GMC Hummer EV Review

EV Universe

GM revives the Hummer nameplate for an all-electric future

General Motors, known for its grand product launches, adheres to the mantra of “go big or go home.” Unsurprisingly, they chose the world’s biggest stage for their largest-ever product unveiling. During the 54th Super Bowl in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the world, a commercial reintroduced the Hummer nameplate on an enormous four-door pickup. With over 1,000 HP, a debatable calculation of 11,500 lb-ft of torque, and potentially the largest footprint among mass-produced civilian vehicles, it represents a departure from anything GM has previously produced.

EVU Hot Take

Pros:

• A truly unique vehicle and an interesting application of EV construction
• Revival of a campy but iconic nameplate in a manner that’s actually sellable
• Serious off road chops that aren’t just for appearance

Cons:

• Insane size and width renders it unusable in dense metro areas or small spaces
• Curb weight in excess of 9,000 pounds is dangerous and severely taxes range
• Obvious eye rolls of many passerby won’t be escaped, even that high up

GMC Hummer EV Exterior Design and Packaging

The Hummer EV design is a standout feature, beyond its incredible specs. It pays homage to GM’s “SUT” vehicles from the 2000s – like the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade EXT. However, its size eclipses them, challenging anyone still in a 2005 mindset. A towering hood leads to a lofty quad-cab passenger section, ending with a pickup bed. This bed, while not full-size, offers ample space and a tonneau cover for protecting cargo. A unique bar design houses the headlights on the entire front facade, with the iconic “HUMMER” logo spelled within them.

GMC Hummer EV Interior, Features and Tech

Courtesy of General Motors

The interior of the Hummer EV pickup is just as special as the exterior, if not more so. In case you were worried, nobody will ever mistake this thing for a BMW iX, Tesla Model X, or any other electric SUV. It truly looks like a vehicle from outer space, and its Moon-themed design cues continue throughout the cabin. Everything is blocky and grippy, evoking the military-like heritage of the Hummer brand in a modern way. A large screen dominates the cabin’s center stack, and has a user interface design completely unique to the Hummer EV – no sharing with any other GM products. All of the best General Motors tech is here, including Super Cruise and every driver assist feature imaginable. A 14-speaker Bose stereo system channels in music and simulated EV powertrain sounds, and imprints of maps of the Moon are on the speaker coverings (no, seriously).

That’s not to say this is some Spartan moon rover; leather upholstery and subtle bronze-gold metal trim adorn the seats and dashboard elements, ensuring that the so-called “supertruck” lives up to its eye-watering $110,000-plus price tag.

Driving Experience

The GMC Hummer EV pickup eliminates any accusations of slouchiness with its blistering 3-second sprint to 60 MPH. GM has extensively promoted this feature in a widespread media campaign since the vehicle’s announcement, evoking mixed reactions (as the idea of a civilian operating a 9,000-pound vehicle at Bugatti-level speeds doesn’t sit well with many). However, the engineering feat is undeniably impressive and showcases the power of GM’s Ultium batteries.

Another prominently featured aspect since the vehicle’s unveiling is Crabwalk, a driving mode that enables the Hummer EV to move diagonally by angling all four wheels in the same direction. This highlights the electric truck’s off-roading capability and reinforces GM’s emphasis on its genuine usability. The inclusion of Crabwalk gives the Hummer EV serious street cred, going beyond being an expensive EV with mere party tricks. It proves that it is a capable and practical vehicle.

GMC Hummer EV Electric Range and Charging

The GMC Hummer EV features a 200 kWh Ultium battery pack, which is one of the largest battery packs currently available in an electric vehicle. The gigantic truck has an estimated range range of up to 350 miles on a single charge; many media accounts and reviews dispute this number and have not achieved it in their testing.

The Hummer EV is equipped with a 800-volt DC fast charging system that can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This fast charging system is compatible with DC fast chargers up to 350 kW. The Level 2 240V charging system can provide up to 52 miles of range per hour of charging. This means that a full charge can be achieved in about 8 hours. The Hummer EV comes with a free subscription to the Ultium Charge 360 network, which includes over 20,000 DC fast chargers across the US. This network is powered by EVgo, and provides convenient on-the-go charging options for Hummer EV owners.

Courtesy of General Motors

While the 350-mile range may seem optimistic, it’s an impressive figure for such a powerful and large car. With good charging access, it is more than capable of serving as a daily driver.

GMC Hummer EV Pricing

The Hummer EV isn’t the most expensive EV truck out there, but it’s also no bargain. GMC announced that several variants of the Hummer EV would follow the top-end Edition 1 launch model, but has raised prices across the board since then. They have also reportedly deprioritized the lower trim models, as many customers opt for the top end.

Hummer EV Pickup Edition 1: This is the top-of-the-line model that comes fully loaded with all the available features. The starting price for this trim level is $112,595.

Hummer EV Pickup 3X: This trim level comes with a few less features than the Edition 2, but still offers plenty of amenities. The starting price for this trim level is $99,995.

Hummer EV Pickup 2X: This is the entry-level trim level for the Hummer EV pickup, but it still comes with a decent amount of standard features. The starting price for this trim level is $89,995.

The Federal Government’s recent updates to EV tax incentive guidance has dealt a blow to the Hummer EV. Although it meets the thresholds for U.S. production and parts sourcing, it starts north of $80,000 in all trim levels. This pricing excludes it from the guidance issued in spring 2023. Many wonder if this will change, as critics consider the government out of sync with the current market. In this market, EVs are both expensive and cutting-edge. The number of vehicles qualifying for these incentives has dropped significantly.

The Biden administration’s aim is to spur development of more affordable vehicles. However, many of these lower-cost economy EVs are still years from becoming widely available. These policy changes may dissuade potential high-end buyers from switching to electric vehicles. If all else fails, the Hummer EV more than meets the 6,000 pound threshold for use as a business vehicle (and tax write off).

GMC Hummer EV Final Thoughts

The GMC Hummer EV is globally recognized and has taken many by surprise. It’s an early move by General Motors into the world of electric vehicles. This vehicle shows how battery propulsion can revolutionize carmaking. It proves that when we go beyond internal combustion engines as the only power source, traditional dynamics and performance rules can be reshaped.

Undoubtedly, the Hummer EV in our review is an engineering marvel. Its futuristic looks are sure to captivate many. But, its grandiose and flashy nature may also attract criticism. Some argue it carries the same “moron factor” that troubled the original Hummer brand.

This electric vehicle’s efficiency is not top tier and it carries substantial weight. Furthermore, its rapid acceleration could potentially lead to accidents. These factors make it seem contrary to the principles of electric vehicles. In time, we’ll see if vehicles like the Hummer EV, with their “halo effect”, will ultimately promote or hinder the electric vehicle revolution.

Featured image Courtesy of General Motors