On October 21st 2020, we got our first proper look and the revival of the GMC Hummer brand with their all-electric Hummer EV. The Edition 1 of the Hummer EV was launched in late 2021, with less powerful/cheaper variants available in later years. GMC is marketing the Hummer EV as the first ‘Electric Super Truck’, and they have priced it as such, with the Edition 1 sporting a price tag starting at $112,595. So what can this beast of an electric truck tow? 7,500 lbs, so we’ll look at how that compares to the competition.
Table of Contents
Key GMC Hummer EV Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 7,500 lbs
- Availability – Now
- Price – Starting $79,995 (EV2) > $112,595 (Edition 1)
- GMC Range Estimates – 250+ miles (EV2) > 329 miles (Edition 1)
- Estimate Towing Range (50%) – 125 miles (EV2) > 165 miles (Edition 1)
- Maximum Charge Rate – 350 kW (At 800V/DC Fast Charger)
GMC Hummer EV HP & Torque
- EV2 and EV2X – AWD with 625 HP and 7,400 lb-ft of torque (at the wheel)
- EV3 – AWD with 800 HP and 9,500 lb-ft of torque (at the wheel)
- Edition 1 – AWD with 1,000 HP and 11,500 lb-ft of torque (at the wheel)
Electric Tow Car/Truck Database
- Search/compare all new BEV & PHEV electric tow cars/trucks
- Review real-world towing test results
Hummer EV Towing Capabilities
The Hummer EV is a large (very large) and powerful fully electric truck, so presumably, it must have a pretty significant towing capacity right?
Well, not exactly. At 7,500 lbs that’s only comparable to a mid-sized truck. I don’t think anyone can reasonably argue that towing capacity lives up to the ‘Super Truck’ branding by GMC.
Granted, the Hummer EV is only the second electric truck to market with the first delivery to customers in December 2021 just shortly after the Rivian R1T.
My Hummer EV Towing Concerns
Besides the relatively low towing capacity of the Hummer EV, there are a couple of other concerns I’ve got about the practicalities of towing with the Hummer EV.
For instance, as others have commented, all Hummers, including this one, have the aerodynamic qualities of a brick.
And as people are going to quickly learn when it comes to towing with an EV, aerodynamics matter. Not just for the electric tow car/truck, but for the trailer as well.
It may turn out that the aerodynamics of the car/truck/trailer impact towing range more than the total weight of the outfit.
My second concern is the stated range figures provided by GMC. First off, these are their own estimates, not EPA estimates.
Due to the size of the Hummer EV, it falls outside of the EPA criteria, and it apparently won’t get an official EPA range rating.
Therefore, we are left with the 329-mile range prediction from GMC. What concerns me is GMC originally stated the range would be over 350 miles.
Even if we presume the official GMC range figure is accurate, when it comes to towing range its not looking like a particularly good deal for over $100,000 and a towing range likely significantly sub 165 miles.
It’s likely GMC would state in response, ‘but you can rapid charge at up to 350kW!‘.
However, the reality is that getting access to a 350kW rapid charger, especially while towing, is going to be a challenge for many years to come until the charging infrastructure is significantly upgraded.
dependence on third-party charging networks may bring some future headaches for Hummer EV owners.
GMC Hummer EV Review
My Thoughts On The GMC Hummer EV…
I think the Hummer EV does look like a highly capable electric vehicle. For going off-roading/rock climbing with the air suspension, massive 16″ inches of underbody clearance, 35-37″ wheels and four-wheel steer/crabwalk etc, sure its extremely capable.
However, what about day-to-day activities? What about towing? At this point for the towing capacity, range and price point, I’m just not sure the Hummer EV is going to make a realistic electric tow vehicle for many people.
I’m concerned that the high-speed aerodynamic drag of the Hummer EV is going to be considerable and dramatically reduce range.
While every electric truck currently on the market is going to provide challenges when towing, it would appear the low efficiency of the GMC Hummer EV makes it less practical than alternatives.
For towing, the Chevrolet Silverado EV would be the more practical option for towing, likely getting a better range due to its lower weight and more aerodynamic profile.
Electric Tow Car/Truck Database
- Search/compare all new BEV & PHEV electric tow cars/trucks
- Review real-world towing test results