Last week General Motors revealed its take on the military-derived Hummer brand, but now reincarnated as a new-age full-electric pickup truck under the GMC banner. The 2022 GMC Hummer EV launches as the Edition 1 and is powered by GM’s much-hyped Ultium battery technology and architecture.
The company hails it as the first of its third generation of electric vehicles and a first-of-its-kind supertruck. That label is backed up by its next-generation EV propulsion technology that the company claims “enables unprecedented off-road capability, extraordinary on-road performance, and an immersive driving experience designed to put occupants at the center of every moment.”
The new pickup truck brings “GM another step closer to an all-electric future, …with our Ultium Drive architecture as the foundation for an exceptionally broad range of performance,” said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors.
The electric truck “will fundamentally alter conventional off-road and truck paradigms,” added 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.”
The Ultium architecture is optimized for driving range, but for the Hummer EV it will also enable performance and capabilities that would not be possible with a conventional vehicle architecture and propulsion system, says GM. Engineers aim for the 24-module battery pack and three-motor Ultium Drive system to provide the supertruck with best-in-class power output. The Ultium batteries and proprietary drive units provide a GM-estimated best-in-class 1000 hp (745 kW) and 11,500 lb·ft (15,590 N·m) of torque in the first Edition 1 using three motors within two Ultium drive units for e4WD.
Modular batteries and motors
GM says that the Ultium batteries are unique in the industry because of their large-format, pouch-style cells, which can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the pack. In the Edition 1 Hummer, two layers of vertical cell modules will be used to produce a combined 24-module pack offering a GM-estimated range of more than 350 mi (563 km) on a full charge. (GM’s performance targets, estimates, and capability specifications are based on computer-aided analysis and simulation using virtual engineering tools.)
The battery pack’s low floor-mounting position in the chassis contributes to a low center of gravity, enhancing control and stability. Its compact construction also contributes to ideal off-road proportions, including a short front overhang and short front breakover angle.
The batteries’ nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum (NCMA) chemistry is said to enable some of the highest nickel and lowest cobalt (a rare and costly material) content of any large-format pouch cell. In fact, the chemistry allows the use of 70% less cobalt than GM’s previous generation of EVs. The Hummer will also be the first vehicle in GM’s lineup to feature wireless battery management, which maintains balance within the truck’s battery cell groups.
Engineering its first EV truck from scratch has its advantages.
“Designing the truck and the propulsion system together enhances Hummer EV’s unique performance capabilities, while also making this the stiffest truck GM has ever built,” said Adam Kwiatkowski, GM Executive Chief Engineer, Global Electric Propulsion.
The single-motor front-drive unit will have a 13.3:1 fixed gear ratio and offer an electronic lockable differential capable of delivering up to 100% of the torque to one wheel in case the opposite one loses traction. The two rear motors contained in one drive unit will independently power the rear wheels through a fixed gear ratio of 10.5:1 to vary torque output to each wheel. Motor output can also be synchronized to simulate a locking differential.
Another advantage of the system’s pure electric propulsion is that peak torque can be held for much longer, through a wider speed range—up to 40 mph (64 km/h)—than even diesel engines, which is optimal for off-roading but also thrilling on-road.
The Ultium batteries and drive will offer enough power to enable a Watts to Freedom performance feature, with 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration in about 3 s, based on GM estimates.
Range enablers
Regen on Demand allows the driver to decide how regenerative braking converts the truck’s kinetic energy into electrical energy stored in the battery pack. Designed for ultimate driving range, this standard feature is compatible with all drive modes, but it is limited in cold weather and at or near full charge. With the pull of a steering wheel paddle, drivers can slow the vehicle to a full stop without engaging the brake pedal and can engage it before lifting off the accelerator pedal for greater control. A driver-selectable Terrain Mode provides low-speed, one-pedal control for driving off-road.
The Hummer EV will have the ability to take advantage of the industry’s fastest 350-kW DC fast chargers with public 800-V facilities. Engineers have given the truck a unique ability to switch its battery pack from a native 400 V to 800 V for charging. A disconnect function within the pack enables the battery to switch from parallel to series mode, allowing it to add nearly 100 mi (160 km) of range in 10 min of charging.
The truck will control charging stations with algorithms that ramp down the current and switch to the other half of the pack, when necessary, to increase the rate of charge. The charging system will also support legacy 400-V charging infrastructure, without the need for a converter box or accessories.
An in-vehicle and myGMC mobile app Energy Assist feature will monitor the vehicle’s energy use. It will set up a charging schedule, preheat the battery en route to a station for optimal charging, and learn to drive more efficiently to maximize range.
Extreme chassis capabilities
“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 drive system that provides maneuverability, unlike anything GM has ever offered before.”
Among the features developed for “the ultimate off-road EV supertruck” is four-wheel steering featuring CrabWalk. The segment-exclusive feature allows the rear and front wheels to steer at the same angle at low speeds, enabling the diagonal movement of the vehicle for maneuverability on challenging terrain.
An adaptive air suspension with available Extract Mode capability enables suspension height to be raised about 6 in (149 mm) to help negotiate extreme off-road situations such as clearing boulders or fording water. This feature will be available later in the first year, with model-year 2022 Edition 1 models requiring a no-charge software update. It will be standard on model-year 2023 Edition 1 models.
Goodyear 35-in Wrangler Territory MT tires are standard, but the truck could accommodate 37-in options. They help contribute to the Hummer’s off-road capabilities, including scaling 18-in verticals and driving through water more than 2 ft (0.6 m) deep. Underbody steel plates are strategically located to protect the battery pack in extreme off-roading conditions.
The Edition 1 is 216.8 in (5507 mm) long; 86.7 to 93.7 in (2201 to 2380 mm) wide, without and with mirrors; and has a 135.6-in (3445-mm) wheelbase. Front and rear overhangs are 34.7 in (881 mm) and 46.5 in (1181 mm), respectively. Maximum ground clearance varies from 10.1 to 15.9 in (257 to 404 mm). Approach angle spans from 41.5 to 49.7 degree; departure angle from 31.6 to 38.4 degree; breakover angle from 22.3 to 32.2 degree; and water fording depth is 26 to 32 in (660 to 813 mm).
An UltraVision system, which includes front and rear underbody cameras, has live “virtual spotter” views to help drivers navigate obstacles and place wheels on and off the trail. The cameras are packaged to help protect against damage, have a wash function to clear debris, and provide up to 18 camera views to increase awareness of surroundings. Off-road widgets on the infotainment and driver information screens display vehicle functions and terrain status. Examples include torque output, differential locker engagement, tire pressure, pitch and roll angles, a drift gauge, friction circle, and torque vectoring.
The Hummer will launch with the latest version of GM’s Super Cruise with the new automatic lane-changing feature. GM calls Super Cruise the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance system. Unlike other systems, the company says that it uses two advanced technologies: a driver-attention system and precision LiDAR map data.
Recent enhancements to the system include performance and ease-of-use updates, including richer map information, improved software controls, and user interface improvements to make it more intuitive. Super Cruise capability, with three years of service standard on Hummer, is available on more than 200,000 mi (320,000 km) of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada.
Design details and immersive experience
Designers are hoping there is no mistaking the truck as anything but a GMC Hummer EV. Styling cues, including wheels at the corners and a high stance, are rooted in a capability-first mantra, where off-road functionality such as approach and departure angles take precedence in the design.
“We had a unique opportunity—create something people will instantly recognize while challenging perceptions by creating a zero-emissions, zero-limits electric truck,” said Phil Zak, Hummer EV Design Executive Director. “The Hummer EV is a bold design statement combined with a truly capable chassis that visually conveys an eagerness to forge a new path.”
Other signature Hummer cues are the low-turret upper, upright windshield, and rugged execution. But the design also communicates a technological leap forward, with front and rear lights featuring charge indication. A Hummer EV “H” motif is seen in several elements including the headlamps, taillamps, and wheels.
The Infinity Roof is a signature element of the truck’s design, offering open-air driving via modular, removable, and transparent Sky Panels. The roof panels can stow inside the front storage compartment known as the “frunk” under the full-power-equipped hood on a dealer-accessory storage tray. To take the open-air concept even further, the I-Bar mounting frame for the panels is removable, and the rear window can be powered down.
The Infinity Roof “figuratively and literally removes the barrier between passengers and the world, for a more immersive driving experience,” said Zak.
The five-passenger cabin design is geometric and textured. Instead of conventional carpet, the easy-to-clean vinyl floor is topped with rubber flooring made from recycled material. Rubber inserts for each passenger position are designed for easy removal and clean up after a day on the trail.
“Hummer EV will offer a refined and rugged interior for owners who want something fresh and new, yet capable enough to get dirty and handle what you throw at it,” said Brett Golliff, Hummer EV Color and Trim Manager.
Interior storage was a focus, with a roomy two-tier front floor console (enabled by the flat floor of the EV architecture) and multiple storage bins. As with the exterior, a stylized “H” makes its way to the instrument panel’s central air vent.
In-vehicle technology is intended to be a fundamental element of the Hummer EV’s immersive experience. Infotainment will all be accessible through two large displays: a 13.4-in color touchscreen that’s part of the GMC infotainment system and a 12.3-in color driver information center display.
The Bose Premium sound system has Centerpoint surround signal processing and 14 high-performance speakers. Beyond music, there is an Electric Vehicle Sound Enhancement using Bose Active Sound Management capabilities.
The human-machine interface is powered by Epic Games‘ Unreal gaming engine. The startup animation, along with different screen colors and distinctive graphic displays for different drive modes, enhance the interactivity of the technologies and apps.
“The HUMMER EV comes alive when you interact with it,” said Scott Martin, Hummer EV Creative Director for UX. “It involves and rewards you, enhancing the experience by making you a bigger part of it.”
Some functions can be activated by voice command, while smartphone-like swipe functionality makes scrolling and feature selection simple within the infotainment system. Feature selection through the driver information center is available through steering wheel controls.
A Bluetooth and ultra-wideband digital key allows owners to use their smartphone as the key fob. The technology detects the owner’s phone and its location in proximity to the vehicle, enabling several passive operations such as approach lighting, entry unlock, and vehicle operation.
Production and model range
At launch, the 2022 Hummer EV will be offered in Edition 1 trim, featuring a white exterior color, a high-contrast Lunar Horizon interior color, and special Edition 1 interior badging. It includes every conceivable option for a starting price of $112,595 when it goes on sale in the fall of next year.
The Hummer EV2, available in Spring 2024 at an MSRP of $79,995, comes with a two-motor drive system. The EV2X arrives in Spring 2023 at $89,995, adding Adaptive Air Ride, Extract Mode, and 4 Wheel Steer with CrabWalk. The EV3X, coming in the Fall of 2022 at $99,995, adds the three-motor drive system, torque vectoring, and Watts to Freedom.
Ultium battery cells will be produced as part of a joint venture with LG Chem at a new facility in Lordstown, OH. Hummer EV production begins in late 2021 at GM’s Factory Zero. Formerly known as Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, the nearly 40-year-old facility is being repurposed and retooled with a $2.2-billion investment devoted to zero-emissions electric vehicle production.
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