Mullen Reveals All-Electric Mobile EV Charging Truck And More

One of the major concerns current and potential customers of electric vehicles (EVs) have had for a long while has been that of charging anxiety.

While EVs are great for the environment by reducing carbon emissions, the time taken for a user to charge their vehicle remains a worry. Especially when considering an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle can be topped up in a few minutes.

Despite the industry’s rapid growth rate, an added concern surrounds the availability of charging stations and low numbers of locations of such stations.

This is a concern that even online homestay and hospitality marketplace Airbnb recognizes, as it partnered with ChargePoint to install chargers at Airbnb locations, along with other benefits.

Additionally, EV charger company ABB revealed a new fast charger, while Korean researchers are aiming for rapid charging.

On the other hand, Southern California-based automotive company, Mullen Automotive, is taking a different approach by launching its latest product – the PowerUP mobile charging system and electric truck. 

So, what’s PowerUP all about? Let’s explore!
 

What Is The Mullen PowerUP About?

 

• Through a news release published on its website, Mullen Automotive announced its newest EV charging product, the PowerUP mobile charging system, which is a zero-emissions, all-electric mobile EV charging truck.

• The PowerUP is based on the all-electric Mullen THREE, a Class 3 cab chassis EV truck.

• The new version will be offered on the company’s own Class 3 all-electric cab chassis truck and replaces the previous gasoline Class 5 cab chassis platform and a dual-fuel (propane/natural gas) power generation unit.

• PowerUP was first introduced in July 2023 as a mobile EV charging truck with level 2 and level 3 DC fast charging capabilities.

• The idea was to service areas where power is not available, aid in roadside assistance for EVs, act as a power backup and help with emergency responses.

• In addition to offering multiple platform integration and scaling options, the new PowerUP will offer “significant improvements in charging capabilities and versatility”.

• Mullen will develop the PowerUP at its High Energy Facility located in Fullerton, California, which is a facility dedicated to producing the next-generation of American-made EV battery packs.

 

What Are The Technical Details Of The Mullen PowerUP?

 

• Coming in with a peak capacity of 160 kWh (output capacity of 20kW (up to 160kW) 120V/240V/480V AC) and sporting Level 3 DC fast charging, off-grid AC power and micro-grid connectivity, PowerUP can be powered by new or re-purposed battery cells and can offer a range from 10kW to 1MW.

• It features two Level 3 Fast Chargers (60 kW each output), 12V jumper terminals and offers additional PowerUP recharging options, including solar and wind off grid power generation, bi-directional 480V grid connection.

 

What Did Mullen’s CEO Say About The Mullen PowerUP?

 

• David Michery, CEO and Chairman of Mullen Automotive, said, “We're constantly innovating and adapting to meet the evolving needs of the industry.”

• [Contd.] “The feedback on the initial PowerUP concept was overwhelmingly positive, but the market is clearly looking for a zero-emission solution. By leveraging our all-electric Mullen THREE, the new PowerUP delivers recharging at a higher level of scalability and performance while offering zero emissions for both the vehicle and power unit.”

 

What Else Did Mullen Announce?

 

• As per a news release published by the company, Mullen announced that the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Department of Energy Resources (DOER) approved its 2024 Mullen THREE for an up to $15,000 state cash rebate voucher.

• The move comes under its MOR-EV (Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles) program, which aims to make EVs more affordable and accessible for residents, businesses and non-profit organizations in Massachusetts.

• Combining the rebate under the MOR-EV program with the available $7,500 federal tax credit, the price of the Mullen THREE EV truck would effectively be reduced from its suggested MSRP of $68,500 to approximately $46,000.

• As it powers forward, Mullen also announced the addition of a zero-emissions commercial vehicle dealership, Eco Auto, as its newest franchise dealer.

• As per the company, “Eco Auto will cover national fleet opportunities for the Company’s full line of commercial electric vehicles with particular focus on the regional New England area.”

• Eco Auto’s initial vehicle order included 10 Mullen ONEs and 3 Mullen THREEs.

• Ahead of this, Mullen Automotive also announced that its subsidiary, Bollinger Motors, struck a deal worth $13.2 million to sell 80 all-electric Class 4 commercial trucks (Bollinger B4 trucks) to Momentum Groups, a leader in fleet management and EV charging solutions.

• As per the release, “Momentum will take possession of the vehicles after Bollinger Motors launches production in the second half of 2024.”

• The Bollinger B4 also qualifies for a $40,000 federal tax credit.

Do you think this move by Mullen Automotive will help it garner a strong market position? Do you think its competitors should make similar moves?

Let us know in the comments below!