The GMC Hummer EV SUV isn’t aimed at early adopter EV fans but rather those that want big, brawny, go anywhere SUVs with swagger; which is exactly what prompted former gasoline Hummer owner Delina Auld to take the plunge into the world of electric vehicles.
She absolutely loved her Hummer H2 but it eventually got to the point that from a repair perspective it was time to trade it in. “It broke my heart. I literally cried when they drove off the lot,” Delina said.
When she heard General Motors was bringing back the Hummer brand as a pair of EVs under the GMC umbrella Delina knew she would have to check out the SUV version.
“I jumped online and I put my reservation down. I was not in the market for an EV in general, but when the Hummer came out and I saw the truck, it intrigued me. So I started immediately researching to see what the design would look like for the SUV, and I saw a couple of prototypes, and I thought, ‘yeah, that’s pretty cool. I think I’m going to have to have one of those.'”
Her patience paid off when she took deliver of a Hummer EV SUV in the exclusive Moonshot Green Matte color, which is unique to the Edition 1. The Edition 1 serves as the SUV launch vehicle. Her’s is believed to be the first Hummer EV SUV delivered in North Florida. It is number 338 of about 2,500 Edition 1s being built.
The SUV’s wheelbase 8.9 inches shorter as compared to its big brother pickup. Despite that, it’s still plenty roomy. The Hummer EV SUV weighs more than 8,600 pounds, making it one of the heaviest EVs out there. That’s down about a thousand pounds from the Hummer EV pickup.
The EPA estimates the SUV version of the Hummer EV is good for about 314 miles of range per charge in combined city/highway driving conditions. In real-world driving conditions Car and Driver says it got 250 miles of range in its 75 mph highway test. The EPA says it gets the equivalent of 53 miles per gallon (MPGe in combined driving.
The Hummer EV has a 170 kWh hour battery pack. GMC says the Hummer can hit a peak charging speed of 300kW at 350kW DC fast chargers. While at home in the garage it can suck down up to 19.2kW per hour, assuming the homeowner adds a circuit, outlet and charger capable of delivering that much power.
Under ideal conditions the Hummer EV SUV can add 100 miles of range in about 14 minutes while DC fast charging at a 350 kW station.
The SUV also has bidrectional charging, meaning it can charge other EVs, delivering 6 kW per hour.
The Hummer has 830 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, which is good for a zero-to-60 run of 3.5 seconds in what GMC calls Watts to Freedom (WTF) mode.
Once put in WTF mode, the SUV will begin to lower. Other chassis settings will automatically adjust and the driver display will show a torque gauge capability graphic building to full torque.
The driver display then tells the driver what braking and accelerator inputs are necessary to initiate the WTF launch sequence.
While driving the Hummer EV SUV I could see how an inexperienced driver could quickly lose control in a tight turn or other sudden manuvering situation. The ride at relaxed speeds was impressive but this isn’t an SUV you can afford to make a mistake with due to its immense power and weight.
I was thrilled to see General Motors bring back t-tops with the Hummer EV SUV. It has panels in the front and the back, plus the front center bar is removable. Although most of us remember removable glass panels being called t-tops, GMC calls its setup an Infinity Roof with Sky Panels.
The panels are stored in the front trunk while the front t-bar can be stored under the back seat.
Thanks to the SUV’s four-wheel steering, the Hummer has an extremely tight (for its size) 35.4 feet turning radius.
It can also manuever somewhat sideways thanks to what GMC calls CrabWalk mode. CrabWalk mode can only be used in low speed situations of up to 1.2 mph and is meant for off road use or parking in tight spaces.
For the most part Delina has been impressed with the Hummer’s infotainment system. It features gamer-quality animations and didn’t show any signs of lag. It’s also one of the last GM’s to include Apple Car Play and Android Auto as the company has announced it will be dropping the screen mirroring system on upcoming models in favor of Android Automotive, which runs natively.
While Delina is happy with most aspects of the Hummer’s infotainment system she says the audio doesn’t match the price. “I don’t care for the stereo. The speakers just don’t sound great, even though they’re Bose.”
The Hummer EV SUV also doesn’t have HD Radio, which is a startling omission for a vehicle in its price range. The lack of HD Radio may partially explain Delina’s dissatisfaction with the sound quality. HD Radio delivers CD quality sound, which is a cut above traditional FM. HD Radio also enables broadcasters to offer up to three additional HD Radio-only channels in addition to their main channel.
Here in Jacksonville, FL there are more than a dozen HD Radio-only channels.
Outside of some light off-roading on small section of North Florida beach, Delina hasn’t had the opportunity yet to experience her Hummer’s all-terrain capabilities. Off-roading should prove to be where her Hummer really excels.
GMC offers an optional Extreme Off-Road package that has special hardware; including 18-inch wheels on 35-inch all-terrain tires, extra underbody protection, low-mounted cameras for improved visibility while maneuvering, enhanced axles with heavy-duty components, a locking front differential, and rear motors that can electronically mimic a locked differental.
The Hummer EV SUV is likely to give traditional gasoline Hummer fans sticker shock. The cheapest model currently available bases at $96,550 and can quickly top $104,000, although a slightly less expensive base model ($79,995) is expected once production really ramps up.
For driving impressions and much more, watch the video review at the top of this post.
HUMMER EV SUV & PICKUP OFF-ROAD DRIVING SPECIFICATIONS COMPARED
| HUMMER EV SUV | HUMMER EV PICKUP | |
| Wheelbase (in. / mm): | 126.7 / 3218 | 135.6 / 3445 |
| Vehicle length w/o spare (in. / mm): | 196.8 / 4999.5 | 216.8 / 5507 |
| Width w/o mirrors (in. / mm): | 86.5 / 2196 | 86.7 / 2201 |
| Width w/ mirrors (in. / mm): | 93.7 / 2380 | 93.7 / 2380 |
| Max ground clearance (in. / mm): | 16.0 / 406 | 15.9 / 404 |
| Front overhang (in. / mm): | 34.7 / 881 | 34.7 / 881 |
| Rear overhang w/o spare (in. / mm): | 35.5/ 900.5 | 46.5 / 1181 |
| Max approach angle^ (deg.): | 49.6 | 49.7 |
| Max departure angle^ w/o spare (deg.): | 49.0 | 38.4 |
| Max breakover angle^ (deg.): | 34.4 | 32.2 |
| Max water fording depth^ (in. / mm): | 32 / 813 | 32 / 813 |
| Track width (in. / mm): | 73.3 / 1863 (front and rear) | 73.3 / 1863 (front and rear) |
| Turning circle, with available 4 Wheel Steer (ft. / m): | 35.4 / 10.8 | 37.1 / 11.3 |
| Suspension travel (in. / mm): | 13 / 330 (front and rear) | 13 / 330 (front and rear) |
^Max off-road performance specs enabled by available Extract Mode4