When you’re reading about the latest EVs, you’ll often find the driving range of each model. Have you ever wondered how long it takes to reach that driving range? A single fully charged electric vehicle can take drivers hundreds of miles. To be more specific, the new GMC Hummer EV has 329 miles of battery-only driving range per charge. Only one question remains, how long does it take to charge the Hummer EV? Recently, YouTubers TFLEV got their hands on a Hummer EV and monitored its charge at a 350 kW charger for 15 minutes.

GMC Hummer EV at a 350 kW charger for 15 minutes

TFLEV started charging a GMC Hummer EV at a 350 kW charger with the battery at 50 percent. Thankfully, the truck’s onboard navigation system found a nearby Electrify America charging station. In addition, on the way there, the Hummer EV preconditioned the battery for maximum charging speed, according to Inside EVs. Unfortunately, the Hummer didn’t reach maximum charging speed in the video before arriving at the EA station.

According to the automaker, the Hummer EV works in 400V mode while driving but can switch to 800V when it detects a connected high-speed charger. If a charger can deliver the maximum charging speed, the Hummer can take it. Once the vehicle stabilizes after a few minutes, the peak charging speed is around 180 kW. Once the recharge reached approximately 65 percent, it dropped to 170 kW. Moreover, at the 13-minute mark, GMC’s electric pickup gained 78 miles of range. Unfortunately, that’s slightly lower than GMC’s claimed capability. Why didn’t the Hummer EV charge at its maximum speed?

A lower starting percentage and preconditioning increase charging speeds

Firstly, EVs charge more quickly when the total percentage is lower. Since the person in the video reached the charging station at around the 50 percent mark, the charger slowed. EVs usually charge more quickly when closer to depleting, like a cell phone battery. According to Inside EVs, GMC’s estimated charging speeds are present when the Hummer EV is lower than the 50 percent mark.

Next, the Hummer EV preconditions itself to charge at its maximum speed on the way to the charger. If it knows the charger’s power, like this Electrify America station, it’ll boost power to optimize charging speeds. Unfortunately, TFLEV reached the station before preconditioning was complete. As a result, the Hummer EV did not charge as quickly as possible.

How much does a GMC Hummer EV charge in 15 minutes?

According to TFLEV, it took 18 minutes for the Hummer EV to reach 75 percent battery life, starting at 53 percent. That’s roughly 22 percent over the time span, averaging about 1.22 percent per minute. Assuming the Hummer EV always charges at the same speed at the Electrify America stations, it would take around 40 minutes to an hour of charging if you started at 25 percent capacity to reach 80 or higher percent.

According to the manufacturer, at 350 kW, Electrify America DC fast chargers are “the fastest on the market today.” Comparatively, 15 to 20 minutes of charging time are more prolonged than filling up with gas would take. However, it’s probably just enough time to get some food and hit the restrooms at a rest stop on long road trips. That’s the primary place most people would need fast charging, considering home charging is available. As long as EV owners charge their vehicle overnight, a short daily commute will never be an issue.

How much does it cost to charge a GMC Hummer EV?

An 18 minute charge time accumulating 45.9590 kWh cost the driver 14.24 at the Electrify America station. Comparing that to a tank of gas, that would be roughly a quarter tank. Especially in 2022, the cost of gas is so high that this charge time is well worth the reduced price. Notably, the massive GMC Hummer EV pickup truck uses a large battery for a large vehicle. As with a large gas tank in ICE vehicles, the Hummer EV has a little more energy to fill.

In conclusion, the GMC Hummer EV gained about 20 percent battery life in 15 minutes, averaging about 1.22 percent per minute at a 350 kW Electrify America charging station. Charging the Hummer EV, or any other electric vehicle, at home or a non-DC fast charging station will take much longer. Many factors go into how quickly an EV can recharge, but this video is an excellent look into a real-world stop at a charging station.