Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, announced that its subsidiary, Bollinger Motors, has received certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its B4 all-electric, Class 4 low forward chassis truck. This certification is a critical milestone, allowing Bollinger to sell the B4 truck in 15 states including California, Colorado, and New York, as well as the District of Columbia.
CARB certification is not merely a regulatory checkpoint but a gateway to significant financial incentives for customers. According to Mullen Automotive, this certification opens the door for B4 EV truck customers to federal and state incentives of up to $100,000. This financial incentive is likely to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by making them more economically viable for businesses and fleet operators.
Bollinger Motors plans to initiate production of the B4 on September 16, 2024, with customer deliveries expected to begin in October. This timeline underscores the company's commitment to bringing environmentally friendly commercial vehicles to market promptly.
"The CARB certification represents an important milestone in our mission to bring a world-class electric vehicle to market," commented Bryan Chambers, Bollinger Motors' president and chief operating officer. "Environmental requirements are critical to meeting customer expectations and providing sale-ready vehicles. With this important accomplishment, the B4 is one step closer to electrifying vehicle fleets from coast-to-coast."
This development is crucial not just for Mullen and Bollinger Motors but also for the broader EV industry. The ability to sell in multiple states and access substantial incentives could serve as a catalyst for other manufacturers to expedite their own compliance and certification processes. Moreover, as states like California continue to tighten emissions regulations, having CARB certification will become increasingly important for any manufacturer looking to compete in these markets.
Mullen Automotive has been making significant strides in the EV sector. The company started commercial vehicle production in Tunica, Mississippi, in August 2023 and received IRS approval for federal EV tax credits in September 2023. Mullen's other vehicles, the Mullen ONE and Mullen THREE, are also CARB and EPA certified and available for sale in the U.S. These accomplishments position Mullen as a formidable player in the growing market for commercial electric vehicles.
The CARB certification of the B4 electric truck by Bollinger Motors represents a significant step forward in the transition to sustainable transportation. With the production and delivery timelines set, businesses and fleet operators have a clear path to integrating zero-emission vehicles into their operations, benefiting from both environmental impacts and financial incentives.
