The concern about the new GMC Hummer EV from purists is justified. Would the iconic vehicle famously associated with Arnold Schwarzenegger whom GM sold their first two H1’s to, or would this be a neutered and water down version in 2021 going forward?
The reality is the Hummer was already watered down for civilians from the time they sold them in 1992 to when sales ended in 2010. There was an unsuccessful attempt by GM to sell the Hummer brand to a Chinese manufacture. Looking back, GM is probably glad that sale did not go through.
Then there was the whole issue of the horrible fuel economy the Hummer got. The H1 model got about 10 mpg to be liberal and the H2 got in the neighborhood of 11-12 mpg. An H3 model that was sold internationally got around 14 mpg. Suffice to say if you had a Hummer to drive around whether it be for legitimate off-road activities or just around town as a status symbol you weren’t going far.
If you had a H1 or H2 good luck trying to park it anywhere on a public street legally, much less stay in your own lane. But oh, there was that ground clearance and menacing look when driving down the boulevard that caught everyone’s attention.
Enter the EV generation that Tesla pioneered and has for all practical purposes innovated. Notice I did not say mastered because even Tesla’s have their faults when it comes to fit and finish.
With Tesla’s introduction of the Cybertruck prototype on the national stage not long ago that unfortunately had a glass breaking snafu, it was clear that Tesla had now thrown down the gauntlet and had the nerve to challenge the BIG 3, Ford, GMC and Dodge when it came to redefining what an electric truck could be and should be.
GM’s Hummer EV Arrival:
Those who were worried about GM taking an iconic Hummer design and making an unrecognizable EV version can rest peacefully tonight. I assure you this is not the case. GM took an already brawny stance and moved it forward without going too far away from mainstream expectations as Tesla may have done with its Cybertruck design.
There will be both an Pickup and SUV version of the Hummer EV but for this discussion, the focus will be on the Pickup version.
As of this writing, reservations ceased as the EV Edition 1 Pickup model is sold out. When filling out the form, make sure you have absolutely decided on which variant you are trying to get. Per GM’s website, pickup production is to begin in the Fall of 2021.
Exterior Stance:
The Hummer EV Pickup will roll with 11.9 inches of ground clearance in Terrain mode and when the Extract mode is selected the air suspension will raise the height of the vehicle to 16 inches. Special designed 35-inch tires by Goodyear will come standard and for those who desire more clearance the vehicle is engineered to accept up to 37-inch tires.
Exterior Aesthetics:
GM has made sure not to neglect branding even the Hummers brawny stance is unmistakable. You will find the Hummer Logo scattered in multiple locations. The Hummer logo is even in the tail lights.
The roof of the Hummer EV Pickup has removable Sky Panels that can be stored in the very cavernous FRUNK. In our opinion this is a great way to utilize this space. Jeep Wrangler owners will know exactly what we are talking about. Oh, did I mention that this is also a Power Frunk.
Suspension:
The Pickup version of the Hummer EV will also come with Adaptive Air Suspension that will automatically adjust the height of the ride dependent upon various conditions. Suspension can be lowered for bettered aerodynamics and increased range.
There is also available Adaptive Ride Control available to enhance overall ride dynamics.
Additional Off-Road Features and Party Tricks:
To offer even more traction Front and Rear independent suspensions along with Electronic front lockers and virtual rear lockers come standard. Full underbody armor in conjunction with skid plates and rail sliders is also available as one would expect of a serious off-road vehicle.
To enhance maneuverability, 4-wheel steering is also an available option.
Perhaps the single most intriguing party trick given as a Hummer EV Pickup and SUV option is Crab Walk. Crab walk is a feature that allows the Hummer EV’s 4-wheel steering to turn 10 degrees in either direction in order to propel the vehicle diagonally at low speeds. This especially could come in handy in hard to traverse terrain or in an urban setting when attempting to park in very tight confines.
To further enhance the effectiveness of 4-wheel steering and Crab Walk there is an UltraVision option with up to 18 camera views on the Pickup version and 17 on the SUV. The underbody has waterproof forward and rear facing cameras that offer you live views of whatever is beneath you.
The front headlight displays prominently across nearly the entire length of the front grill with Hummer name embossed front and center.
Interior Features:
When it comes to the Hummer EV interior there is going to be uniformity with the SUV and Pickup versions. Luckily, GM has decided to design the Hummer EV Pickup with longtime off-road fans and GM loyalists in mind. Large, easy to press knobs are prominent even though there is also substantial 13.4-inch Center Screen.
GM has chosen to go with a square almost boxy looking interior that gives off modern futuristic vibes. This somehow works with the Brawny / Beastly reputation of the Hummer.
Things are rounded off with ample storage (a great deal more interior storage in the SUV version) and nicely done LED lighting in the footwells.
Hummer EV Pickup Performance:
Let’s first acknowledge that no one buys a Hummer to go fast. With that said, if GM performance numbers are to be believed, the 3 electric motors in the Hummer EV Edition 1 should produce up to 1000 HP and propel this behemoth from 0-60 in 3 seconds. This is significant considering the Hummer Pickup will tip the scales as 9,046 lbs. If that wasn’t mind blowing enough, both the Pickup and SUV should have upwards of 11,500 LB-FT of available wheel torque.
It needs to be noted that most car manufactures list torque as `engine’ torque not wheel torque. Wheel torque and engine torque are calculated differently. Most automotive manufactures calculate their numbers based on engine torque. We were unable to find out what the actual engine torque number is for the Hummer Pickup EV.
Previously only available on specific Cadillac models, Super Cruise will be available with the Hummer EV Pickup & SUV. Consumer Reports has previously been very complimentary towards GM’s Super Cruise and there have been reputable automotive publications who have suggested that GM’s Super Cruise may be better than Tesla’s Autopilot when it comes to safety in several areas.
Hummer EV Pickup Range:
Of course, one would think that with a 9,046-pound curb weight range might suffer. GM estimates the range on a full charge to be 350 miles.
Hummer EV Pickup Battery Capacity:
The Hummer EV Pickup will come with a massive 200kw battery with the ability to charge up to 350Kw using an 800-volt DC fast charging. According to GM this will give you the capability to charge nearly 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Pricing:
As of this writing, Hummer EV `Edition 1’ Pickup reservations are sold out. It should be said that it was only $100 to reserve a Hummer so that may not necessarily translate into what actually sells. It has an estimated MSRP of $112,595. GM will be releasing the Hummer EV 3X in the Fall of 2022. It is slated to have an MSRP of $99,995.
The Hummer EV 3X will is expected to produce 800 HP with a 0 to 60 time of 3.5 seconds. Range will slightly be reduced to 300 miles. Buyers will be able to select additional options that will bring the EV 3X to near Edition 1 levels.
GM indicates they will be offering a sub $79,995 EV 2 model, but not until 2024.
Pros:
• Crab Walk, how cool is that.
• Nimble and very vast for a vehicle its size.
• The Hummer EV still maintains the looks that made it popular.
• 4-Wheel steering as an available option.
• GM’s vaunted SuperCruise.
• Removeable Sky Panels.
Cons:
• MSRP looks to be much higher compared to the EV truck offerings from Ford, Tesla & Rivian.
• Range efficiency is in question with a massive 200kw battery that only results in a maximum of 350 miles of range.
• The pickup version may not have as much storage room as other electric trucks.
Click the link below to reserve your Hummer EV Pickup:
https://www.gmc.com/electric/hummer-ev/pickup-trucks
