Introduction
As a digital technology expert, I‘ve been watching the rapid evolution of electric vehicles with great interest. EVs have progressed from short-range compliance cars to increasingly capable mainstream vehicles in just a decade. But the new GMC Hummer EV may just be the most impressive EV yet, showcasing how far battery-electric technology has come.
The original Hummer H1 traced its roots to the military Humvee before becoming the ultimate symbol of gas-guzzling excess in the early 2000s. Hummer shut down in 2010 during the financial crisis, but now this iconic nameplate is back as an all-electric "supertruck" under the GMC brand. By combining cutting-edge EV technology, incredible performance, off-road dominance, and bold styling, the 1000-hp Hummer EV is an electron-fueled engineering marvel.
Here are eight compelling reasons why the GMC Hummer EV deserves a spot in your garage:
1. Ultium EV Technology Delivers Unrivaled Performance
At the heart of the Hummer EV is General Motors‘ advanced Ultium EV platform. This modular architecture is the foundation for GM‘s next-generation electric vehicles, and the Hummer is the first to showcase its full potential.
The top-spec Hummer EV Edition 1 uses a massive 24-module double-stacked Ultium battery pack with an estimated 200 kWh of capacity – double that of a Tesla Model S. This battery powers three electric motors (one front, two rear) producing a combined 1000 horsepower and a staggering 11,500 lb-ft of torque. That‘s enough to rocket this 4.5-ton beast from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds using launch control. Top speed is limited to 106 mph.
| Hummer EV Edition 1 Specs | Metric |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1000 hp |
| Torque | 11,500 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph time | 3.0 seconds |
| Driving range | 350+ miles |
| Battery capacity | 200 kWh (est.) |
| DC fast charge speed | 100 miles in 10 min |
GMC estimates the Hummer EV will provide over 350 miles of driving range on a full charge, an impressive figure for such a large, non-aerodynamic vehicle. When it‘s time to recharge, the Hummer is compatible with speedy 800-volt/350 kW DC fast charging, allowing it to add nearly 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. For home charging, expect a full charge to take less than 30 hours on a 240V Level 2 charger.
2. Conquer Any Terrain With Ease
The original Hummer was renowned for its off-road capability, and the new electric version takes things to another level. The Hummer EV is an absolute off-road beast, packed with all the hardware needed to tackle tough terrain:
- 4-wheel drive with front and rear locking differentials
- Adaptive Air Suspension with Extract Mode (lifts the vehicle 6 inches for clearing obstacles)
- 4-wheel steering with CrabWalk allows the vehicle to move diagonally at low speeds
- 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain tires (37-inch tires available)
- Underbody armor with steel plates and rock sliders
- 18 camera views including waterproof underbody cameras
- One-Pedal driving and terrain mode for precise rock crawling
The Hummer EV boasts 16 inches of maximum ground clearance, a 44.3-degree approach angle, and a 33.7-degree departure angle – besting the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It can also ford over 2 feet of water and climb 60-percent grades. What‘s more, the instant torque and precise control of the electric motors give the Hummer EV unmatched off-road finesse.
3. Sci-Fi Meets Luxury Inside
Climb into the Hummer EV‘s cavernous cabin and it‘s clear this is a technological powerhouse. A huge 13.4-inch center touchscreen is your gateway to the Android Automotive OS-powered infotainment system, with crisp graphics and lightning-fast responses. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides all the vital driving info.
Segment-exclusive features include HD surround vision cameras, a 14-speaker Bose audio system, and a giant 15-inch head-up display with augmented reality projections to highlight your route. GM‘s excellent Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assistant comes standard, as does built-in Google Assistant, Maps, and Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported.
Other luxury touches include a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, microfiber headliner, and premium Bose speakers integrated into the headrests. The removable Infinity Roof Sky Panels can be stored in the frunk and let you enjoy open-air off-roading.
4. Unmistakable Hummer Styling, Made for the EV Age
Few vehicles on the road have as much presence as the Hummer EV. The wide, blocky stance is pure Hummer, modernized for the electric age with futuristic LED lighting signatures and a power-operated Infinity Roof. 22-inch alloy wheels come standard, with beadlock-capable 18-inchers for hardcore off-roading.
The Hummer EV pickup boasts a 5-foot cargo bed with power tonneau cover and a MultiPro tailgate with six functions, including a built-in Kicker audio system for tailgating. A cavernous front trunk (frunk) offers 11.3 cubic feet of water-tight storage – perfect for dirty gear. Rugged recovery hooks and rock rails finish off the tough look.
5. Connected Services Enhance Ownership
The GMC Hummer EV offers an array of connected services to make owning and operating an electric truck a seamless experience. The myGMC smartphone app allows you to precondition the cabin, check charge status, and find charging stations on the go.
GMC‘s Energy Assist feature can optimize your route based on terrain, weather conditions, and charging needs to reduce range anxiety. Super Cruise‘s automatic lane change and trailering capabilities will be added via over-the-air update in the near future. There‘s even a digital key function that lets you share access to your Hummer EV with friends and family via their smartphone.
6. Advanced Safety Tech Comes Standard
The Hummer EV is loaded with cutting-edge driver assistance and active safety features to help keep you protected. Super Cruise enables hands-free driving on over 200,000 miles of divided highways in the U.S. and Canada. Using precision LiDAR map data, GPS, radar sensors, and a driver attention camera, Super Cruise can automatically steer, brake, and keep the Hummer centered in its lane. Automatic lane changes will be added soon.
Also standard are automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front and rear pedestrian detection and braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind zone steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, HD surround vision, and rear pedestrian alert. Up to 18 camera views help you maneuver this big EV with confidence.
7. Unique Electric Off-Road Experience
One of the coolest aspects of the Hummer EV is how its electric powertrain completely transforms the off-road experience. The instant torque from the three electric motors provides incredible control and responsiveness when rock crawling or negotiating tricky terrain. One-pedal driving allows you to precisely modulate speed using just the accelerator.
The lack of engine noise means you can better hear your spotter‘s directions on the trail. It also allows you to better enjoy nature‘s sounds, from birdsongs to babbling brooks. You can camp out in the wilderness without idling an engine or burning a drop of gas. The Hummer EV‘s PowerStation generator even lets you run 120V power tools and accessories from the battery, so you can live off-grid in complete comfort.
8. Lower Cost of Ownership
While the Hummer EV‘s six-figure price tag is certainly eye-watering, it may end up cheaper to operate than a gas-powered super truck. Electricity is cheaper than gas on a per-mile basis, especially if you charge at home. The Hummer EV consumes about 47 kWh per 100 miles, costing around $12 in electricity to travel 100 miles based on the U.S. average of $0.25 per kWh.
In contrast, a gas-powered HD pickup like the Ford F-250 Super Duty consumes about 24 MPG on average. At $3 per gallon, that same 100 miles would cost over $30 in fuel alone. Factor in the reduced maintenance of an EV – no oil changes, no spark plugs, no emissions equipment – and those savings can really add up over time.
Plus, the Hummer EV‘s battery pack is warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles against defects and excessive degradation. And GMC is providing Hummer EV owners with free unlimited charging at EVgo stations across the country.
Conclusion
The GMC Hummer EV is a technological tour de force, showcasing the incredible potential of modern electric vehicle platforms. By combining the Hummer‘s legendary off-road capability with a cutting-edge EV powertrain and luxury tech features, GMC has created the ultimate "supertruck" for the electric age.
While it faces increasingly stiff competition from rivals like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, the Hummer EV‘s unmatched performance, unique features, and unmistakable style help it stand out from the pack. Its six-figure price tag and 9,000-pound curb weight certainly limit its appeal, but for well-heeled buyers seeking the ultimate do-anything EV, the Hummer is in a class of its own.
If you have the means, the GMC Hummer EV is an awe-inspiring display of EV technology and proof positive of a battery-powered future. History will remember it as a landmark vehicle that helped bring EVs fully into the mainstream. From its humble Army roots to its decadent civilian days to its triumphant electric rebirth, the Hummer will keep marching on.
