Test Driving the Hummer EV SUV: The Biggest and Most Inefficient Electric Vehicle
## Daily Driving the Hummer EV SUV: A Colossal Adventure
GMC’s Hummer line has long been a topic of debate. Initially designed as a civilian counterpart to the military Humvee, the Hummer evolved into a representation of extravagance, with models such as the H2 and H3 reflecting the tough, oversized SUV trend. By 2010, the line was phased out, only to be revived in the electric vehicle (EV) age. Introducing the Hummer EV, a giant that merges the brand’s heritage of magnitude and might with contemporary electric advancements. After experiencing the $104,650 Hummer EV SUV, here’s what I discovered about managing this titanic vehicle.
### Size is Significant—Indeed
The Hummer EV SUV is massive, even by American benchmarks. Measuring 196.8 inches (5,000 mm) in length and 86.5 inches (2,196 mm) in width, it is categorized as a class 3 medium-duty truck. This classification is generally assigned to vehicles like delivery trucks, which accounts for the yellow lights on the roof. Despite its dimensions, the SUV is actually shorter than its pickup variant, although this doesn’t consider the substantial spare tire protruding from the rear.
Parking this giant presents a challenge. Its width barely fits within standard parking spaces, and opening the doors can be quite tricky if adjacent vehicles are parked nearby. The Hummer EV SUV rises high at 77.8 inches (1,976 mm), boasting a ground clearance of 10.2 inches (259 mm) in its standard suspension mode. There’s an entry setting that lowers the vehicle by a few inches, but you must remember to activate it when parking.
### Weight and Range: A Heavy Responsibility
At an astounding 9,063 lbs (4,119 kg), the Hummer EV SUV outweighs most vehicles on the road. In fact, in various countries, you would require a commercial driver’s license to drive a vehicle of this weight. A significant portion of this weight—about one-third—stems from the enormous 217.7 kWh battery pack. Even with its heft and somewhat inefficient design (with a drag coefficient of 0.5), the Hummer EV SUV boasts an EPA-estimated range of 314 miles (503 km). However, the test vehicle showed a range of 358 miles on a full charge, according to GM’s own evaluations.
Recharging this massive battery requires patience. Utilizing a standard AC charger would necessitate about 16.5 hours for a complete charge. On a DC fast charger, GMC asserts that you can gain 100 miles of range in merely 10 minutes. In our tests, we managed to add 39 kWh in 13 minutes, with the charger starting at 296 kW and eventually stabilizing at 175 kW.
### Interior: A Voyage Through Space
Entering the cabin of the Hummer EV SUV is an adventure of its own. You’ll need to grasp the handle to pull yourself into the driver’s seat, owing to the vehicle’s elevation. Once inside, you are welcomed by a blend of materials and surfaces, featuring a map of the moon’s terrain etched into the speaker covers. This lunar motif continues into the weather mats and even the background of the infotainment system.
The driver’s view is commanding, but rear visibility is compromised by the narrow back window and the spare tire. Fortunately, GM’s video camera rearview mirror provides a broader perspective and auto-dimming capabilities at night, which alleviates this concern.
### Driving Characteristics: Unexpectedly Manageable
Despite its size, the Hummer EV SUV is fairly simple to drive within city limits, provided you exercise caution. The rear-wheel steering assists in minimizing the turning radius, and the shorter wheelbase (versus the Hummer pickup) enhances maneuverability. There’s even a crab walk mode, though it’s difficult to find a practical application for it on urban roads.
Equipped with three electric motors producing up to 830 horsepower (619 kW), the Hummer EV SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. However, the experience at highway speeds lacks refinement. The rugged tires produce a considerable amount of road noise, and the ride can feel jittery, with noticeable body sway during turns. The T-top panels also have a tendency to rattle over uneven terrain.
### Charging Hurdles and Infotainment Quirks
While the Hummer EV SUV’s sheer size and power are remarkable, there are some practical difficulties. The infotainment system operates slowly, and Google’s voice recognition struggled with commands like “Electrify America,” necessitating multiple attempts. The powered rear tailgate is a useful feature, yet it is devoid of proximity sensors. As a result, if you back into a parking spot with a barrier behind it, the tail
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