The GMC Hummer EV has impressive technology that makes it one of the most interesting vehicles recently released. That technology revolves mostly around power and terrain characteristics. This is a huge truck that can practically tear apart a supercar in a straight line while also being able to drive on a bumpy road. It is by no means a true off-roader or sports car, but it manages to perform excellently in both segments. But not everything is perfect. Aside from the positives, some important drawbacks make the EV Hummer a questionable purchase. Let’s take a look at five pros and five cons of the GMC Hummer EV.
Love it: The Hummer EV offers outstanding performance
Front and partial side view of a 2022 GMC Hummer EV3X
Let’s start with the positive. EV Hummer offers outstanding performance and it is entirely due to the power delivery characteristics of electric motors. As you may be aware by now, electric motors pump out all their torque instantly. This means that when you press the gas pedal, you don’t have to wait for it to reach a certain rpm at which maximum torque is produced. To make the instant torque factor even more apparent, this truck produces an exaggerated but enjoyable 11,500 pound-feet of it. Yes, it’s enough to demolish a large skyscraper. Along with the massive amounts of torque is a Bugatti Veyron-like horsepower figure of 1,000 horses. With numbers like that, you can see why the EV Hummer has no problem demolishing most supercars on the road—even when it weighs upwards of 9,000 pounds.
Leave it: EV Hummer has excessive tire and wind noise
Close-up of the Goodyear tires that the Hummer EV rides on
The Hummer EV suffers from a lot of road noise. With no engine to mask other sounds, you can hear the big 35-inch all-terrain tires rumbling away as you cruise down the highway. In addition, wind noise is noticeable due to the size and sharp edges of the Hummer EV. Both of the above criticisms would have been much less important in an internal combustion vehicle. However, the silence of electric cars reveals a lot of sounds that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Love it: It’s a good off-roader
Picturesque picture of a 2022 GMC Hummer EV
The media tends to exaggerate the off-road capabilities of the EV Hummer; but there’s no denying the fact that a truck this big and heavy can handle a track decently. Its capabilities come from the large all-terrain tires, air suspension and traction control system that when combined give this behemoth the clearance and grip it needs to climb a trail. Since this is an EV, Traction Control is even more effective than on regular vehicles. This is because electric motors are easier to control. Additionally, buttons inside can tell the front and rear motors to simulate a front and rear diff lock which further increases grip. Its weight, size and independent suspension mean it will never be a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco competitor. However, it can be considered a capable off-roader.
Leave it: The battery doesn’t last long enough off-road
Another problem with the EV Hummer is related to the previous one and that is the off-road range. During off-road driving, we cover short distances for long periods. In addition, in some cases we require a lot of power to drive over obstacles. On a regular vehicle, this increases fuel consumption, but it’s not a dealbreaker. With electric cars, however, this problem is more profound. EV range can be reduced by as much as 50 percent. Since the best joints are in remote areas, it can be very difficult to reload. This is a big disadvantage not only for Hummer but all electric trucks. Currently, the available electrical technology is not sufficient for such large vehicles. They may not be environmentally friendly or convenient to use due to range. That said, there’s no denying that the Hummer EV is an impressive and capable machine.
Love it: for its size, it can stay composed through turns
GMC Hummer EV cruising down the road
A vehicle this big and heavy that is fitted with tall off-road tires will never be brilliant around corners. That said, the EV Hummer manages to stay composed thanks to smart suspension, a wide track and the same traction that works great off-road. As is always the case with air suspension, the EV Hummer can lower itself, reducing the center of gravity. This makes it manage to feel somewhat lighter than it actually is. Sure, you can certainly feel the tall all-terrain tires fold as you beg for grip, but the vehicle always feels planted and controlled.
Leave it: EV Hummer can’t tow for long
Side view of the massive Hummer EV
While the Hummer EV has the power and technology to tow well, it is let down by the electrical system. EV range is heavily dependent on efficiency and aerodynamics, meaning that as soon as you hook up a trailer, the available range can drop by as much as 50 percent. Therefore, a truck that was originally capable of driving 300 miles can now only manage 150. That’s exactly the problem the Hummer EV has. The amount of time spent charging alone deems this vehicle useless when towing unless it is for a very short distance.
Love it: It brilliantly mixes electric looks with vintage truck design elements
The Hummer EV has fun off-roading
It must be said that the designers at GMC have done a great job when it comes to how this vehicle looks. Being electric, its design includes some futuristic elements that might be hard to blend into a square truck design. In this case, the old-school front grill along with the square arches, rounded nose and angular bed seem to work well together. There’s no denying that the truck looks like the future relative of the old Hummer, which is exactly what it is. It must also be mentioned that the great design elements carry over to the interior with a stunning dashboard layout and futuristic and useful displays.
Leave it: EV Hummer is not built very well
Hummer EV Urban Front End Shot
So far, it seems the Hummer EV isn’t very well built. For starters, owners have had issues with the interior buttons not working while the infotainment system can be problematic at times. However, it has to be said that the available graphics are some of the best we’ve ever seen on a vehicle. Interior materials seem good but could be better for the price while there are some potential issues with the protection system covering the batteries. These are issues that should have been fixed before release, but have found their way into the production versions.
Love it: there is plenty of space inside
The spacious interior of the Hummer EV
The Hummer EV is a huge vehicle. To be exact, it is 217 inches long and 87 inches wide. As you might expect, the massive exterior translates to a massive interior. This means that if you want to use your EV Hummer as a family vehicle, you will have absolutely no problem doing so. We’re sure the little ones will have plenty of space and gadgets to keep them busy inside. The screens alone and the sheer size of the thing are enough to captivate the brain of any child. So, no more “Are we there yet?” questions.
Leave it: Hummer EV is not environmentally friendly
Image of GMC Hummer EV crossing the roads
Claiming that an electric vehicle is not environmentally friendly is a controversial topic; but in this case it makes sense. The EV Hummer is as heavy as about three city cars combined. Therefore, the speed at which it will chew through tires, brakes and other consumables will be much higher than a normal car. This is harmful to the environment. Now the most harmful part of all is the production process. Just imagine how much energy is used to retrieve and transport the huge batteries and all the steel needed to build such a large vehicle. In our opinion, the emission-free result does not justify the extensive production process.