Sunita Somvanshi
Mullen Automotive, an emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is making significant strides in the EV battery sector. They’ve announced a new high-energy facility in Fullerton, California, which will bolster their U.S. operations, focusing on EV battery development and production. This facility is a game-changer, capable of producing 1 GWh/year, and marks a significant step in Mullen’s commitment to zero-emission technology.
The company’s existing high-energy pilot facility in Monrovia, California, will merge with the newly acquired Romeo Power assets at this Fullerton location. By the end of 2023, Mullen plans to close the Monrovia facility, transferring all battery testing and production equipment to Fullerton. This consolidation is a strategic move to streamline their operations and enhance their battery production capabilities.
A key development in Mullen’s journey is the calibration of solid-state polymer (SSP) battery BMS for their Class 1 EV cargo van, starting in December 2023. The real-world testing of these solid-state polymer battery packs in the Class 1 EV cargo van is set to begin in Q1 2024. This move is not just a technological advancement but also a strategic one, positioning Mullen at the forefront of the EV battery industry.
The Mullen ONE, a Class 1 EV cargo van, is a central piece in this puzzle. Currently, it uses LFP chemistry with a range of 110 miles. However, with the new SSP chemistry, this range is expected to jump to over 190 miles, a 73% increase. This range enhancement is not just a number; it’s a significant leap, making Mullen’s offering potentially class-leading across all current available Class 1 commercial vehicles.
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David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive, emphasizes the company’s commitment to next-generation battery technology. He states, “We are one step closer to fulfilling our commitment to providing the next-generation of battery technology to our lineup of EV vehicles, providing a clean and safe alternative to current lithium-ion batteries.”
Mullen’s focus on American-made and packaged EV batteries has been further accelerated by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This act includes incentives for customers to purchase EVs and for manufacturers to produce EVs with domestically sourced battery materials and packaging.
The company’s portfolio is diverse, including the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover, Mullen-GO Commercial Urban Delivery EV, Mullen Commercial Class 1-3 EVs, and Bollinger Motors’ electric SUV trucks and commercial offerings. Mullen’s acquisition of Electric Last Mile Solutions’ assets, including a 650,000-square-foot plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, further solidifies their position in the EV market.
Mullen Automotive is making bold moves in the EV battery space, with a clear focus on innovation, sustainability, and American manufacturing. Their new Fullerton facility, the transition to solid-state polymer battery technology, and the strategic consolidation of their operations all point towards a future where Mullen is a key player in the EV industry.
