GMC fixes production delay of popular Hummer EV

The patience of 90 000 customers with reservations has come to an end. On Monday, GMC started assembling its zero-emission behemoth Hummer EV SUV after production woos have been resolved. The first one leaving the factory was auctioned for $500 000.

The all-electric successor to the famed Hummer was unveiled almost two years ago (April 2021) and got off to a perfect start. Despite a price sticker of $110 000, the drag-defying offroad machine was met with a popularity that even astounded parent company General Motors. As a result, the American carmaker started building the pickup version and added a closed-back SUV to the assembly line.

Sold out for two years

After one year, the pre-reservations already hit the mark of 60 0000 units, and in September, GMC officially closed the pre-order book when the counter hit 90 000. The model is sold out for two years, as Newmobility reported before. However, those lead times might get shorter now that the plant is gaining traction.

Supply chain disruptions, battery production capacity, and the arrival of the Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup have been hampering the production at the Factory Zero plant in Michigan when GM tried to start the SUV earlier. On top of that, the pickup version suffered from a recall because of battery problems. A bad connector could have caused water to seep into the battery pack leading to power loss.

Compact version

With the manufacturing process now more or less under control and the battery factory in Lordstown, Ohio, gradually ramping up production, customers who made a reservation can expect delivery of their Hummer SUV by the end of the first quarter. In addition, GM says that it converted 95% of those pre-orders into end-customers.

With strong demand for the Hummer range, GM has also launched a more compact version as a priority project for its design studio and Research & Development department. This confirms that the resurrected brand has become a key pillar for GM’s electrification strategy in its home country.

Ethical outdoor recreation

As with its pickup sibling, the Hummer SUV sits on GM’s multi-model Ultium platform and features, in contrast to the Mercedes EQG as its closest European rival, three electric motors for off-road performance. With the ‘Watts to Freedom’ launch control, the athletic SUV can hit 0-60 mph in 3,5 seconds. In addition, a crab walk function enables the vehicle to move sideways.

To highlight the production start, GM auctioned VIN001 of the Hummer EV Edition 1 SUV at Barrett-Jackson, raising exactly half a million dollars. The charity organization Tread Lightly!, receiving the total amount of the raised cash, promotes ethical outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs.