The 2024 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 pickup is an absolute beast, with 1,000 horsepower allowing 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds. It promises extreme off-road domination while delivering a premium on-road experience. However, its massive size and capability raise crucial environmental considerations we should explore.
How Did We Get Here? A Brief Hummer History
When it first emerged as a civilian version of the military Humvee in 2002, the Hummer became an overnight status symbol beloved by celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Its imposing size and aggressive styling oozed power and machismo.
But as a prime target of environmental activists, public sentiment soured. With sales plummeting and a reputation as a symbols of excess, General Motors made the decision in 2010 to discontinue the gas-guzzling Hummer line.
Hummer Models and Efficiency
| Model | Avg. MPG* | Height / Weight |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | 10 mpg | 77.2 in / 5,200 lbs |
| H2 | 10-13 mpg | 78.2 in / 6,400 lbs |
| H3 | 14-18 mpg | 72.0 in / 4,700 lbs |
*combined city/highway MPG
Now GM is resurrecting and electrifying the Hummer model. Does slapping a battery pack in it make the new Hummer EV an environmental win? Let‘s take a closer look.
Introducing the 2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
The reimagined all-electric Hummer EV Edition 1 trim is a showcase of extremes that lives up to the brand‘s audacious legacy.
Key Hummer EV Pickup Specs
| Spec | Edition 1 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,000 hp |
| Torque | 11,500 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 110 mph |
| Range | 329 miles |
| Battery | 200+ kWh |
| Charge Time | 80% in 30 mins |
| Suspension Travel | Up to 15.9 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 15.9 inches |
| Weight | ~9,000 lbs |
In addition to beastly performance, the unique features include a modular retractable roof that stores in the front trunk. The interior offers comfy seating for 5 adults and dual high resolution touchscreens over 13-inches each.
Off-road, the Hummer EV pickup promises unmatched capability with features like 4-wheel steering, underbody armor, extract mode to gain extra wheel clearance, and the delightfully playful crab walk function.
Available in Fall 2022 and starting at $110,295, the supertruck matches its incredible talents with an incredible price tag.
Exploring the Environmental Factors Around This Beast
Though its battery electric propulsion means zero tailpipe emissions, there are a few key environmental areas the Hummer EV pickup prompts us to examine:
Size, Weight and Lifetime Materials Impact
Tipping the scales at nearly 9,000 pounds curb weight, the Hummer EV pickup is an absolute unit. Compare that to other electric trucks launching and its huge:
EV Truck Weight Comparison
| Model | Curb Weight |
|---|---|
| GMC Hummer EV | 9,063 lbs |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 6,500 lbs |
| Rivian R1T | 7,000 lbs |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 6,500 – 7,500 lbs* |
* estimated
Scientists have found larger battery electric vehicles require substantially more lifetime materials for manufacturing and electricity consumption for mobility, increasing overall environmental impact.
Upstream Emissions – Mapping to the Electrical Grid
While powering electric motors produces zero direct emissions, the upstream emissions from generating electricity must be considered. And with an efficiency rating of 47 MPGe, the Hummer EV‘s energy consumption per mile travelled leads to higher upstream emissions than smaller, nimbler EVs.
Analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists found the Hummer EV pickup generates over 340 grams of upstream carbon dioxide per mile. Compare that to around 90 grams for average lighter-weight EV sedans.
Factoring in US electrical generation by source, we see 65% is still produced by fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil. More kWh used per mile = more emissions.
Hefty Battery Size and Embodied Emissions Tradeoff
To deliver 329 miles of range to move this nearly 3.5-ton beast requires a gargantuan 200+ kWh battery pack. Manufacturing batteries of that scale has extensive embodied emissions from materials sourcing, processing components like lithium, cobalt and other minerals, before assembling modules and packs.
Let‘s map that to a couple mainstream EV options:
EV Comparison – Range, Battery and More
| Specs | Hummer EV | Tesla Model 3 | Chevrolet Bolt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 200+ kWh | 82 kWh | 65 kWh |
| Range | 329 miles | 358 miles | 259 miles |
| Curb Weight | 9,063 lbs | 3,627 lbs | 3,580 lbs |
| Charging Speed | 350 kW | 250 kW | 55 kW |
We see the Model 3 can deliver similar range to the Hummer with less than half the battery size and weight. And the energy intensity difference becomes clearer when you consider the Bolt offers 70% of the daily range of the Hummer with one third the battery capacity.
Environmental Groups Call for Policy Action
The sheer size and capability of the Hummer EV have led environmental organizations to scrutinize efficiency claims more closely. Groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists argue regulations and tax policy should better account for factors like vehicle weight, upstream pollution and emissions from material sourcing.
Without reasonable guardrails, groups warn automakers could "greenwash" purchases by slapping batteries in oversized vehicles that ultimately incur major environmental costs across their lifecycle.
More Efficient Electric Truck Options
As an engineer at heart, I‘ll always respect and admire the incredible capability GM packed into the Hummer EV pickup. However, for buyers focused on minimizing environmental impact, there are alternatives delivering utility, performance and range with far better efficiency.
The Ford F-150 Lightning channels an old favorite for the modern era. With 580 hp, up to 320 miles of range and clever features like using the battery to power tools or your home, its capability shines bright while optimizing for lower lifetime environmental costs.
Light-Duty Electric Truck Alternatives
| Specs | Ford F-150 Lightning | Rivian R1T Launch Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 580 hp | 800+ hp |
| Battery | 131 kWh | 135 kWh |
| Range | 320 miles | 314 miles |
| 0-60 mph | Mid 4 seconds | 3 seconds |
| MPGe | 70 | Unknown |
| Curb Weight | 6,500 lbs | 7,000 lbs |
I hope mapping out the environmental considerations around this supertruck giant has been helpful. By taking a deeper look and asking the right questions, we can make the most informed decisions as EV buyers and citizens.
What questions come up for you about the new Hummer EV pickup or other electric vehicles you‘re researching? I‘m happy to dig in deeper together.
