The 2022 GMC Hummer EV Boasts Lockers And Up To 15.9 Inches Of Ground Clearance

The GMC Hummer EV news continues as the company has released more pictures and details about the electric pickup.

This time we’re focusing on the model’s off-road chops which are a hallmark of the brand.  However, the Hummer EV isn’t your traditional pickup as it eschews normal frame rails and instead uses the battery pack as a “fundamental structural element of the chassis.”

While body-on-frame pickups are often seen as the ‘real’ trucks, GMC noted the Hummer EV is exceptionally rigid even when the roof panels are removed. Given the battery pack is mounted underneath the off-roader, it and other components are protected by five skid plates, two underbody shields and rock sliders.

Also Read: Hummer Returns As A 1,000 HP Electric Pickup From GMC

Moving on, the truck has an independent front and rear suspension which allow for nearly 13 inches (330 mm) of travel. The model also has an adaptive air suspension which can automatically or manually adjust the ride height.

Like on the Cadillac Escalade, the air suspension has an aero mode that can automatically lower the vehicle at highway speeds to improve aerodynamics. The suspension can also be set to automatically lower when parked to aid entry and egress.

For off-roading, the suspension can be raised to improve the truck’s capability. In particular, the Extract Mode allows the suspension to be raised approximately 6 inches (152 mm) to clear extreme obstacles such as boulders and deep water.

Tires play a key role in off-roading, so the truck has been equipped with 18-inch wheels that are wrapped in 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires which offer “exceptional strength and flexibility.” The model has also been designed to accommodate even larger 37-inch tires for those who believe bigger is better.

Thanks to all of the aforementioned equipment, GMC says the Hummer EV is an “off-road beast.”  The spec sheet seems to back that up as the model has 10.1 inches (257 mm) of ground clearance, a water fording capability of 26 inches (660 mm) as well as approach, departure and breakover angles of 41.5°, 31.6° and 22.3° respectively.

Those numbers dramatically improve when the model is put into Extract Mode as the ground clearance increases to 15.9 inches (404 mm) while the water fording depth climbs to 32 inches (813 mm). Furthermore, the approach, departure and breakover angles improve to 49.7°, 38.4° and 32.2°.

To put those numbers into perspective, the Jeep Gladiator Mojave has 11.6 inches (295 mm) of ground clearance as well as approach, departure and breakover angles of 44.7°, 25.5° and 20.9°.

Since the Hummer is an electric vehicle, it doesn’t face traditional clearance issues caused by pumpkin axles and typical driveline components. Less stuff also means there’s less to break, and anyone who has ever been stranded on a remote trail will certainly appreciate that.

The truck also features an electric four-wheel drive system that has three motors on the range-topping Edition 1. The front motor features an e-locker and can send up to 100% of available torque to either wheel.

Out back, there are two electric motors and a virtual locker. This setup allows for torque vectoring which optimizes traction as well as driving dynamics.

Speaking of the latter, the truck features a four-wheel steering system that maximizes maneuverability both on and off the trail. While four-wheel steering is nothing new, it enables the truck to have a turning circle of 37.1 feet (11.3 meters). That’s pretty impressive when you can consider the Chevrolet Sonic has a turning circle of 36.1 feet (11 meters) when equipped with 17-inch wheels.

The steering system has three different modes including an off setting which locks the rear wheels into their usual position.  The automatic setting allows the rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels to improve maneuverability at low speeds, such as when parking. At higher speeds, both front and rear wheels are turned in the same direction.

Of course, the most notable feature is the CrabWalk function which turns the rear wheels at the same angle as the front wheels. They move up to 10 degrees and this allows the vehicle to drive diagonally.

The Hummer EV will feature five drive modes including a configurable My Mode. Each adjusts the vehicle’s torque distribution, four-wheel steering, ride height, shock damping, throttle maps, brakes and interior sound enhancement.

Among the various modes is a Terrain option which allows for one pedal operation when driving off-road. It’s designed to make rock crawling less stressful as drivers won’t have to constantly switch between the brake and accelerator.

Speaking of technology, GMC officials reveal the Hummer EV has been designed to assist amateur off-roaders and make them better than they otherwise would be.

Another nice touch is the tire inflation/deflation assist system. For those unfamiliar with off-roading, it’s common to air down your tires before hitting the trail.

While this typically involves a lot of bending over and fiddling with a tire gauge, the inflation/deflation assist system allows owners to set a predetermined low tire pressure. They then manually deflate the tires and the vehicle will provide an audible alert when the desired pressure is achieved.

The GMC Hummer EV has also been designed with the aftermarket in mind as the driver information center features provisions for accessories such as light bars and winches. This means the accessories can be installed without the need for traditional ‘hard switches.’

Speaking of the aftermarket, GMC said there will be nearly 200 accessories for the Hummer EV. There’s no word on specifics, but we’ll likely learn more closer to its launch next year.