GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 is here

The GMC HUMMER EV is driven by next-generation EV propulsion technology that enables unprecedented off-road capability, extraordinary on-road performance and an immersive driving experience.

A few months ago we got the news that GMC was preparing to release an all-electric Hummer for 2021. Well, now it is here, in all of its glory.

With the release of the Edition 1, the Hummer EV is here to lead the EV revolution into off-road – ‘a first-of-its kind supertruck developed to forge new paths with zero emissions.’

With 1,000hp and 11,500lb ft powered by three electric motors in what GMC calls Ultium Drive. Battery cells come in the form of Ultium batteries, which are unique in the industry thanks to their large-format, pouch-style cells, that can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. The Hummer has two layers of cell modules providing a 24-module pack which gives over 350 miles of range. This battery tech also allows the batteries to be switched from parallel to series mode during charging, which makes HUMMER EV compatible with 350 kW DC fast chargers – where charging for 10 minutes will give nearly 100 miles of range.

Don’t think for a second that because the Hummer has gone electric, it can’t offroad. Al Oppenheiser, GMC HUMMER EV chief engineer said, “We had one goal for HUMMER EV: Build the most capable factory truck – ever. It’s an absolute off-road beast with a unique e4WD drive system that provides maneuverability unlike anything GM has ever offered before.”

The HUMMER EV’s driving experience can also be tailored by the driver for different conditions through Drive Mode Control. It includes four pre-configured modes: Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road and Terrain, along with the configurable My Mode — featuring a new Adrenaline Mode.

Each has specific chassis, suspension and propulsion characteristics, including the maximum torque delivered to the wheels; and along with the distinctive suspension and torque variables, the interior display screen graphics and colors, along with unique vehicle sounds, will be changeable with the different modes.

Two of the Hummer’s party tricks are Crabwalk and Extract mode – using the four-wheel steer to drive diagonally at low speeds helping it traverse tight trails whilst the latter allows the body of the Hummer to be raised 6 inches to offer extra height when tackling difficult terrain.

When off-roading, there is a strong want not to damage any panels, so Hummer has new front and rear underbody cameras with live “virtual spotter” views to help drivers navigate obstacles and place wheels on and off the trail. The underbody cameras are packaged to help protect against damage and equipped with a wash function to help clear debris.

The 2022 HUMMER EV Edition 1 will have a starting price of $112,595 with cheaper models due from Autumn 2022 to Spring 2024 ranging from $79,995 to $99,995.

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Mercedes EQC gets the 4×4 Squared treatment

Mercedes has revealed a new concept, combining its electrification strategy with off-roading, resulting in the Mercedes EQC 4×4 Squared.

We have seen the 4×4 Squared moniker before on the G500 and the E-class All-Terrain, but never before on an all-electric vehicle. A team of dedicated developers under the leadership of development engineer Jürgen Eberle (he worked on the E400 All-Terrain 4×4 Squared) has created this drivable technology platform on the basis of an EQC 400 4MATIC.

This study is to show that electric drive and sustainability can be mixed with an adventurous lifestyle, driving over multiple terrains from sand to crawling over rocks and fording through mud. Now for the numbers.

It rides at 293 mm above the ground, 58mm higher than a G-Class. It has a fording depth of 40cm, approach angle of 31.8 degrees and a departure angle of 33 degrees at the back. The tremendous ground clearance is made possible by the conversion to portal axles, where the wheels situated lower down on the axle hubs owing to the portal gears. Meaning essentially, the whole car gets taller.

Now this is all very similar to what we have seen in other Squared models but in the EQC the headlights turn into ‘lampspeakers’. Now really and truly the headlights or ‘lampspeakers’ are used as part of the powerful Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) which is needed to produce sounds by law.