New GMC HUMMER EV Pickup – An All-Electric Supertruck

As the first GM truck designed around an electric vehicle (EV) propulsion system, the all-new 2022 GMC HUMMER EV Edition 1 Pickup (Fig. 1) offers some unique performance capabilities, including impressive on- and off-road features, 1,000 horsepower (GM estimate), a range of 329 miles (529 km) on a full charge¹ (GM estimate) and zero tailpipe emissions.

Fig. 1

The HUMMER EV Edition 1 Pickup features:

• An Ultium 24-module battery system
• Three-motor Ultium Drive system
• High-performance driving modes, including
• Watts to Freedom² – enables peak horsepower and torque, propelling the truck from 0–60 mph in approximately 3 seconds
• CrabWalk² – allows diagonal movement by turning all four wheels in the same direction in unison. Limited to low speeds.
• Extract Mode² – raises the vehicle nearly 6 inches (15 cm) to travel over a variety of obstacles. Limited to low speeds. (Late availability. 2022 Edition 1 Pickup models will require a no-charge software update.)
• 800-volt, 350-kilowatt DC fast charging capability.³
• Super Cruise driver assistance technology for compatible roads.
• Infinity Roof with Modular Sky Panels –removable roof panels and front I-Bar, which can be stored in the vehicle. (Fig. 2)

Fig. 2

Ultium Battery System

The all-new Ultium battery system (Fig. 3) features a proprietary new cell chemistry, smart modules with wireless Battery Management Systems and advanced thermal management that maintains balance within the truck’s battery cell groups for optimal performance and battery longevity.

The two layers of battery cell modules combine to produce the HUMMER EV’s battery pack. The pack uses a flexible, high-voltage architecture that enables 800-volt DC fast charging.

Fig. 3

Modular Architecture

The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup’s architecture and Ultium batteries were simultaneously engineered, allowing the propulsion system to act as part of the vehicle’s structure. The large-scale, high-energy Ultium battery cells are laid out horizontally in modules and mounted beneath the passenger compartment, optimizing weight distribution and providing a low center of gravity to enhance overall handling.

The battery modules are contained within battery pack enclosures that have stiffening ribs to increase torsional rigidity. (Fig. 4) The added torsional rigidity contributes to a more solid structure overall.

Fig. 4

Two high-strength, structural shear plates connect the battery pack lower enclosure to the front- and rear-suspension cradles for enhanced strength and stiffness. The shear plates are essentially structural lattice shells that enclose and protect the battery as well as connect the front and rear chassis. In addition to its structural purpose, the lower shear plate acts as an aerodynamic underbody panel (Fig. 5), while the upper shear plate enables a smooth, continuous floor panel for an uninterrupted passenger compartment space.

Fig. 5

Drive Units

The drive units of the HUMMER EV were engineered to enable a high-travel suspension system required for off-roading and torque vectoring, a technology that can vary the torque to each wheel for improved handling and stability. (Fig. 6) The single-motor front drive unit (RPO S8L) is capable of 270kW. The dual-motor rear drive unit (RPO P79) is capable of 492kW peak output.

Fig. 6

The front drive unit features a fully automatic, variable speed front-wheel-drive transaxle with an electronic locker and park lock actuator. The single-motor front drive unit has a 13.3:1 fixed gear ratio and an electronic lockable differential, capable of delivering up to 100 percent of the motor torque to one wheel, in case traction is lost on the opposite wheel. All four wheels can be fully synchronized for true e4WD propulsion.

The rear drive unit is a fully automatic, variable speed rear-wheel-drive unit with electronic torque vectoring. Two rear motors contained in one Ultium Drive unit independently power the rear wheels through a fixed gear ratio of 10.5:1, with the capability of varying torque output to each wheel to optimize traction in off-road driving and highway-driving conditions. Motor output also can be synchronized to simulate a locking differential.

All three drive motors are identical, with each producing roughly 380 lb.-ft. of torque. Full torque is available from just above zero vehicle speed to roughly 35 mph (56 km/h). When multiplied through front- and rear-drive unit gear ratios, more than 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque is available at the wheels.

In-Vehicle Technology

Inside the HUMMER EV are a number of advanced technologies. There are two large displays: a 13.4-inch (34 cm) diagonal color touchscreen that is part of the GMC infotainment system and a 12.3-inch (31 cm) diagonal color Driver Information Center display/instrument cluster. (Fig. 7) Some functions can be activated by voice command, while smartphone-like swipe functionality within the infotainment system makes scrolling and feature selection simple. Feature selection in the Driver Information Center is performed using the steering wheel controls.

Fig. 7

The infotainment system comes with Google built-in, which is Android-based and offers several popular Google apps and services, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play.⁴ Some features require a Connected Services subscription and a Google account. A Google account is not required, but one will provide a more personalized experience. Wireless projection through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility also is available.

To create a new profile for the vehicle, it is recommended to use the Setup Wizard, which will walk the customer through the steps of setting up the infotainment system and personalizing various features. The vehicle must be in Park. Up to seven user profiles can be stored in the vehicle, not including the guest profile.

By signing in to a Google account, personalized features of certain apps, such as Google maps, can be accessed in the vehicle. In addition, a customer’s GM account, which is a separate account from Google, will allow access to other vehicle services, such as the myGMC mobile app.⁵

The infotainment system also features three fundamental in-vehicle information centers:

• Energy Assist – Monitors energy use, sets up charging schedules, battery temperature conditioning and more. (Fig. 8)
• Off-Road Widgets – Displays information related to the HUMMER EV’s selectable capabilities and performance readouts in off-road driving scenarios — everything from the ride height and eLocker engagement to compass headings, pitch/roll status and more.
• ProGrade Trailering App – Based on the trailering app developed for GMC’s full-size trucks, the widget includes trailer profiles, a trailer light test, pre-departure checklists and more.⁶

Fig. 8

Driver Assistance Features

The HUMMER EV Edition 1 Pickup includes the following standard driver assistance technologies:⁷

• Super Cruise and Adaptive Cruise Control
• IntelliBeam automatic headlamps
• Forward Collision Alert, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Alert and Following Distance Indicator
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
• HD Surround Vision
• Reverse Automatic Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Camera Mirror
• Safety Alert Seat

Lifting the Vehicle

When lifting the vehicle, specific lift points are recommended on the front frame and rear frame. (Fig. 9, #1-Front frame contact points; #2-Rear frame contact points) Verify that all the lifting equipment meets weight standards and is in good working order and that all of the vehicle loads are equally distributed and secure. During hoisting, do not damage the battery pack or the underbody.

Fig. 9

Place the front hoist lift pad on the front underbody lift points. (Fig. 10) The front hoist pads must not contact the rocker panels, front fenders, or the bottom of the high-voltage battery.

Fig. 10

Position the rear hoist pads on the rear underbody lift points. (Fig. 11) The rear hoist pads must not contact the body rocker panels or bottom of the high-voltage battery.

Fig. 11

TIP: A floor jack is not approved for the HUMMER EV. The use of jack stands may cause damage to the underbody, lower control arms or the cradle frames.

Required Training

The HUMMER EV is an all-new EV that is new to GMC dealership technicians. To help technicians gain the needed knowledge and skills to service the HUMMER EV, multiple system-based courses that provide general EV knowledge as well as multiple HUMMER EV-specific training courses are available through the GM Center of Learning. All courses in the STS Hybrid/EV Learning path must be completed before a technician is qualified to work on the HUMMER EV.

For additional information about the new GMC HUMMER EV, refer to Bulletin #21-NA-295.

– Thanks to Mark Shearer and David Rainey

¹Actual range will vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, loading, use and maintenance.

²Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.

³Actual charge times will vary based on battery starting state of charge, battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and outside temperature. Requires public 800-volt DC fast charger.

⁴Google built-in services are subject to limitations and availability may vary by vehicle, infotainment system and location. Select service plan required. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. User terms and privacy statements apply. Google, Google Play, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

⁵The myGMC app is available on select Apple and Android devices. Service availability, features and functionality vary by vehicle, device and data plan. Device data connection required. Visit onstar.com for more details.

⁶App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. User terms and limitations apply.

⁷Safety or driver-assistance features are not a substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather and road conditions may affect feature performance. Refer to the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.