Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: MULN) has announced a strategic partnership between its subsidiary, Bollinger Motors, and Broadway Ford Truck Center in St. Louis, significantly expanding Bollinger's footprint in the Midwest. This collaboration underscores the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles and the shared commitment of both companies to innovation and sustainability in the sector.
The partnership introduces the Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab, an all-electric Class 4 commercial truck, to the Midwest market through Broadway Ford Truck Center. With a 158-kilowatt-hour battery and a design optimized for fleet operations, the B4 Chassis Cab offers businesses a sustainable alternative to traditional trucks, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
This expansion is part of Mullen Automotive's broader strategy to enhance its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The company operates two U.S.-based vehicle plants in Tunica, Mississippi, and Mishawaka, Indiana, with a combined manufacturing space of 770,000 square feet, supporting its ambitious production goals.
Recent achievements by Mullen include the commencement of commercial vehicle production in Tunica in August 2023 and the receipt of IRS approval for federal EV tax credits, offering up to $7,500 per vehicle to eligible customers. These milestones, along with the expansion of its commercial dealer network to seven dealers, position Mullen as a key player in the EV sector.
Further bolstering its market position, Mullen's vehicles, including the Mullen ONE and Mullen THREE, have received certifications from the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and EPA, making them available for sale across the U.S. The CARB-issued HVIP approval for the Mullen THREE provides an additional incentive, offering up to a $45,000 cash voucher at purchase.
The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) status approval for Mullen's Tunica plant enhances its competitiveness by offering benefits such as duty deferment and elimination on exported vehicles. This strategic advantage, combined with the Broadway Ford Truck Center partnership, accelerates the adoption of electric commercial vehicles in the Midwest and beyond, signaling a transformative shift in the industry.
