Mullen Automotive announced that its subsidiary Bollinger Motors has secured certification from the California Air Resources Board for its B4 all-electric Class 4 low forward chassis truck. This certification is required for vehicle sales 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. The expanded market access represents substantial opportunity for Bollinger Motors to establish presence in key EV-friendly regions.
The certification unlocks significant financial incentives for potential customers, with B4 EV truck buyers now eligible for federal and state incentives of up to $100,000. This substantial financial support could accelerate adoption of Bollinger's electric trucks by commercial fleet operators transitioning to sustainable transportation solutions. Bryan Chambers, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bollinger Motors, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating that meeting environmental requirements is critical to satisfying customer expectations and delivering sale-ready vehicles.
The timing aligns with Bollinger's production plans, with the company intending to commence B4 production on September 16, 2024, and customer deliveries expected to begin the following month in October. This development extends beyond Bollinger Motors to parent company Mullen Automotive, which 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 commercial EV space includes beginning commercial vehicle production in Tunica in August 2023 and receiving IRS approval for federal EV tax credits the following month, gaining Qualified Manufacturer designation that offers eligible customers up to $7,500 per vehicle.
As of January 2024, both the Mullen ONE Class 1 EV cargo van and Mullen THREE Class 3 EV cab chassis truck have received CARB and EPA certification, making them available for sale in the United States. These certifications demonstrate Mullen's commitment to meeting stringent environmental standards across its product range. The CARB certification for Bollinger's B4 truck represents growing momentum in commercial EV sector as companies and municipalities seek to reduce carbon footprint and operating costs. The availability of certified, incentive-eligible electric trucks like the B4 could play crucial role in accelerating transition to sustainable transportation solutions.
For investors and industry observers, this development signals Mullen Automotive's progress in positioning itself as significant player in evolving EV landscape. The company's multi-pronged approach encompassing various vehicle classes and leveraging strategic subsidiaries like Bollinger Motors suggests comprehensive strategy to capture market share in burgeoning electric commercial vehicle segment. As Bollinger Motors moves closer to production and delivery of its B4 electric trucks, the industry will be watching closely to see how this CARB certification translates into commercial success and market adoption.
