UPDATE: The GMC Hummer Is Back as an EV—the SUV Now Revealed

Photo credit: GMC
Photo credit: GMC
  • The 2024 GMC Hummer SUV Debuts during the 2021 NCAA Tournament

  • The 2022 GMC Hummer EV SUT goes on sale this fall

  • Three motors and all-wheel drive allow supercar-like acceleration


Updated, 4/3/2021: GMC just unveiled the Hummer SUV, and we’ve updated the story below with new art and information.

Of all the brands and nameplates that could have been resurrected as electric vehicles, a year ago I wouldn’t have placed odds on Hummer. Yet, here we are. GMC just officially introduced the new electric beast and the brand is calling it a supertruck. Scoff at your own peril. The new GMC Hummer EV—production begins in late 2021—shoots to 60 mph in approximately 3 seconds with launch control armed.

We’ll only get the pickup version in the first year and an SUV will follow. The first model to debut will be the Edition 1, the top spec model that’s equipped with almost everything the brand has to offer.

“We had one goal for Hummer EV: Build the most capable factory truck—ever,” said Al Oppenheiser, GMC Hummer EV chief engineer. “It’s an absolute off-road beast with a unique e4WD system that provides maneuverability unlike anything GM has ever offered before.”

Power storage comes from GM’s Ultium batteries and power delivery comes from three separate motors within two Ultium drive units. Those are good for 1,000 hp and a GM-claimed 11,500 lb-ft of torque. That second figure is a little misleading, before the reduction gears are factored in torque is rated between 1,000 and 1,100 lb-ft, still extremely impressive. One motor is in front and two are at the rear, divvying torque between the wheels. GM says we should get about 350 miles of range. That’s also impressive. The fact that on a phase 2 charger the EV takes 30 hours to get from 20-80% percent charge is a little concerning, but like we said, this thing is a beast.

Photo credit: GMC
Photo credit: GMC

The Hummer EV is compatible with DC fast chargers, which enables 100 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The Hummer EV gets rear steering, but unlike most cars with the feature, the rear wheels can grab 10 degrees of angle, allowing the massive ute to “CrabWalk,” enabling diagonal movement. Could be good for parking; especially good for off road. Standard tires measure 35 inches but the wheel wells can fit 37s if you need that extra…capability. It can climb an 18-inch vertical surface and ford water more than 2 feet deep. Underbody armor, also known as skid plates, keep all the important bits protected.

The suspension is independent, front and rear, with 13 inches of wheel travel, partially due to the Ultium battery sandwich being used as a structural component. Air springs have nearly eight inches of ride height adjustment. Though GMC didn’t give us breakover or departure angles, approach angle is 50 degrees at the highest setting.

Other features include Super Cruise, the hands-free, semi-autonomous driving system from Cadillac, up to 18 cameras covering everything including your front bumper, several drive modes, rock rails on Edition 1 and a bunch of widgets that tell you what you need to know in the 13.4-inch infotainment system. That will display stuff like torque used, diff locker engagement, tire pressure, pitch and roll angles, etc.

Photo credit: GMC
Photo credit: GMC

The Hummer EV will technically be considered a convertible. The roof is made of four segments that all fit in the front trunk. I-bar supports go in the back seat, or your garage.

And you guessed correctly, none of this is cheap. The Hummer EV Edition 1 will sticker for $112,595. Overtime, as more trims become available, you’ll eventually be able to buy one for $79,995, but only after a $99,995 and $89,995 variants are sold. The Edition 1 will be a 2022 model year, and production begins late next year.

Update

The GMC Hummer EV SUV made its official debut during the NCAA basketball tournament. Like you probably expected, it’s effectively the Hummer EV SUT with the back half enclosed. That said, there are some notable differences: namely, the power. While the pickup can be had with a four-figure output, GMC is capping the SUV at a reasonable 830 hp. Hummer EV SUV owners will also be able to peer at the stars through what the company calls its infinity roof, which features removable top panels. The bed is replaced by a cargo space but it will still only seat five, just like the pickup. The upcoming all-electric Hummer SUV will also receive GM’s Super Cruise driver assistance system to help you do some hands-free driving.

Photo credit: GMC
Photo credit: GMC

All of this comes with a price. The folks at GMC are taking reservations for the Hummer EV SUV Edition 1 now. You can snag yours for only $105,959. That number rises if you tack on the Extreme Off-Road package, which comes with 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires, underbody armor, and other heavy-duty parts to help keep your Hummer going while you tackle the trails. There are less expensive versions as well, just like the Hummer EV SUT, but you’ll have to wait a little longer for those.

The good news: The SUV should start hitting the streets in 2023 as a 2024 model. The Edition 1 models will start showing up early in 2023, according to GMC. Lower-rung models like the dual-motor variant won’t show up until spring. Rounding out the lineup is the base model that will be available in early 2024.

It’s back! We would love to hear what you think about the Hummer’s resurrection as an EV. Sign up to leave comments below.