GMC 2023 Hummer EV Pickup First Impressions

Back History

Originally making its way to this planet by way of the US military (as superheroes are wont to do), the Hummer became available to civilians in 1992. Manufactured by AM General, its outsized dimensions and utilitarian mil-spec styling sprayed in shiny paint grabbed the imaginations of millions and the pocketbooks of many.

General Motors then bought the brand in 1998 and developed several more models to accompany the original H1 in Hummer showrooms. Those generously borrowed distinctive design cues from H1 and added performance, comfort, and chrome.

Abandoned in 2009 reemerging more than a decade later as an electric vehicle bearing a GMC badge, the vehicle is instantly recognizable.

First Impressions

I had the opportunity to travel to Philadelphia with my girls from Femme Drive, where we got to experience the 2023 Hummer EV Pickup up close and in person. I have to say I was impressed by what I saw.

Despite the classy touches, it has a rugged feel – the vinyl floors have rubber inserts covering them so it should be easy to clean up if it gets messy.

There’s also a lunar theme on the interior, in case you had to be reminded the truck is ready to conquer any terrain, earthly or otherwise.

It’s expressed in a topographical map of the Sea of Tranquility (Mare Tranquillitatis) on the door speakers and also makes its way onto the center infotainment display as a backdrop for some of the drive mode screens. The dead pedal has a large lunar boot print molded into it, and there are several small boot print Easter eggs sprinkled through the cabin. It’s an interesting if somewhat indulgent, quirk.

Power for the 2023 Hummer EV Edition 1 truck comes from General Motors’ Ultium battery pack, which affords it an EPA-estimated 329 miles of all-electric range. That large pack puts the pickup at around 9,000 pounds before people and cargo are factored in.

The battery-powered pickup can be driven with Crab Walk engaged the model takes a driver’s full attention, especially when moving above 5 miles per hour. It then becomes a bit unwieldy.

When Crab Walk just isn’t enough, the truck’s Extract Mode can offer additional assistance. Using the truck’s adaptive air suspension, it can lift the truck 6 inches, helping the model overcome big rocks and high water in its path can we say, bougie!!

Recycling EV Batteries

One of the things that intrigued me on the trip was when I found out GM is recycling its EV batteries, as you, I am also concerned with EVs and what car companies are doing with the batteries people will no longer use. The new recycling process will allow Ultium Cells to recycle battery materials, including cobalt, nickel, lithium, graphite, copper, manganese, and aluminum. Ninety-five percent of these materials can be used in the production of new batteries or for adjacent industries.

GM’s zero-waste initiative aims to divert more than 90 percent of its manufacturing waste from landfills and incineration globally by 2025.

Final thoughts the Hummer EV Pickup is a great vehicle with ample towing capability and cabin space, the starting MSRP is $110K. I have not driven it so I really can’t go into detail about how it handles or drives, but I can see this being a great vehicle for those of you that really want a sense of security while driving.