Open Today Sales: 9 AM-7 PM
The legendary Hummer is an automotive icon. Although initially built solely for military use, its design, features, and overall ruggedness made it hugely popular with drivers looking for the ultimate adventure vehicle. The first civilian version was launched over 30 years ago and was highly successful, with the following generations making it more capable and comfortable.
However, the one thing that the original Hummer lacked was decent fuel economy. The new GMC Hummer EV changes that, delivering the same all-around capability and sheer size while also benefitting from the eco-friendliness and high performance that an electric powertrain can provide.
Hummer’s glorious history began in the late 1970s when the U.S. Army needed a vehicle that could carry troops and equipment over rough terrains. AM General, an Indiana-based heavy vehicle manufacturer, got a contract from the Pentagon to develop and build this vehicle. A few years later, the first Hummers were produced. Its initial name was the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), the Humvee.
Its capabilities made it a huge success with the U.S. Army, but there were no initial plans to build a commercial version. That changed in 1990, when famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, then at the height of his fame, became fascinated by it after seeing it when shooting the movie Kindergarten Cop. He convinced its manufacturer, AM General, that a civilian version of the Humvee would be a hit with the public.
The first civilian version of the Humvee was released in 1992 and was named the “Hummer.” Its looks were relatively unchanged from its military version, which fascinated the general public. Although its wide frame made it challenging to drive on city streets, many civilians took the opportunity to own and drive a genuine military truck. On the inside, however, Hummer drivers had many features that weren’t available in the military version, such as air conditioning, power windows, and a CD player.
The massive success of the original civilian Hummer prompted General Motors to purchase the rights for its name in the late 1990s. While they continued to build and sell the original Hummer, they also developed other versions, called Hummer H2 and Hummer H3. These managed to retain the spirit of the original Hummer but were a little smaller and better suited for urban roads. They also had more comfort-oriented features like heated seats, cruise control, leather upholstery, and premium sound systems.
Hummer’s success lasted well into the 21st century. However, its only major downside was its high fuel consumption. As the world became more aware of the damage that carbon emissions do to the atmosphere, environmental regulations and public perceptions prompted General Motors to stop producing the original three Hummer models.
The new GMC Hummer EV is General Motors Company’s successful attempt at recreating the magic of the original Hummer while using efficient and eco-friendly technology. Although it’s shaped like the old Hummers, its design is also fresh and modern. It also comes with fantastic power, acceleration, and utility.
While the classic Hummer had a long list of qualities, quick acceleration wasn’t one of them. Despite the new GMC Hummer EV SUV weighing almost 10,000 pounds, it can reach a speed of 60 miles per hour from a standstill in an astonishing three seconds, which is nearly unimaginable for a vehicle this big. It also has impressive braking, given its size, as it only needs 135 feet to come to a full stop from a speed of 60 miles per hour.
With the GMC Hummer EV technically being a pickup truck, drivers may also use it for towing and carrying. Its maximum towing capacity is 7,500 pounds, while its five-foot bed can carry up to 1,300 pounds. These performance figures mean the Hummer EV is also a competent work companion.
Pushing 10,000 pounds requires a special powertrain. Although the new GMC Hummer EV needs massive power to get moving, the massive 24-module electric battery gives it all the juice it needs without compromising on range. The Hummer EV can go for almost 400 miles before needing a recharge, a fantastic figure given its size and capability. It’s also quick to recharge, with GMC estimating that you can add 100 miles of range in only 12 minutes of charging while using a 350-kW power station.
The GMC Hummer EV is as quick as a sports car and has the capability of a light pickup truck, but it’s also as comfortable as an upscale SUV. The heated and ventilated seats are supportive enough for longer trips and the tri-zone air conditioning keeps everyone inside at their desired temperature. Visibility is excellent, thanks to the square cabin design. The nine-camera surround system also makes it easy to park in tight locations by giving you a top-down view of the Hummer.
From a tech perspective, the Hummer EV has everything you’d expect from a modern truck or SUV. The sizeable 13.4-inch touch-screen interface is intuitive and easy to use, and you can connect your smartphone wirelessly through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Although the Hummer EV’s sheer size makes it a safe vehicle, there are also plenty of advanced active safety systems designed to help the driver notice and avoid unpleasant situations.
The GMC Hummer EV for sale has everything special about the classic Hummer but comes with modern propulsion, infotainment, and safety technology. While its performance figures are impressive, nothing compares to seeing it up close and experiencing its power and capability. If you’d like to see it and maybe take it for a test drive, visit us at Meadowland GMC. We’ll answer all your questions so you can decide if it’s the right vehicle for you. Contact us today to schedule a visit.