General Motors Corp (GMC) stirred up the automotive scene recently with the introduction of the 2022 Hummer EV Edition 1. It will be the first fully electric addition to GMC’s lineup, driven by next-generation electric vehicle propulsion technology that enables unprecedented off-road capability, extraordinary on-road performance, and an immersive driving experience designed to put occupants at the center of every moment.
“This innovative truck comes to market with speed and purpose, bringing GM another step closer to an all-electric future,” said Mark Reuss, GM president. “With our Ultium Drive architecture as the foundation for an exceptionally broad range of performance, Hummer EV is perfect for the customer who wants capability, efficiency and performance.”
This newest EV supertruck will get its energy from GM’s all-new Ultium batteries and power from Ultium Drive, GM’s proprietary EV drive units. A GM-estimated best-in-class 1,000-hp and GM-estimated 11,500 lb-ft (15,592 Nm) of torque are generated by three separate motors within two Ultium drive units to give Hummer EV’s e4WD remarkable on- and off-road capabilities. Other purposeful and intuitive technologies will complement the truck’s range and capabilities to enhance every excursion.
“We had one goal for Hummer EV: Build the most capable factory truck—ever,” said Al Oppenheiser, GMC Hummer EV chief engineer. “It’s an absolute off-road beast with a unique e4WD drive system that provides maneuverability unlike anything GM has ever offered before.”
The GMC Hummer EV is designed to be the ultimate off-road EV supertruck, with all-new features developed to challenge formidable obstacles and terrain. Among its myriad advanced off-roading features is its Segment-Exclusive 4 Wheel Steer featuring CrabWalk. This segment-exclusive feature allows the rear wheels and front wheels to steer at the same angle at low speeds, enabling the vehicle’s diagonal movement for even more excellent maneuverability on challenging terrain.
Another is its Adaptive Air Suspension with segment-leading Extract Mode capability, which enables the suspension height to be raised approximately six inches (149 mm) to help the vehicle negotiate extreme off-road situations clearing boulders or fording water.
As for its underbody armor, there are sturdy steel plates strategically located around the battery pack and more to help protect in extreme off-roading conditions. Moreover, it has UltraVision that includes new front and rear underbody cameras with live “virtual spotter” views to help drivers navigate obstacles and place wheels on and off the trail. The underbody cameras are packaged to help protect against damage and are equipped with a wash function to help clear debris. Hummer EV offers a best-in-class number of camera views, with up to 18 available from the vehicle to increase awareness of surroundings.
Meanwhile, off-road widgets display vehicle functions and terrain status through the infotainment and driver information screens. These are torque output, differential locker engagement, tire pressure, pitch and roll angles (including maximum values), a drift gauge (with maximum values), friction circle, torque vectoring, and more. Of course, 35-inch-OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires come standard to accommodate 37-inch tires. They offer exceptional strength and flexibility to optimize maneuverability with the Hummer EV’s unprecedented off-road capability, including scaling 18-inch verticals and driving through water that is more than two feet deep.
Industry-leading fast-charge capabilities, paired with GM’s all-new Ultium battery and advanced technology features, will merge to offer the maximum capacity and optimal range. There is enough juice to motivate its three-motor e4WD drive system that will provide the equivalent of GM-estimated 1,000-hp and a staggering 15,592 Nm of maximum torque. It is equipped with an 800-volt DC public fast-charging compatibility of up to 350 kilowatts to achieve that enough power. This industry-first technology mechanically switches the batteries from parallel to series mode during charging, making Hummer EV compatible with the fastest 350 kW DC fast chargers, enabling nearly 100 miles (160 km) of range in 10 minutes of charging.
The 24-module, double-stacked Ultium battery propulsion system will offer excellent range and power to three motors, at an estimated 350 miles (560 km) of driving range on a full charge, based on preliminary testing. The latest version of Super Cruise is an available driver assistance feature offering hands-free driving on more than 200,000 miles (over 320,000 km) of enabled roads. Also, a new automatic lane-changing feature can determine when a lane change is optimal and initiate the maneuver while following signaling protocols.
The Hummer EV’s revolutionary street performance from a truck is enabled by extraordinary next-gen EV power. Its boasts head-turning looks and an unmistakable stance. Among the exclusive packages of the fully equipped Edition 1 is the Watts to Freedom. This driver-selectable immersive experience unleashes the EV propulsion system’s full acceleration capability, including a GM-estimated 0-60 mph (100kph) in 3 seconds.
Another is the Drive Mode Control, which offers driver-selectable modes that tailor performance—including torque splits between the front and rear wheels and 4-wheel steering settings—for different driving conditions. It includes Terrain Mode, which raises the Hummer EV’s ride height by nearly 2 inches.
Of course, there is Adaptive Ride Control, which provides continuous damping tailored for both on- and off-road driving. The Open-air driving, meantime, is enabled by the structural rigidity of the Ultium batteries, with standard Infinity Roof and removable transparent Sky Panels that can stow in the “frunk” storage compartment at the front of the vehicle.
As for the cabin, premium and technical interior materials were utilized. Highlighted is the large 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment screen and 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center display, conveying a wealth of vehicle performance and driver awareness information. MultiPro Tailgate has six available positions with a Power rear drop glass window and power tonneau cover.
Exterior-wise, the Hummer EV’s design cues are bold and futuristic, featuring carefully executed and creative details such as the distinctive ‘H’ motif visible in several elements. The reimagining of conventional displays communicates the vehicle’s capability and technology via exterior lighting and interior user interfaces.
“The GMC Hummer EV reimagines an instantly recognizable silhouette for a modern, all-electric future,” said Phil Zak, design executive director. “Its design visually communicates extreme capability, which is reinforced with rugged architectural details offered with a premium, well-executed and appointed interior.”
The Hummer EV will be the first full EV in GMC’s portfolio. Production begins in late 2021 at GM’s Factory Zero Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Center—a nearly 40-year-old facility repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to EV production. Future production vehicles out of the factory will offer zero emissions. Performance targets, estimates, and capability specifications are based on computer-aided analysis and simulation using virtual engineering tools. (Story and photos by General Motors)