Bollinger Motors, once touted as one of Michigan’s most promising EV startups, has officially shut down after years of financial setbacks, lawsuits, and missed payroll. Internal emails obtained by the Detroit Free Press confirm the company closed its doors on November 21, marking the end of a decade-long effort to bring its rugged electric trucks to market.
In an email to staff, Human Resources Director Helen Watson told employees the news arrived late the night before.
“We received word late last night that the day has arrived, we are to officially close the doors of Bollinger Motors, effective today, November 21st, 2025,” she wrote, adding, “It is the end of an era but one you should all be very proud of.”
The collapse comes after mounting evidence that Bollinger was running out of cash. Employees had already gone unpaid for two pay periods, leading to 59 claims for unpaid wages filed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. COO Walter Collins warned staff on October 31 that payroll was delayed due to a lack of funds, and subsequent emails revealed the company still had not secured financing.
A Startup That Never Found Its Footing
Founded in 2015, Bollinger Motors initially captured attention with its boxy, military-inspired B1 SUV and B2 pickup—both priced well north of $120,000. Despite significant interest, neither vehicle ever entered production.
In 2022, California-based Mullen Automotive bought a controlling stake and pushed the company toward commercial EVs, leading to development of the B4 Class 4 electric chassis cab. But even that pivot wasn’t enough. A debut production run in 2024 generated optimism, but the financial strain never eased.
The company’s troubles deepened in March when founder Robert Bollinger sued over a $10 million loan he provided in 2024, alleging the company was broke. Although the loan was eventually repaid, at least six suppliers filed lawsuits seeking more than $5 million in overdue payments.
Meanwhile, Bollinger was under pressure from the State of Michigan after failing to meet the job-creation milestones tied to a $3 million economic development grant. As of September 30, the company still had zero qualified new jobs and just 50 base employees, far short of its commitments.
The Final Chapter
After taking over leadership in June, Mullen CEO David Michery restructured the brand under the “Bollinger Innovations” umbrella. While Bollinger Motors—the entity responsible for the B4—has now shut down, Bollinger Innovations remains operational.
Watson told employees that Michery intends to “make us whole with regards to the remaining monies” owed for the missed pay periods. She added that checks for the overdue October 31 payroll were expected to arrive within days.
Bollinger’s website still declares it builds “the most bad-ass electric commercial trucks on the planet,” but with operations halted, the company’s future appears limited to whatever survives under the Bollinger Innovations banner.
