GMC and EarthCrusier are officially teaming up to revolutionize the overlanding world – or at least attempt to. As it stands, gas- and diesel-powered rigs are certainly going to get you further into the wilds than even the best electric rig. However, this is exactly what GMC and EarthCruiser are working to fix. The proposed solution? A GMC Hummer EV Pickup specially designed and kitted out by EarthCruiser. Let’s see what these two companies got up to. 

GMC and EarthCruiser partner to bring EVs into overlanding

EarthCruiser and GMC made the announcement for this wild new electric overlander last week. Both companies have kept details pretty close to the vest so far. In fact, there are few details save that we will see the concept vehicle late this summer. 

While we don’t know much about the specific vehicle yet, we know plenty about where GMC is heading with the Hummer EV and how EarthCruiser has built its reputation. 

“We had an instant connection with EarthCruiser – a leader in the overland community – and their similar vision to accelerate the zero-tailpipe emissions future. EarthCruiser products have proven their performance in environments around the world, and we’re excited to join them on this next chapter of adventure and exploration.” – Josh Tavel, GM executive chief engineer, Battery Electric Trucks

GMC Hummer EV overlander

The idea is that EarthCruiser has designed an upfitted camper version of the GMC Hummer EV Pickup. The teasers seem to show a taller, almost pop-top camper version of the electric pickup truck. In fact, It seems to be some version of their pop-up roofs found in the EarthCruiser and Terranova overlanders. The roof is completely made of solar panels for charging the cabin batteries and will include a side-mounted cargo system. It will have optional specialty logos and the optional set of bronze beadlock-capable wheels from the EV3X and Edition 1. 

EarthCruiser knows overlanding

The pairing is very cool, considering that GMC isn’t an overlanding company. Something as capable as the Hummer EV would, in theory, make for a killer overlanding rig, but GMC could never spend the time and resources to execute such a specialty vehicle. Including EarthCrusier should give heaps of hope to fans of the concept. 

“EarthCruiser designs its vehicles to thrive in the most extreme, toughest environments imaginable,” said EarthCruiser CEO/Founder Lance Gillies. “From the Australian Outback to the Alaskan wilderness and everywhere in between, an EarthCruiser was made to tackle tough terrain. As we consider the future of overlanding, we are continuing to look toward key technologies like electrification that will help us explore for decades to come. Electrification presents exciting opportunities for overland use, such as precise torque control over terrain and ease of use, in addition to zero tailpipe emissions. We’re thrilled to be working with GM’s team of top-tier EV engineers and develop an overland vehicle that’s truly made for, and will define, the future of this industry.”

If the two teams can execute this massive undertaking, it could be the next major wave of useable EVs into the recreation vehicle segment. Until late this summer, we must wait to see exactly what’s going on in the shadowy corners of GMC’s and EarthCruiser’s laboratory.