The recently released GMC Hummer EV electric pickup truck and SUV seem like attractive options on the surface. With their rugged styling and off-road credibility from the Hummer name, these new electric vehicles promise unique capabilities beyond typical EVs. However, when you look closer at the specs, features, and ownership experiences of the Hummer EV models, major red flags appear.
There are several compelling reasons why the GMC Hummer EV is an EV to avoid for most buyers. From range limitations to environmental impact, this guide will analyze the top 5 reasons to steer clear of the Hummer EV.
Reason 1: Severely Limited Driving Range Capabilities
One of the most important considerations for any electric vehicle is its driving range on a full charge. While the GMC Hummer EV touts a maximum range of over 300 miles in ideal conditions, that number takes a nosedive in real-world driving scenarios.
Several reviewers and owners who have tested the Hummer EV pickup and SUV models off-road and while towing heavy loads report enormous decreases in range, some losing over 50% of maximum range. For example, when driving on challenging off-road trails, the energy-sapping conditions drained the battery far faster than on pavement. And hitting the trails usually means traveling to remote areas far from charging stations.
When hitching up trailers, RVs, or other accessories, range anxiety becomes an even bigger concern. One reviewer towing a nearly 9,000 pound trailer saw range plummet from 314 miles down to just 90 miles. That extremely limited range makes the Hummer EV unreliable for regular towing needs.
Other electric trucks and SUVs like the Rivian R1S and Ford F-150 Lightning maintain much more of their range when towing near the vehicles’ max capacity or when driving off-road. So while the Hummer EV advertises 300+ mile range, that number is irrelevant in any practical towing or off-pavement activity.
Reason 2: Exorbitant Price Tag for What You Get
Starting at $105,995, the Hummer EV comes with a gut-punching 6-figure price tag that is extremely difficult to justify given all of its performance compromises. For comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning starts at under $40,000 while the Rivian R1T pickup has a base price of around $67,500. The much more affordable Lightning and R1T match or trounce the Hummer EV in key areas like range, horsepower, torque, tow rating, charge rate, off-road prowess, and cutting-edge tech features.
So for at least $38,000 less in price, you can get an electric truck that outperforms the Hummer EV in almost every meaningful metric. And other options like the Rivian R1S SUV provide superior driving range, more passenger and cargo capacity, quicker acceleration, and better tow ratings…all for over $40,000 less than the Hummer EV SUV.
Clearly the stratospheric price of the Hummer EV provides shockingly little value compared to others in the growing electric truck and SUV market. You end up paying a huge premium for compromised performance.
Reason 3: Good Luck Trying to Actually Buy One
Another major detractor for the Hummer EV is that actually getting your hands on one borders on impossible for most buyers. Production constraints, parts shortages, and tremendous demand have created huge order backlogs measured in years not months.
GMC has closed the Hummer EV order books with over 90,000 hopeful buyers left waiting endlessly on the reservation list. The most recent estimates say those finalized 2022 model year orders will take 12-18 months to fulfill. And order books for the 2023 model year sold out instantly with delivery dates so far in the future that GM won’t even estimate them yet.
Limited allocations to dealerships also restrict access to purchase the few Hummer EVs built. Most dealers are either price gouging $30,000+ markups on their meager inventory or holding buyer lotteries to decide who gets the chance to order one. Between the years-long production delays and dealer distribution issues, the Hummer EV remains out of reach for practically all buyers.
The reality is you shouldn’t expect to realistically procure one of these ultra-exclusive trucks or SUVs without expending great effort and paying outrageous markups. Contrast that with the Ford F-150 Lightning, which promises much higher production volumes and order fulfillment within months for freshly opened order banks.
Reason 4: Environmental Impact from Manufacturing and Operation
While one incentive for purchasing an electric vehicle is positive environmental impact, the sheer size and scale of the Hummer EV models undermine that benefit. Analyses show that the carbon emissions generated in manufacturing a Hummer EV essentially "pay back" less over time versus smaller electric vehicles.
Constructing the Hummer EV’s gargantuan battery pack, three motors, steel frame and enormous body panels requires substantially more energy, materials, and emissions-producing processes than typical EVs. One estimate calculated it would take eight years of average driving for the Hummer EV to offset the higher carbon footprint from its production. Other studies put the payback period at over a decade.
The energy drain and materials wear from operating the 9,000 pound Hummer EV also pose environmental issues. Reports indicate the Hummer EV‘s huge weight and ultra-torque performance eats through tires and brakes alarmingly fast. Replacing those parts so frequently generates more waste and carbon emissions in manufacturing. On top of that, good luck finding reasonably eco-friendly tires sized for 22-inch specialty Hummer EV wheels.
Given those drawbacks, environmentally-conscious buyers with green vehicle incentives should look elsewhere. More responsibly sized options like the Rivian R1S, Ford Mustang Mach-E or Volkswagen ID.4 are much "greener" EV choices.
Reason 5: Maneuverability Nightmares from its Size
It goes without saying that piloting a massive 9,000+ pound vehicle with a 19-foot-long body presents maneuverability challenges. Navigating crowded city streets, cramming into small parking spaces, hustling U-turns, and maneuvering hairpin mountain switchbacks all become intimidating propositions. While the Hummer EV’s 4-wheel steering provides a tighter turning radius than expected, it still drives like the enormous H1 Hummer trucks from the military lineage.
In fact, multiple reviewers pointed out how tricky simple parking lot maneuvers became. The extra long body, combined with the elevated seating position that blocks sight lines, makes judging distance and placement extremely difficult. Paint scrapes, curbed wheels, and fender benders seem inevitable for those unaccustomed to handling such a beast.
Sure, serious off-roaders willing to accept the tradeoffs of piloting a tank down trails will embrace the Hummer EV’s extreme capabilities. But for commuters, suburban families, outdoor enthusiasts, and other drivers that value maneuverability over machismo, the home garage-swallowing Hummer EV proves impractical. More nimble and garage-friendly picks like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4 or Nissan Ariya make better daily drivers.
Fortunately for eco-conscious truck and SUV buyers, plenty of worthy electric models offer similar styling and capabilities without the Hummer EV’s drawbacks. Here are a few excellent alternatives to consider over the Hummer EV:
Rivian R1T and R1S – The R1T pickup and R1S SUV from adventure-focused startup Rivian lead the electric truck market in driving range, performance, charging speed, interior space and off-road talent. Prices also severely undercut the Hummer EV.
Ford F-150 Lightning – Ford’s immensely capable Lightning electric version of America’s best-selling truck packs up to 320 miles of range plus stout towing and payload ratings…all at an fraction of the Hummer EV’s MSRP.
Volkswagen ID.4 – VW’s electric crossover SUV offers roomy interior space, 250+ mile range estimates, and a budget-friendly sub-$40k starting price.
Ford Mustang Mach-E – With its sportscar-inspired design, up to 300 miles of range and exciting performance from GT models, Ford’s Mach-E sets the pace in the electric SUV segment without outrageous pricing.
Subaru Solterra – Subaru’s first EV pairs adventure-ready ground clearance, standard AWD capability and generous cargo space with a reasonable mid-$40k starting MSRP.
The GMC Hummer EV pickup and SUV turned heads with their outlandish size, styling and face-melting acceleration. But behind the machismo, these controversial electric vehicles suffer from serious functional flaws.
Lackluster range when operating off-road or towing along with astronomically high pricing and limited availability make the Edition 1 Hummer EV a disastrous value proposition. Toss in the gluttonous environmental impact from producing and operating these machines plus unwieldy maneuverability, and most buyers should clearly avoid the GMC Hummer EV and consider more balanced alternatives instead.
