Hi there! The electric vehicle revolution is in full swing, and one of the most talked-about new EVs is the GMC Hummer EV pickup truck. This hulking "supertruck" marks the return of the Hummer brand, but with a futuristic all-electric twist.
In this article, we‘ll take a comprehensive look at what makes the resurrected Hummer EV tick. We‘ll cover all the key specs, pricing details, range estimates, interior features and more on this beastly EV. Let‘s get started!
An Electric Beast Reborn
First, a quick history lesson. The original Hummer brand was created in the early 1990s when AM General began selling a civilian version of the military Humvee. GM acquired Hummer in 1999 but discontinued the brand in 2010 due to changing consumer tastes and environmental concerns.
Now, GM is bringing Hummer back to life – but this time as an all-electric vehicle with a focus on high performance and advanced technology. The reimagined Hummer EV aims to balance power, luxury and off-road grit with eco-friendly sensibilities.
GM gave us a sneak peek at the Hummer EV in Super Bowl LIV ads and opened reservations in 2020. Production is slated to begin in late 2021, with the $112,595 Edition 1 pickup truck model coming first. An SUV variant will follow.
Hummer EV: Under the Hood
So what‘s powering this hulking EV? The Hummer EV pickup packs some seriously heavy-duty electric motors and tech:
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Triple Motor Drive: Three separate motors – one on each axle plus one up front solely for steering assistance. This enables impressive off-road maneuverability.
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Up to 1000 HP / 11,500 lb-ft Torque: The max power output comes from a newly developed three-motor e4WD system producing a staggering 1000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque – that‘s more than most gas-powered supercars!
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800V Battery Architecture: The large 200+ kWh battery uses an advanced 800V electrical system architecture for rapid charging.
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0-60 mph in 3 Seconds: The Edition 1 can rocket from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds thanks to all that power.
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350 kW Charging: With 350 kW fast-charging capability, the Hummer EV can regain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
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AWD: The standard all-wheel drive system provides tremendous off-road capability. Front and rear eLocker differentials improve traction.
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CrabWalk: This clever feature uses rear steering to enable the vehicle to move diagonally – ideal for navigating tight trails.
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Extract Mode: Raises the suspension 6 inches for extreme off-road clearance.
The Hummer EV‘s dedicated EV platform is known as Ultium Drive. It incorporates wireless battery management and remote self-driving capabilities that should improve over time via over-the-air software updates.
Range and Efficiency
So how far can this muscular electric truck travel on a full battery? Here are the range estimates GM has released:
- Edition 1: 329 miles
- EV3X: 300+ miles
- EV2X: 300+ miles
- EV2: 250 miles
That 329-mile max range on the Edition 1 model beats out top rivals like the 322-mile Ford F-150 Lightning. However, GM has not yet revealed MPGe efficiency ratings for the Hummer EV.
Early analysis indicates that due to its immense size and weight, the Hummer EV may be much less efficient than other electric trucks. For example, the Rivian R1T pickup achieves 70 MPGe with 314 miles of range on a smaller 180 kWh battery.
Clearly range took priority over efficiency in the Hummer EV‘s design – it swallows a lot of electrons! But for customers who value power over efficiency, the tradeoffs may be worth it.
Ultra-Fast Charging
The Hummer EV‘s 800V battery system allows for lightning-quick DC fast charging:
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100 miles in 10 minutes: That‘s the time it takes to add 100 miles of range using the max 350 kW fast-charging output.
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Up to 160 miles in 12 minutes: GM testing showed the Hummer EV gained 158 miles of range in just 12 minutes on a 350 kW charger.
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19 miles per minute: At peak charging speed, the Hummer EV can add over 19 miles of range per charging minute. That allows it to recharge at record pace.
Home charging takes much longer, however. With the standard 11.5 kW AC home charger, replenishing a near-empty battery could take:
- 24+ hours on a standard 120V outlet
- 10-12 hours on 240V (30 amp)
- Still 4-5 hours even on 240V (50 amp)
So easy access to DC fast chargers will be key for Hummer EV owners who want to recharge quickly on road trips.
Hummer EV: Pricing and Models
Ready to get your hands on the new Supertruck? Be prepared to pay a super premium. Here is a breakdown of Hummer EV model pricing:
Hummer EV Pickup Pricing
- EV2 – $79,995
- EV2X – $89,995
- EV3X – $99,995
- Edition 1 (Sold Out) – $112,595
Hummer EV SUV Pricing
- EV2 – $79,995
- EU2X – $89,995
- EV3X – $99,995
- Edition 1 (Sold Out) – $105,595
The Edition 1 launch models sold out almost immediately. But even the "base" EV2 pickup starts just shy of $80,000 – far higher than competitors like the $40,000 Ford F-150 Lightning or $67,500 Rivian R1T.
Clearly, the revived Hummer commands a luxury price tag. But GM‘s market research showed buyers interested in the brand’s uniqueness would pay a premium. Target customers include affluent outdoor enthusiasts and early tech adopters.
Hummer EV buyers can claim a $7,500 federal EV tax credit plus state incentives where available. That helps offset the costs somewhat.
Packed With Tech Goodies
The Hummer EV‘s interior highlights include:
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Removable Infinity Roof: Made of transparent Sky Panels that can be taken off without tools for an open-air feel. They store in the frunk.
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Huge Touchscreen: 13.4-inch infotainment screen with sharp graphics and Off-Road widgets.
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Digital Dash: Customizable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster keeps drivers informed.
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Drive Mode Control: Center console drive mode selector lets drivers fine-tune the performance.
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Power-Extending Tailgate: MultiPro tailgate can be configured six ways for easier access and storage.
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Super Cruise Available: Cutting-edge hands-free driver assistance works on compatible pre-mapped highways.
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14 Bose Speakers: Premium audio system with speaker panels in the headrests.
GM didn‘t skimp on tech and connectivity features for the Hummer EV‘s interior. Creature comforts and convenience are maximized.
Rugged, Bold Exterior Styling
The new Hummer EV sports rugged styling with modern cues such as:
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Illuminated Grille: The 6-slat grille illuminates and animates in different drive modes.
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UltraVision: Slim front and rear LED lights enhance visibility.
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Innovative Roof: Modular panels remove without tools for an open-air experience.
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Power Extenders: Side steps and bumper end caps extend to assist entering/exiting.
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Underbody Armor: Steel plates and aluminum shields protect components.
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Steel Bumpers: Heavy-duty steel front and rear bumpers can handle abuse.
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Mounted Spare Tire: Swing-out carrier mounts a full-size spare on the tailgate.
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Power Retractable Handles: Sleekly retract out of sight.
Rugged engineering meets modern design in the Hummer EV‘s distinctive styling. Form follows function.
How Does It Compare?
So how does the reborn Hummer stack up against its electric truck rivals? Here‘s a quick comparison on key specs:
| Specs | Hummer EV | Rivian R1T | F-150 Lightning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 329 mi max | 314 mi max | 320 mi max |
| 0-60 mph | 3 sec | 3 sec | Mid 4 sec |
| Horsepower | 1000 hp | 750 hp | 563 hp |
| Torque | 11,500 lb-ft | 829 lb-ft | 775 lb-ft |
| Max Charging | 350 kW | 200 kW | 150 kW |
| Base Price | $79,995 | $67,500 | $39,974 |
The Hummer EV beats the competition on power, torque ratings and charging speed. But it still loses on efficiency and overall value.
Compared to gas-powered trucks, the Hummer EV provides a quieter, quicker and more high-tech driving experience. Its tank-turn and CrabWalk features even outperform advanced ICE trucks off-road.
High Demand, Low Supply
Despite its niche market status, the Hummer EV has seen tremendous demand. Here are some telling stats:
- Over 80,000 reservations to date
- Edition 1 models sold out in 10 minutes
- Over 50,000 reservations for the pickup alone
- Wait times extending over 12 months in some cases
This shows many customers are eagerly awaiting the Hummer EV despite the premium pricing. However, production constraints mean long waits for delivery.
Only about 1100 Hummer EV Edition 1 models will be built in 2022, per GM‘s projections. Ramping up output will take time – and patience for those holding reservations.
The Verdict
The GMC Hummer EV aims to make a dramatic reentry by combining extremely capable electric truck performance with next-gen tech in one visually stunning package.
It promises to deliver both off-road adventure capability and on-road luxury cruising. But despite the Hummer‘s hype and cool factor, it does have some downsides:
Positives:
- Caution-to-the-wind torque and acceleration
- Strong max range of 329 miles
- Fast charging capability
- High-tech interior with useful features
- Removable roof panels for open-air thrill
- Excellent off-road talents
- Cutting-edge engineering and tech
Negatives:
- Exorbitant starting price
- Low energy efficiency
- Excessive weight hurts handling
- Possible quality issues as a new model
- Long wait times due to low availability
While not the perfect EV for everyone, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV should thrill buyers looking for extreme performance capabilities, flashy styling and the latest tech features.
Its launch symbolizes GM‘s commitment to an all-electric future – even for its largest, most iconic trucks and SUVs. For better or worse, this Hummer is a force to be reckoned with!
So in summary, the reborn Electric Hummer delivers outrageous power and innovation, but at the cost of efficiency. For well-heeled buyers seeking a uniquely thrilling EV experience, it provides an enticing – if expensive – option.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to chat more about this wild electric truck.