to more sustainable transportation solutions.
Bryan Chambers, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bollinger Motors, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, ‘The CARB certification represents an important milestone in our mission to bring a world-class electric vehicle to market.’ Chambers further noted that meeting environmental requirements is critical to satisfying customer expectations and delivering sale-ready vehicles.
The timing of this certification aligns well with Bollinger’s production plans. The company has announced that it intends to commence production of the B4 on September 16, 2024, with customer deliveries expected to begin the following month in October. This timeline gives potential customers and industry observers a clear roadmap for the B4’s market entry.
The significance of this development extends beyond Bollinger Motors to its parent company, Mullen Automotive. As an emerging player in the EV manufacturing space, Mullen has been making strides in establishing its presence in the commercial EV sector. The company operates two U.S.-based vehicle plants: a 120,000-square-foot facility in Tunica, Mississippi, and a larger 650,000-square-foot plant in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Mullen’s progress in the commercial EV space is further evidenced by its recent achievements. In August 2023, the company began commercial vehicle production in Tunica. The following month, Mullen received IRS approval for federal EV tax credits on its commercial vehicles, gaining Qualified Manufacturer designation. This status offers eligible customers up to $7,500 per vehicle, further enhancing the attractiveness of Mullen’s product lineup.
As of January 2024, both the Mullen ONE, a Class 1 EV cargo van, and Mullen THREE, a Class 3 EV cab chassis truck, have received CARB and EPA certification, making them available for sale in the United States. These certifications, along with the recent CARB approval for Bollinger’s B4, demonstrate Mullen’s commitment to meeting stringent environmental standards across its product range.
The CARB certification for Bollinger’s B4 truck is a testament to the growing momentum in the commercial EV sector. As more companies and municipalities seek to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs, the availability of certified, incentive-eligible electric trucks like the B4 could play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation solutions.
For investors and industry observers, this development signals Mullen Automotive’s progress in positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving EV landscape. The company’s multi-pronged approach, encompassing various vehicle classes and leveraging strategic subsidiaries like Bollinger Motors, suggests a comprehensive strategy to capture market share in the burgeoning electric commercial vehicle segment.
As Bollinger Motors moves closer to the production and delivery of its B4 electric trucks, the industry will be watching closely to see how this CARB-
This news story relied on a press release distributed by InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN). Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp™. The source URL for this press release is Mullen’s Subsidiary Bollinger Motors Secures CARB Certification for B4 Electric Truck.