GMC Hummer EV First Drive: Electric Supertruck Review

The GMC Hummer EV: A Super Truck Experience

Priced at $110,000, the GMC Hummer EV represents a unique combination of capabilities. It delivers performance comparable to top-tier off-road vehicles, the comfort expected from a luxury sedan, and the acceleration of a dedicated sports car. Furthermore, it retains the practicality of a truck bed.

General Motors designates this vehicle as a “super truck,” a classification that feels entirely justified after experiencing it firsthand.

Initial Impressions from the Test Track

Following a driving session at General Motors’ testing facility, several aspects of the Hummer EV immediately stood out. The vehicle is remarkably enjoyable to operate, offering substantial power and impressive four-wheel steering.

However, the infotainment system and digital instrument panel, while visually appealing, proved to be somewhat complex and occasionally exhibited sluggish response times.

The Hummer EV serves as a compelling demonstration of the potential inherent in General Motors’ Ultium platform, showcasing its ability to facilitate vehicles with distinctive features and performance characteristics.

Restrictions During the Evaluation

GM representatives established clear boundaries prior to the driving experience. Discussion was limited to the vehicle’s driving dynamics and handling. Specific details regarding technical specifications, performance metrics, and market availability were not disclosed.

To maintain control over information, photography was prohibited, and security personnel secured my mobile phone. The entire evaluation took place within the secluded proving grounds located in Milford, Michigan, and lasted only 30 minutes.

Pre-Production Vehicle Considerations

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the vehicle driven was a pre-production model. While all essential components were reportedly functional, certain finishing touches were absent.

Specifically, some interior surfaces lacked their final textures, and additional soundproofing materials had not yet been installed.

Performance and Capability Demonstrated

The Hummer EV was subjected to a variety of tests, including navigating a rocky terrain, traversing dirt roads at speed, and achieving a recorded velocity of 95 mph on GM’s high-speed track.

These tests revealed the vehicle’s versatility. The Hummer EV is capable of tackling challenging off-road obstacles, maneuvering into confined parking spaces, and comfortably accommodating five passengers along with their belongings.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph occurs in just 3.0 seconds. The vehicle’s handling feels surprisingly agile for its size, a benefit of its advanced four-wheel steering system.

The Advantage of Four-Wheel Steering

The Hummer EV showcases a remarkable capability. Despite its substantial size and width, the vehicle maneuvers with surprising agility and speed. The combination of electric motors and four-wheel steering contributes to a driving experience that feels lighter and more responsive than typical pickups or large crossovers. Consequently, the Hummer EV delivers the handling characteristics of a robust, wide-bodied sports car, rather than a conventional truck.

Previous generations of Hummers projected an image of rugged durability and commanding power. The Hummer EV maintains this sense of invincibility, while simultaneously offering a level of comfort comparable to highway driving and off-road exploration. With the Hummer EV, purchasers do not need to compromise between capability and comfort. Earlier Hummers, along with contemporary Jeeps and 4Runners, often prioritized off-road performance at the expense of on-road ride quality; the Hummer EV appears to negate this trade-off. It can effortlessly conquer rocky terrain with the touch of a button, and, alternatively, accelerate beyond the capabilities of many sports cars.

The core of this performance lies in a specific configuration: three electric motors coupled with four-wheel steering. This isn’t an undiscovered principle; Tesla is also integrating this same combination into its Cybertruck.

The impact of the Hummer EV’s four-wheel steering is truly significant. The rear wheels are capable of turning up to 10 degrees, a feature included as standard on all models. In its most distinctive application, known as CrabWalk, this four-wheel steering enables the vehicle to move laterally, resembling movement on ice, and feeling more akin to a rear-wheel-drive forklift than a five-passenger pickup.

Rear-wheel steering initially appeared in the 1980s but saw limited adoption, primarily in sports cars. It experienced a brief resurgence in the early 2000s, with General Motors offering it on Suburban and Silverado half-ton trucks between 2002 and 2005. Today, it’s available on various sedans, with some offering 2-3 degrees of steering, and luxury models providing up to 10 degrees. While often a costly option, it is a standard feature on the Hummer EV, and is fundamental to its functionality and appeal.

The Hummer’s four-wheel steering also allows for a significantly reduced turning radius compared to vehicles of similar dimensions. It exhibits quicker turning, easier maneuvering in reverse, and a handling feel more reminiscent of a family sedan than a large SUV. The vehicle boasts a 37-foot turning circle, which is closer to that of the compact Chevy Sonic than the full-size Chevy Silverado.

My initial experience with this system was brief, but the four-wheel steering proved intuitive and required no adjustment to my driving style. It simply functioned seamlessly and felt natural. I am interested to know if rear-seat passengers would perceive a noticeable difference.

The four-wheel steering is activated by default, although it can be deactivated. It is reported to even enhance towing stability, with the axles moving in unison at highway speeds to mitigate trailer sway (this claim requires further verification).

This feature enables the Hummer to move diagonally. Activating CrabWalk requires the vehicle to be stopped and navigating through several menu options. Once engaged, the front and rear axles move in coordination, allowing the truck to glide in unconventional ways. Turning the steering wheel to the left results in a diagonal movement to the left; the entire vehicle drifts, rather than simply the front end turning. This system is intended for low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, off-roading, and demonstration purposes. I have not encountered a similar driving experience.

A demonstration of this capability can be viewed in this video from the 2021 Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit, where GM personnel enthusiastically showcased the feature.

Hummer EV: Unleashing Watts to Freedom (WTF) Mode

The Hummer EV delivers exceptional speed when desired. Its Watts to Freedom (WTF) launch mode is truly remarkable, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. This represents a significant performance leap.

Achieving this velocity is impressive in any vehicle, but experiencing it within a five-passenger pickup truck is particularly noteworthy. The all-wheel-drive system provides ample traction, resulting in rocket-like forward propulsion. This sensation is comparable to the launch experience offered by other electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model X.

Under typical driving conditions and in standard modes, the Hummer EV still exhibits brisk acceleration. However, it doesn’t replicate the intense, seat-pressing force felt when WTF mode is engaged.

Handling and Stability

The Hummer EV’s broad wheelbase contributes to a remarkably stable driving experience. During testing on the proving ground’s back roads, controlled drifts were easily achievable on gravel surfaces.

The pickup maintained a firm and level stance even during aggressive cornering maneuvers. On the banked test track, the vehicle felt exceptionally solid and robust. The low-mounted battery pack lowers the center of gravity, preventing the top-heavy feeling often associated with traditional, gasoline-powered trucks.

The vehicle effortlessly reached 90 mph on the high-speed loop without any apparent strain. Acceleration is rapid and responsive. Equipped with large 35-inch Wrangler tires, the Hummer EV offers a smooth and composed ride, with surprisingly minimal tire noise.

Sound and Driver Feedback

The Hummer EV isn’t entirely silent. When accelerating, drivers will notice two distinct sounds: the whine of the three electric motors and an artificially generated revving noise, designed to provide an enhanced auditory experience.

This artificial tone is amplified in off-road driving modes to mask increased ambient noise. Many drivers will find this sound unobtrusive. It’s subtle and remains in the background. According to General Motors engineers, this audible feedback is considered essential for driver awareness and expectation.

Off-Road Capability – A Limited Assessment

An attempt was made to assess the Hummer EV’s off-road prowess by navigating a course of approximately two dozen large rocks. While the vehicle successfully traversed the obstacles, the experience wasn’t particularly refined.

The Hummer EV exhibited some slippage around the rocks, and maintaining traction proved challenging. It’s important to note that this evaluation was conducted on a specifically prepared course consisting of beach-ball-sized rocks arranged in a short, single-pass section. Therefore, definitive conclusions regarding the Hummer EV’s overall off-road capabilities cannot be drawn from this limited test.

Industrial User Experience Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of the infotainment system was unfortunately limited during testing. However, initial observations revealed several key points. Firstly, the system’s visual presentation is striking, leveraging the power of Epic’s Unreal Engine graphics. The Hummer EV represents the first application of this specific Unreal Engine configuration, typically found in video game development.

While aesthetically pleasing, the system exhibited noticeable performance issues in the pre-production vehicle tested. Responsiveness was consistently delayed, requiring multiple seconds to register user input. This lag occurred regardless of whether selections were made via the touchscreen or through physical controls, such as the terrain selection dial.

Furthermore, despite its attractive appearance, the infotainment system’s design is arguably overcomplicated and visually cluttered, adopting a deliberately artificial industrial aesthetic. It appears GM’s development team prioritized showcasing the screen’s graphical capabilities, resulting in an interface characterized by excessively stylized icons and menus.

The emphasis seems to be on visual appeal rather than intuitive usability for the driver.

Camera System Capabilities were a key demonstration point by General Motors. A total of 18 cameras are strategically positioned around the vehicle, including undercarriage-mounted units. These assist with both off-road navigation and everyday maneuvers like parking, even in locations like Trader Joe’s.

The cameras functioned as intended, and many incorporate integrated cleaning mechanisms to maintain clear visibility by removing accumulated debris.

Importantly, GM has chosen to retain dedicated physical buttons for climate control functions. This is a significant advantage, as other electric vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla and Rivian, have consolidated these controls within touchscreen interfaces. The Hummer EV features a convenient row of rocker switches for temperature adjustment, heated seat operation, and vent direction.

The driver benefits from a high and commanding seating position. Excellent outward visibility is provided from the driver’s seat. Front occupants enjoy ample space, with generous headroom and legroom.

Rear passenger legroom is somewhat more constrained, but the vehicle’s substantial width compensates, offering a spacious overall cabin. The interior dimensions are comparable to those of a full-size SUV – providing generous space up front, and a more compact area for rear passengers.

A Novel Electric Propulsion System

General Motors has disclosed specific information regarding the Hummer EV’s powertrain. The initial release of the Hummer EV incorporates a 24-module battery system integrated into the vehicle’s unibody structure.

This marks the debut of General Motors’ Ultium platform, initially presented in March 2020.

Advantages of the Three-Motor Configuration

The powertrain utilizes a three-motor setup, providing distinct benefits. These electric motors facilitate the inclusion of electronic differentials on both axles, proving valuable in conditions with reduced traction.

Furthermore, an e-locker on the rear wheels grants the pickup the capability to manage traction independently at each of the four corners through torque vectoring. The two rear motors operate without a physical connection, relying on software to simulate a locking function.

This system enables near-instantaneous control of wheel speed, with adjustments occurring in milliseconds.

Battery Technology and Manufacturing

Concerns were raised regarding the similarity of these battery packs to those found in the Chevy Bolt, which experienced two recalls due to battery-related issues.

A General Motors representative clarified that while collaboration with LG continues on cell development, the Hummer EV’s battery packs are assembled at GM’s Brownstown, Michigan facility.

Importantly, these packs utilize a new cell chemistry, differing from that employed in the Chevy Bolt.

Future production of Ultium batteries is planned for a jointly developed facility with LG in Lordstown, Ohio.

Lingering Questions About the Hummer EV

Despite its impressive features, several aspects of the Hummer EV remain unexplored after my initial experience. The vehicle incorporates GM's newest iteration of SuperCruise, its advanced driver-assistance system, now capable of executing highway lane changes autonomously. Furthermore, the pickup boasts automated tire deflation and the ability to traverse up to 26 inches of water.

A rapid recharge capability, promising 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, is also reported. However, during my evaluation, I was unable to test the roof panel removal process or observe their storage within the front trunk – referred to as the “frunk.” A more in-depth exploration of the infotainment system is also desired, as it appears both visually engaging and potentially intricate.

Uncertainties Regarding Specifications

General Motors has maintained a degree of reserve concerning certain details of the Hummer EV, and limited additional information was disclosed during the test drive. Specific pricing structures and the timeline for vehicle availability are currently unconfirmed.

The official range rating as determined by the EPA has yet to be announced. Similarly, the vehicle’s maximum towing and hauling capacities remain unspecified at this time.

Towing and Hauling Considerations

Based on my assessment, the Hummer EV doesn’t immediately present itself as a vehicle optimized for heavy-duty towing or hauling. While substantial power is evident, the unibody frame construction and air suspension suggest a towing capacity potentially lower than traditional trucks like the Chevy Silverado 1500 or Ford F-150.

I anticipate the Hummer EV’s towing rating will align more closely with that of a full-size SUV, likely falling within the 6,000-8,000 lbs. range, rather than a half-ton pickup (8,000-12,000 lbs.). This would enable towing smaller loads such as ATVs, compact boats, or cargo trailers.

Consequently, the vehicle may struggle to tow larger travel trailers, except for exceptionally lightweight models. The impact of carrying a substantial load on the vehicle’s overall battery range also remains an unanswered question.

The Dawn of Electric Vehicles

A significant shift is underway in the automotive industry. General Motors finds itself in a challenging position. The Hummer EV, initially unveiled in October 2020 with an anticipated arrival in dealerships by Fall 2021, now faces delays.

Currently, in October 2021, a worldwide supply chain disruption is impacting car production. Simultaneously, the company is addressing unexpected battery recalls concerning its existing electric vehicle, the Chevy Bolt. Sources indicate that General Motors is concerned about maintaining consumer confidence following the issuance of two recalls for Chevy Bolt owners.

The Ultium Platform: A Foundation for the Future

Central to the Hummer EV’s development is GM’s Ultium platform. Announced in 2020, GM stated this platform enables the construction of vehicles with 19 distinct battery and drive unit combinations.

These configurations encompass rear-wheel, front-wheel, and all-wheel-drive systems. Furthermore, the platform supports both 400-volt and 800-volt battery packs, providing the automaker with considerable flexibility in vehicle design.

The Hummer EV serves as a practical demonstration of the Ultium platform’s potential. Its capabilities suggest exciting possibilities for future electric vehicles, including sports cars, crossovers, and larger family vehicles.

A Bold Statement in Electric Power

The Hummer EV successfully establishes itself as General Motors’ ambitious and attention-grabbing electric vehicle. The newest iteration of the Hummer maintains the model’s historically bold and extravagant character.

It becomes evident within moments that General Motors has created something remarkable in the electric pickup segment. The vehicle is substantial in size and weight, fully electric, and boasts a comprehensive range of features.

These features include exceptional acceleration, robust off-road performance, and ample cargo space. The Hummer EV truly offers a complete package.