Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
GMC’s 2022 HUMMER EV super truck is an anomaly in the electric world and represents unimaginable character traits truck buyers and conscious thinkers will epitomize once taking ownership. During an exclusive invite to GM’s proving grounds and testing center in Michigan, I was able to drive an engineering HUMMER EV model on the track, over boulders, and on gravel paths to showcase the EV’s remarkable on-and off-road capabilities. Epic!
Try to imagine an electric truck blessed with up 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque from three electric drive motors. Now envision that exact vehicle smoking most sports cars (without the smoke) utilizing its Usain Bolt 0-60 mph sprint time of 3 seconds. I was just amazed at some of the HUMMER EV’s feats and technologies that set it far apart from even gasoline-powered trucks. One of the most palpable experiences behind the wheel is “Watts to Freedom,” which is akin to Launch Control. Once actuated, the EV lowers itself by 3.5” and subsequently pins passengers to their seats upon take off. It feels like that initial rollercoaster drop after a ten-second climb. Trust me, there is nothing like the power of electric torque.
For added storage and a lower center of gravity, GMC placed the batteries between the axles. Two of the drive motors are located in the rear and the third is located upfront. “As the first of GM’s next-gen EVs, the HUMMER EV will fundamentally alter conventional off-road and truck paradigms,” said Ken Morris, GM vice president, Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs. “It will also debut new technology, including our all-new Ultium batteries, Ultium Drive units and the industry’s first wireless battery management system.”
Dubbed “1st Edition,” the first round of vehicles coming to market will be all white. GM is also offering over 200 accessories for the customization of your new sustainable toy. Besides its all out speed, the HUMMER EV SUT is an outstanding rock crawler and can hang with the best of the best, whether it’s Wrangler or Land Rover. GMC partnered with Goodyear for the truck’s standard 35” Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT (Maximum Traction) tire that features an open tread design to help clear out mud. An optional 37” is available from either BF Goodrich or Goodyear.
Owners can view the tires from an app and UltraVisions’s 18 camera angles, including two underbody views to ensure the HUMMER is taking the proper lines off-road. Underbody armory stems from five skid plates for a complete cover. Additional confidence manifests from Terrain Mode, 15.9” total ground clearance, a 50-degree approach angle, an electric locking differential and rear virtual locking differential, and Air Down Mode to lower tire pressure for better traction. Last but not least is Extract Mode that manipulates the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension to raise another 5.8” to help the truck walk over obstructions or climb out of dicey situations.
The roof comes off in four pieces in the SUT version and stores perfectly in the front trunk. The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV SUT is further infused with Bose audio, a 13.4” infotainment screen, and “My Mode” for either Relaxed, Normal, or Adrenaline based driving styles.
Saving the best for last is the HUMMER EV’s Crab Walk mode that works in unison with Active Rear Steer (up to 10-degrees of rear steer) to let the SUT slide side to side while the front fascia points straight ahead. Crab Walk can be used in slow-speed maneuvers such as parking in and out of tight spaces or at higher speeds on dirt roads for fun and games. It’s pretty freaky but simultaneously cool! The SUT also has an impressive turning radius for making tight U-turns.
There is not much I can think of that the HUMMER EV cannot do. My drive time was short in the engineering model, but it also offered a strategic glimpse of what to expect from GMC’s new EV super truck. Well done, GMC, and please continue making long strides and high waves in this newfangled territory.
