GMC Releases List of Powertrain Options for Hummer EV

Ahead of the official debut of the Hummer electric pickup, GMC released the list of powertrain options for the model at a recent event with investors.

According to General Motors President Mark Reuss, the upcoming vehicles will be available with at least three drivetrains. It’s interesting to note, however, that all powertrain options are going to be electric, meaning a V-8 engine is unlikely.

So far, GMC has shared a few specifications of the drivetrains and they are pretty impressive. One of the engine options is quoted to have a three-second sprint from zero to 60 mph with no less than 1,00 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of wheel torque.

Given the numbers, the engine could rival that of the Lamborghini’s, although truck buyers are likely not willing to pay for a premium price just for additional engine power.

“When we go to market, we’ll have one-, two-, and three-motor versions offering different ranges, different performance, and different price points to meet customers wherever they may be. If the customer wants a basic package, we’ll have that. If the customer wants true off-road capability and towing capability, we’ll have that, too,” Reuss said. But he did not share further details on other configurations.

Reuss also assured investors that the company is keeping the costs in check by going for a modular powertrain for the Hummer, suggesting a scalable battery pack. With a scalable battery pack, buyers can increase or decrease the capacity by simply adding or removing cell packs.

In terms of motors, the base level Hummer with a rear-wheel-drive is expected to come with a single motor mounted over the rear axle. The mid-range trim is likely getting two motors, while the top-of-the-line trim gets individual rear motors for better off-roading capability.

The Hummer EV is set to be introduced on May 20, with deliveries starting in 2021.

“It’s going to change a lot of minds about what an EV can do, and what it is,” Reuss said.