The Curious Case of the Mullen Five Concept Car: A Failed Startup's Lingering Legacy
Unraveling the Enigma: A Startup's Ambition and Demise
The Genesis of a Failed Electric Dream: Mullen's Brief Foray into EVs
Many may be unfamiliar with the Mullen Five, an electric concept car unveiled by an American startup a few years ago with the bold ambition of challenging Tesla's dominance. However, this vision never materialized into a production vehicle. Evidence suggests that the development never progressed beyond the conceptual stage, lacking functional batteries, motors, or even fully roadworthy chassis. Despite the company's collapse, a rare opportunity has emerged: one of these elusive concept cars is now listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
A Tumultuous Journey: The Rise and Fall of Mullen Automotive
Mullen's history is a brief yet eventful one. The American automaker initially aimed to rebadge Chinese electric vehicles and went public in 2020, only to see its share price plummet the following year. The company acquired a manufacturing facility in Mississippi but never commenced production there. Early plans for an electric crossover, the MX-05, intended to rival the Model Y, were eventually rebranded simply as the "Five." In 2022, facing shareholder lawsuits, Mullen paid out $7.25 million. Subsequently, it acquired a controlling stake in Bollinger Motors, later renaming it Bollinger Innovations, before ultimately dissolving Bollinger Motors in 2025 and entering receivership in 2026. In essence, Mullen Automotive no longer exists.
The Legacy of the Five: A Concept Car's Limited Reality
The Mullen Five was slated for a 2024 launch, with an ultra-fast Mullen Five RS variant also announced. What remains of these ambitious plans is this singular concept car, which barely qualifies as a functional automobile. While a video in the Marketplace listing shows it moving, its roadworthiness is questionable; it may simply be a rolling display shell for auto shows.
Under the Hood: A Glimpse at the Concept's Components
Currently, the concept car's top speed is a mere 15 mph, powered by five series-connected lead-acid 12-volt batteries. Curiously, it features a Brembo brake kit, reportedly designed for a BMW M2, though this is difficult to verify from online photos. It is also described as having coilover suspension, although the specific type is unspecified, and it rides on 23-inch wheels.
The Interior: A Touch of Production-Ready Design
The vehicle boasts a complete interior that appears to be near production quality, exhibiting an appealing aesthetic. This suggests that with a proper electric powertrain, rather than just 12-volt batteries, it could transform into a unique and engaging project car. Examining the battery compartment, it's uncertain what type of motor could fit or whether the structure is truly capable of supporting a roadworthy system. Given Mullen's original strategy of rebadging Chinese EVs, it's plausible that the underlying structure is a legitimate car chassis, albeit lacking its intended propulsion system.
A Peculiar Investment: The Value Proposition of a Defunct Concept
The question arises: is spending $8,000 on this concept car from a failed startup for an EV powertrain conversion a sound investment? Many other intriguing vehicles are available at lower costs for similar project endeavors. However, owning this Mullen Five might offer an unparalleled sense of exclusivity, as it could be one of the few, if not the only, remaining examples on the road, possessing something even the world's wealthiest individuals do no