GMC’s BEV Hummer Claiming Luxury Off-Road Ability

GMC has released full details of its first all-electric Hummer set to hit the showrooms in 2022.

Production of the GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 will start a year from now and hopes to bring BEV performance to the supertruck segment. Its powertrain employs three-motors coupled to a e4WD drive system that will claim and estimated 1,000bhp and up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque. It also boasts a driver-selectable system to allow occasional power boosts claiming a 0-60-mph sprint time in approximately 3 seconds.

A 800-volt system can use DC public fast charging of up to 350 kilowatts enabling nearly 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging. Its 24-module, double-stacked Ultium battery propulsion system also claims a range of more than 350 miles of on a full charge, based on preliminary testing.

Its ADAS sees the adoption of General Motor’s latest version of Super Cruise, offering hands-free driving on more than 200,000 miles of US enabled roads, and a new automatic lane changing feature, where the system can determine when a lane change is optimal and initiate the maneuver, while following signaling protocols.

For true off-road capability, its Drive Mode Control offers driver-selectable modes including torque splits between the front and rear wheels, and four-wheel steering settings. It also includes Terrain Mode, which raises the Hummer EV’s ride height by nearly 2 inches.

Adaptive Ride Control provides continuous damping that is tailored for both on- and off-road driving. At the same time, open-air driving 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.

Mark Reuss, president of General Motors, said: “This innovative truck comes to market with speed and purpose, bringing GM another step closer to an all-electric future. 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.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_