GMC Hummer electric super-ute reveal soon

The GMC Hummer electric SUV and ute are starting to take shape, as you can see in this official preview video that reveals several new features and confirms its global premiere around October.

Making use of single-, dual- and triple-motor powertrains pumping out up to 750kW of power – or 1000hp – and fitted with battery packs ranging from 50kWh to a whopping 200kWh, the new GMC Hummer SUV and pick-up will lead General Motors' EV charge against the likes of Rivian, Nikola, Tesla, Fisker and Ford.

Arriving in North American showrooms roughly a year after its global launch, from around October 2021, the new Hummer EVs could also eventually be sold in Australia under the GMSV brand.

The Hummer’s ute body style has been revealed in more detail, including its boxy side profile, iconic front-end design and a medium-sized tray at the back, while a clay model shows its ultra-chunky body panels.

The latest Hummer preview video features NBA superstar LeBron James talking up the revolutionary nature of the Hummer electric SUV and pick-up truck, and confirms several new features including crab mode, adrenaline mode, next-gen supercruise mode and ultra vision cameras.

It’s not clear what crab mode entails, but we’re pretty sure it won’t involve crustaceans. More likely is an off-road system like the Rivian R1T ute’s 'tank turn', where it spins on the spot covering onlookers with mud and/or tyre smoke.

Adrenaline mode is likely to be like Tesla’s ludicrous mode, in which cruising range is traded for intense acceleration. GMC is calling the EV Hummer a ‘super truck’ and claims it will blast to 96km/h in just three seconds.

Powered by GM’s new Ultium lithium-ion battery tech, the Hummer generates a claimed 1000hp (750kW) and 11,500lb ft of torque, which equates to a mind-melting 15,592Nm of torque and should be enough pulling power to tow a large house.

It remains to be seen how power and torque will be measured with the new Hummer, as these astonishing numbers may not be obtainable in a road-going configuration.

The supercruise mode is expected to be a semi-autonomous driving system like Tesla’s Autopilot and the ultra-vision cameras are likely to double as parking and off-road aids.

The GMC Hummer will also have an infinity roof and modular sky panels, which comprise Ford Bronco- and Jeep Wrangler-like removable roof panels.

Expect a high-tech cabin with several LCD screens including for the instrument panel, along with remote operation and vehicle/charge status via smartphone. The new Ultium battery packs in the Hummer allow for fast-charging capacity of up to 350kW, which should translate to fairly quick recharge times.

Electric pick-up trucks are fast-becoming the go-to product for start-up car-makers. Take for example the Rivian R1T, Nikola Badger and Fisker Alaska, which will go head to head with established names such as the Ford F-150 as well as teh much-hyped Tesla Cybertruck.

The large exterior dimensions of full-size pick-up trucks and their considerable kerb weights allow bigger, heavier batteries to be more easily fitted, allowing for greater electric driving ranges.