GMC and EarthCruiser team up to develop a Hummer EV overlander concept
GMC’s Hummer EV pickup can do many fun things, like crabwalk, lift 6″ with Adaptive Air Ride Suspension, and go 0 to 60 mph in about 3 seconds. Yet GMC and EarthCruiser are teaming up to develop a Hummer EV overlander concept vehicle, allowing adventurers to explore even further with an overlanding upfit solution.
Produced under GM’s marque, GMC officially unveiled its electric super truck Hummer EV in October 2021, with the news spreading like wildfire.
By March 2022, GMC revealed Hummer EV reservations exceeded expectations, with over 65,000 in total and 95% converting to actual orders. In fact, GMC Hummer EV pickup models were selling for over $250,000 at dealer auctions last April as demand for electric pickups skyrocketed.
Based on GM’s Ultium platform, the electric pickup features up to 1,000 hp, 11,500 lb-ft of available torque, and 350+ miles range. GMC’s Hummer EV is designed for off-roading with a dynamic Adaptive Air suspension system that automatically raises the ride height, 35″ tires, full underbody armor, 4-wheel steer, and more (you can see our full review here).
GMC is teaming up with EarthCruiser, a leading overlander adventure vehicle manufacturer, to develop an overlanding upfit solution designed to integrate onto the Hummer EV pickup, allowing owners to forge ahead into uncharted territory.
GMC Hummer EV to get an overlanding upgrade
GMC and EarthCruiser announced Thursday a new initiative allowing Hummer EV owners to get the most out of their EV trucks and explore further.
Working with EarthCruiser’s research team, GMC is teaming up to design and develop a next-gen overlanding upfit solution for electric vehicles that will be specifically designed for the electric Hummer.
EarthCruiser CEO and founder Lance Gillies said at the release:
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 look to develop an overland vehicle that’s truly made for, and will define, the future of this industry.
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Bend, Oregon, EarthCruiser has a proven history in the overlander and off-road vehicle development market, with several successful vehicle models. Earlier this year, the company revealed it was expanding into the overlanding segment with growing demand for EVs, particularly electric trucks.
From concept images, the slide-in camper appears to feature solar panels, which would be able to charge the electric pickup on and off the grid.
According to the press release, the GMC Hummer EV overlander concept will be officially unveiled in late summer 2023. We’ll keep you updated when we hear more.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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