GMC partners with EarthCruiser to develop an overlanding version of its Hummer EV
General Motors has teased a new overlanding version of its big battery-powered off-road pick-up, the GMC Hummer EV, which is being designed and developed in collaboration with EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles.
Due to be revealed in the third quarter 2023, the rugged new go-anywhere EV concept is being touted by its creators as the future of overlanding because it combines battery-electric technology with the versatility and off-grid independence of 4×4 touring.
Just a single image has been released so far and while it doesn’t reveal a whole lot, we can at least see the Hummer EV pick-up has been fitted with some sort of canopy and a row of solar panels along its roof.
The solar panels will likely prove crucial to the viability of the project given they’ll likely be used to power electrical camping equipment and perhaps even charge the Hummer’s drive battery to help extend its off-grid adventure capability.
Apart from range-extending measures for its EV powertrain, other modifications will probably include a strengthened underbody, more auxiliary outlets, a heap of extra storage and – hopefully – a bespoke living quarters with camp kitchen and perhaps even a shower.
“This collaboration will look to leverage EarthCruiser’s renowned engineering expertise in the overland and off-road vehicle development space,” said GM.
“GMC and EarthCruiser have come together in their shared vision to develop top-tier, zero-compromise adventure vehicles, leveraging EarthCruiser’s engineering technologies that have resulted in unique and innovative self-contained living habitats, while keeping capability and agility at the forefront.”
One of the most capable GM off-roaders to date, the GMC Hummer EV comes with a suite of standard and optional features to help it tackle tough terrain, including adjustable ride height and a Crab Walk function that allows it to move diagonally.
Its immense power and torque combine with the direct drive of its electric motors – a trait of most off-road EVs and PHEVs – to provide the big electric dual-cab with almost infinite throttle control when crawling along or up rough terrain.
The standard GMC Hummer EV is powered by three permanent magnet motors outputting about 745kW of power and 1625Nm of torque, fed by a huge 212.7kWh lithium-ion battery that takes as little as 24 minutes to charge via a 350kW DC fast-charger.
The five-seat dual-cab 4×4 pick-up weighs about 4265kg, yet is claimed to hit 60mph (97km/h) in just three seconds. Towing capacity is less noteworthy at 3400kg, and base pricing in North America starts at $US108,700 ($A162K).
EarthCruiser CEO and founder Lance Gillies said zero-emission powertrains were a perfect match for the overlanding lifestyle.
“As we consider the future of overlanding, we are continuing to look toward key technologies like electrification that will help us explore for decades to come,” he said.
“Electrification presents exciting opportunities for overland use, such as precise torque control over terrain and ease-of-use, in addition to zero-tailpipe emissions.”
GMC says the Hummer EV overlander concept will be unveiled in “late summer 2023” – equating to the end of our winter… or around August.
Time will tell if there’ll be an overlanding version of the related GMC Hummer EV SUV, or whether General Motors Specialty Vehicles will offer locally remanufactured versions of any GMC Hummer EV models in Australia.
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Keyword: Off-grid GMC Hummer EV concept teased