Here’s Why The 2022 GMC Hummer EV Needs to Have 1000 HP
Let’s face it; no one needs a 1000-hp fully-electric pickup truck. Despite this, the 2020 GMC Hummer EV’s tri-motor setup develops just that. While on the surface, it may just seem like the Hummer EV is just getting big power for the sake of speed, there is a far more important reason.
The Hummer EV is entering a highly competitive end of the pickup truck market, with die-hard fans rarely switching sides. To grab their attention and preferably their wallets, GMC gave the Hummer EV specifications that far exceed the ones offered by the current crop of both gas-powered and electric trucks.
The GMC Hummer EV gets big power from three electric motors
Unlike a traditional internal combustion engine, you can’t just slap a turbocharger on an electric motor and make 1000-hp. Instead, the GMC Hummer EV relies on three electric motors to generate its incredible output figure.
The most important and most powerful version of the Hummer EV combines a tri-motor setup and an all-wheel-drive system. According to GMC, the Hummer EV also benefits from an adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering to improve maneuverability.
The Hummer EV’s unveiling tells us a lot about their intentions behind the project. Instead of coming to market with the cheapest version, GMC created shockwaves with massive performance and a steep price. While the $112,595 starting price is far from affordable, the American carmaker already sold out the first batch of Edition 1 trucks.
Unveiling the flagship version first creates hype around the truck, something Tesla did excellently with the Cybertruck. Aside from pure hype, the Hummer EV’s performance figures are a massive jump over what its internal combustion competitors can manage, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
The competition is heating up
Earlier this year, Ram unveiled the 1500 TRX with an impressive 702-hp output. In response, rumors began circulating that Ford is also developing at 700+ hp version of the Raptor to compete. Regardless, the GMC Hummer EV outperforms the current best by almost 300 hp.
On the electric side, the Tesla Cybertruck develops 800 hp from its tri-motor setup. The Rivian R1T, on the other hand, tops out at 750 hp. While these figures are almost meaningless in terms of real-world driving, they help establish credibility.
The GMC Hummer EV is the brand’s first electric pickup truck. The 1000-hp output and subsequent performance figures help establish the electric truck as the king of both naturally aspirated and electric pickup trucks. While sales for a six-figure truck likely won’t be a moneymaker, the established credibility trickles down to the lower-priced models, which should result in greater sales.
In the end, it’s all about bragging rights
If the estimated performance stats are confirmed, then the GMC Hummer EV will be the most powerful production pickup truck ever. As mentioned earlier, that title carries a lot of weight, especially in a market segment with such diehard fans. As Ford and Ram lag in their electric truck development, the sales are for the taking.
So while competitors are stuck building new factories and securing investments, the support of General Motors should mean that the Hummer EV should debut as a quality product. So while the 1000-hp output is great for headlines, the established credibility in the market might just make this new truck a sales success.
