Failed EV Startup Mullen Five Concept Car Surfaces For Sale
An orphaned piece of electric vehicle startup history has unexpectedly surfaced on the secondary market. A unique prototype of the Mullen Five crossover—a vehicle originally pitched to challenge market leaders like the Tesla Model Y—has been listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace for $8,000. This rare vehicle offers a rare look into a failed automotive venture.
For context, Mullen Automotive embarked on a tumultuous journey through the automotive sector starting around 2020. Pitching ambitious plans to deliver accessible, high-performance electric crossovers, the company completed a public market listing via a reverse merger. However, investor confidence quickly eroded as operational milestones slipped and share values suffered steep declines over subsequent quarters.
Industry filings reveal that Mullen primarily sought to import and rebadge established Chinese electric vehicle platforms for the North American market. Although the company acquired a physical manufacturing plant in Tunica, Mississippi, commercial vehicle assembly never reached scale. The proposed crossover, originally designated as the MX-05 before becoming the Five, never advanced to mass production.
The Turbulent Rise and Fall of Mullen Automotive
Legal hurdles further compounded the startup’s operational struggles. Class-action shareholder lawsuits resulted in a $7.25 million settlement payout in 2022. In an attempt to pivot into commercial utility vehicles, Mullen acquired controlling interest in Bollinger Motors. However, continuous cash burn ultimately forced the company to shut down Bollinger operations before entering receivership.
The formal liquidation of Mullen marked the end of its ambitious roadmap, which had included plans for a high-performance, ultra-fast crossover dubbed the Mullen Five RS. Today, the corporate entity no longer exists, leaving behind scattered intellectual property, physical assets, and this solitary concept vehicle as a testament to its brief, chaotic existence.
Deconstructing the Listed Concept Prototype
The recently surfaced online listing provides automotive enthusiasts with a close look at the remaining concept vehicle. Video footage included with the sale display shows the car moving under its own power, confirming that it is more than just a static clay model. However, its actual mechanical capabilities are severely limited compared to original promises.
Instead of an advanced high-voltage lithium-ion architecture, propulsion is supplied by five 12-volt lead-acid batteries wired in series. This rudimentary setup limits the vehicle to a modest top speed of roughly 15 miles per hour. Underneath the sculpted front hood sits a basic battery cluster rather than a modern electric drive unit.
Despite its limited top speed, the prototype features surprisingly high-end chassis hardware. Photographs show custom coilover suspension components, massive 23-inch alloy wheels, and high-performance Brembo brake calipers reportedly specified for a BMW M2 chassis. These premium hardware choices highlight the contrasting priorities often found in auto show display vehicles.
Interior Realities and Chassis Potential
Step inside the vehicle, and the concept reveals a cabin that appears remarkably close to production specification. Modern infotainment screens, finished upholstery, and integrated dashboard controls suggest that Mullen invested heavily in interior design. The refined interior provides a glimpse of the premium aesthetic the company intended to deliver to retail buyers.
Uncertainty remains regarding the structural integrity of the underlying chassis. Given Mullen’s strategy of leveraging existing vehicle platforms from overseas manufacturers, it is possible that the vehicle utilizes a real production platform underneath its bodywork. Alternatively, it might simply be a reinforced rolling shell created specifically for the auto show circuit.
The Feasibility of an EV Powertrain Swap
For ambitious fabricators, transforming this orphan concept into a fully functional road car presents a complex engineering challenge. Upgrading from lead-acid batteries to a modern electric vehicle powertrain requires retrofitting a traction pack, electric drive motors, an inverter, and a thermal management system into an unproven, custom vehicle structure.
Beyond mechanical integration, builder-enthusiasts face formidable regulatory and safety obstacles. Programming custom vehicle control units, establishing reliable steering geometry, and securing road-legal registration for a vehicle lacking standard compliance documentation could quickly escalate costs. The project requires extensive custom fabrication expertise, specialized electrical knowledge, and substantial financial backing.
The Financial and Practical Verdict for Collectors
From a purely financial perspective, an asking price of $8,000 for a non-functional concept shell is a questionable investment. Builders seeking a custom electric vehicle conversion can easily purchase proven donor platforms with established aftermarket support, crash-tested safety structures, and readily available replacement parts for a fraction of the total project cost.
Nevertheless, this rare prototype offers something traditional project cars cannot match: absolute exclusivity. As a surviving relic of a defunct startup, it stands as a fascinating physical artifact of the modern electric vehicle boom. For the right automotive collector, owning a one-of-a-kind concept vehicle may be worth every penny.