Hummer EV: Recharging an Icon
GM’s latest push for zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion future includes an iconic and ironic entry. GMC recently announced that the GMW Hummer EV will be available in Fall 2021.
When the GMC Hummer EV goes on sale in the Fall of 2021, it will be a bold step in reshaping the Hummer brand. The concept vehicle is impressive, touting an estimated all-electric range of over 350 miles per charge. Production vehicles will charge to a range of nearly 100 miles in 10 minutes using high-capacity charging stations. An impressive suspension supports the latest electric incarnation of the Hummer. The Hummer EV’s “extract mode” can raise the vehicle 6 inches to overcome obstacles. Like the Jeep Wrangler and the soon-to-be-launched Ford Bronco, the Hummer EV will offer an open-air roof capability. Given that it is an EV, it does this with more utility, given that a generous storage area is located up front where there was once an internal combustion engine. This large “frunk” conveniently accommodates the glass roof panels.
The HummerEv’s Extract Mode should raises the bar for super trucks.
A water fording capability of 32” is impressive for an electric vehicle.
A “Watts to Freedom” mode lowers the vehicle suspension, conditions the batteries, and speeds the Hummer EV to 60 mph in around 3 seconds. That is remarkable for a vehicle of this size and weight, and partially how the Hummer EV earns “Super Truck” status. Other innovative features include a “crab mode” that allows the vehicle to travel diagonally. This is a helpful capability to have in some off-road situations. The latter feature is made possible through the platform’s four-wheel steering capability, which should also help with any turning radius challenges in parking lots. GM’s “Ultravision” placement of cameras underneath the vehicle and extensive underbody protection also aid in off-roading activity. It will be interesting to see how Rivian and Tesla counter with their offerings.
Using “Crab Mode” the HummerEV can avoid obstacles in new ways.
Four wheel steering should significantly aid the vehicle’s turning radius.
Negotiating tough trails should be as easy as having a spotter when using Ultravision’s included underbody mounted cameras.
The concept vehicle is well executed visually. The lines are solid; overall, the truck looks substantial and anchored. The overall aesthetic could be described as “attainably futuristic,” or perhaps what one would expect from a few cycles of truck evolution. Tesla’s Cybertruck, by comparison, is radical and polarizing but very unexpected. Rivian’s entry looks somewhat conservative next to the Hummer EV. Overall, GM seems to have done its homework here, positioning the Hummer EV between these two ading entries in the electric truck market regarding progressive styling.
GMW HummerEV display showing a technical aesthetic and Super Cruise functionality.
Innovation continues inside the vehicle. The display visuals are more advanced than the exterior. They are reminiscent of what one would expect in Bladerunner vehicles; perhaps this is partly due to their partnership with Epic Games and the use of the Unreal Engine to render graphics. The visuals are more dynamic and video game-like than many human-machine interfaces in vehicles today. Just how close GM will come to delivering on the concept vehicle interfaces remains to be seen. They have previously farmed some of this work with varied results.
Then again, there is evidence that perhaps GM has realized just how essential interfaces are regarding the relationship with a vehicle. For example, in addition to the Hummer EV interface work, significant interface progress is evident in other divisions, including Cadillac. The concept displays in their Cadillac Lyric are leaps ahead of what the company is shipping today. Let’s hope that this is more than just concept work. Similarly, if the interior quality of the Hummer EV is as solid as the new Corvette C8 interior, it should be an impressive truck. The Corvette C8 interface is arguably superior to that found in the latest Ferrari Roma. All this quality will undoubtedly be needed, given that the Hummer EV Edition 1 will run around $112,595.
Cadillac Lyriq is set to launch in late 2022 as a 2023 model
Cadillac Lyriq concept vehicle interface is a dramatic step ahead in terms of instrumentation graphics for General Motors.
GM’s new Ultium battery system will scale to accommodate a range of vehicle architectures. In the case of the Hummer EV, the battery pack will be made up of two stacks of battery compartments. Each battery compartment holds thin packets of battery chemistry, thus eliminating the weight of traditional cell battery enclosures.
Overall, it is great to see companies stepping up to the benefits of electric mobility and committing to a more sustainable future. In addition to new vehicles coming out over the next few years that will leverage the Ultium platform, GM plans to take on ground distribution more sustainably. Their BrightDrop freight management offering and the electric delivery fleet is already being prototyped with FedEx. Along with their new corporate identity, GM seems to be on a new mission, pursuing sustainable mobility at a faster pace. Depending upon how their Ultium platform is applied across their fleet, and if Hummer EV pricing can help subsidize innovations for other sized vehicles, it could be a future that is not only super for trucks but for the planet, too.
Images | GM