eVehicle Technology
Bollinger Motors has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its Passthrough and Frunkgate. U.S. Patent No. US20190351950A1 illustrates how Bollinger Motors has harnessed the opportunity, presented by the absence of a traditional powertrain, to reconfigure the vehicle, which will enable electric trucks the unique ability to haul extra long objects.
“The Passthrough and Frunkgate have been among our trucks’ most defining features, and were an integral part of our DNA since day one,” says CEO, Robert Bollinger. “Our new patent is proof that Bollinger Motors is reinventing trucks from the ground up.”
U.S. Patent No. US20190351950A1 is composed of:
Passthrough
The Passthrough refers to the opening that spans the length of the vehicle, from the front-cargo space (frunk), through the interior of the cab, to the rear of the vehicle.
In the Bollinger B1 sport utility truck and the B2 pickup, the Passthrough enables an uninterrupted 13-foot and 16-foot path, respectively, with the Frunkgate and tailgate closed. With the tailgate down, even longer objects can be transported.
Frunkgate
The Frunkgate refers to the fold-down portion on the nose of the truck, similar to a tailgate. The Frunkgate allows cargo to be inserted through the front of both the Bollinger B1 and B2. Lifting the hood allows even more access to the frunk. An additional, lockable door in the passenger cabin allows access from the front seats. The total storage space in the frunk on both trucks is 8.6 cubic feet, and it contains four electrical outlets, making it the perfect spot to store and connect power tools.
Opening the Frunkgate, the Passthrough, and the tailgate allows a direct view through the entire vehicle. This Bollinger Motors design breakthrough allows seamless transport of tall ladders, long boards, lumber, oars, and more.
The patent is one component of the Bollinger Motors intellectual-property portfolio. Bollinger Motors has also filed patent protection for its all-electric, all-wheel drive Class 3 vehicles. The provisional patent application – 62936929 – was filed on November 18, 2019.
Production for the Bollinger Motors B1 sport utility truck and B2 pickup is slated to begin in 2021, alongside the E-Chassis and B2 Chassis Cab, the world’s first and only Class 3 all-electric chassis-cab truck platform.
