GM’s Hummer EV is a game-changer

General Motors this week introduced a game-changer when it comes to electricity powering automobiles.

The 2022 Hummer EV Edition 1 is the first-of-its kind Supertruck that was designed and built to demonstrate that power and energy can be developed without emissions.

And that’s why I call it a game-changer. Up until now, electric-powered vehicles have lacked the cachet necessary to make much of a dent in the market. Now there is gorilla truck out there, one that once-upon-a-time was viewed as the ultimate gas-guzzler, that will turn heads and be viewed as a – maybe even the – vehicle of the future.

The Hummer will be the first fully electric addition to GMC’s lineup, driven by next-generation EV 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.

Or, so says the press release.

The Hummer EV will get its energy from General Motors’ all-new Ultium batteries and power from Ultium Drive, GM’s proprietary EV drive units. A GM-estimated 1,000 horsepower and GM-estimated 11,500 lb-ft 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.

Additional purposeful and intuitive technologies will complement the truck’s range and capabilities to enhance and elevate every excursion. For instance:

Segment-Exclusive 4 Wheel Steer featuring CrabWalk that allows the front and rear wheels to steer at the same angle at low speeds, enabling diagonal movement of the vehicle, for even greater manoeuvrability on challenging terrain.

Adaptive Air Suspension with available Extract Mode capability enables the suspension height to be raised approximately 6 inches (149 mm) to help negotiate extreme off-road situations such as clearing boulders or fording water.

(Other cars on the market do this as well, so it’s not completely original.)

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. (Ditto.) The underbody cameras are packaged to help protect against damage and equipped with a wash function to help clear debris.

It has a 560-kms range (it can charge up to 160 kms in 10 minutes, GM says), 1,000 horsepower (zero to 100 km/h in three seconds), up to 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque and starts at around – repeat: around – US$80,000 (no Canadian pricing available yet).

We here in the Great White North won’t be getting one – or some – till late 2022 but it’s something to look forward to and, as I said, it’ll be a game-changer.

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