Connect with us

News

GM reveals Hummer EV: $80k starting price, 200 kWh battery, up to 350 mile range, ‘Crabwalk,’ and more

(Credit: GMC)

Published

on

General Motors has officially launched the GMC Hummer EV, the veteran automaker’s answer to the Tesla Cybertruck, the Rivian R1T, and the upcoming Ford F-150 Electric. A look at the features and specs of the massive all-electric truck shows that GM means business.

At first glance, the Hummer EV looks every bit like its namesake, which, ironically enough, was one of the vehicles that ushered in the extinction of the EV1, GM’s modern electric car. It’s a behemoth of a vehicle like Hummers of years past, and it exudes toughness from the ground up. The Hummer EV has an intimidating stance, making it evident that GM is looking to establish the vehicle as a formidable force in the all-electric pickup truck market.

The Hummer EV will be offered in four trims: the Edition 1, the EV3X, the EV2X, and the EV2. The rollout of the vehicle will be done in four phases too, with the Edition 1 rolling out next year and the rest of the lineup being released at a later date — some at a significantly later date.

(Credit: GMC)

Hummer EV Edition 1

The Hummer EV Edition 1 will be equipped with three electric motors that provide the vehicle with 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle is fitted with a 200-kWh Ultium battery pack, giving it an estimated range of over 350 miles per charge. Fast charging is supported up to 350 kW thanks to its 800-volt architecture, allowing the Hummer EV to gain 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

Performance-wise, the Hummer EV Edition 1 is not a slouch, with GM stating that the all-electric truck will be capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds thanks to a driving mode that the veteran automaker calls “Watts to Freedom.” The Hummer EV’s massive size does not mean that it’s not nimble either, with GM releasing the vehicle with 4-wheel steering features and a “Crabwalk” function, which would help the truck navigate tight spaces.

Other unique goodies are available on the Edition 1, which as an “Infinity Roof” with modular, transparent sky panels, unique badging in the interior, and a white exterior.

The Hummer EV Edition 1 starts at $112,595.

(Credit: GMC)

Hummer EV3X

After the Edition 1 rolls out next year, the Hummer EV3X will be released in the fall of 2022. The EV3X, just like the Edition 1, will be fitted with three electric motors, but it is estimated to have only 300+ miles of range per charge. While the vehicle is not listed with the Edition 1’s “Watts to Freedom” driving mode, it is still an impressive truck with 800 horsepower and 9,500 lb-ft of torque.

Features like Crabwalk, adaptive air suspension, torque vectoring, “Adrenaline Mode,” 4-wheel steering, and GM’s SuperCruise are standard on the Hummer EV3X.

Advertisement
-
-

The Hummer EV3X starts at $99,995.

(Credit: GMC)

Hummer EV2X

The Hummer EV2X is expected to be available on Spring 2023. Unlike the EV3X and the Edition 1, the Hummer EV2X will only be equipped with two electric motors that enable 625 horsepower and 7,400 lb-ft of torque. Similar to its EV3X sibling, the EV2X is estimated to have a range of 300+ miles per charge.

The EV2X is still quite robust with features, with still having features like Crabwalk, 4-wheel steering, and an adaptive air suspension system that allows the truck to navigate tricky, off-road terrain. It does, however, not have torque vectoring features.

The Hummer EV2X starts at $89,995.

Hummer EV2

The base Hummer EV2 will not be available until Spring 2024, making it over three years away. Like the EV2X, the EV2 has two electric motors that produce 625 horsepower and 7,400 lb-ft of torque. Despite its entry-level status, the Hummer EV2 is still well-equipped with features as well, including Supercruise, an “Adrenaline Mode” and 22″ wheels with 35″ tires.

The EV2, however, has the least range in the Hummer EV lineup, with the vehicle having a rather conservative 250+ miles of range per charge. It also lacks some key features that make the EV2X, EV3X, and Edition 1 very compelling, such as Crabwalk, adaptive air suspension, and 4-wheel steering.

The base Hummer EV starts at $79,995.

Watch GM’s unveiling of the Hummer EV in the video below.

Advertisement
-
-
https://youtu.be/MjMhZKmHKGk

Maria--aka "M"-- is an experienced writer and book editor. She's written about several topics including health, tech, and politics. As a book editor, she's worked with authors who write Sci-Fi, Romance, and Dark Fantasy. M loves hearing from TESLARATI readers. If you have any tips or article ideas, contact her at maria@teslarati.com or via X, @Writer_01001101.

Advertisement -
Comments

News

Tesla’s AI lead doubles down on FSD’s speed strategy, and owners are confused

Published

on

Credit: Tesla

Tesla’s AI lead Ashok Elluswamy doubled down on the company’s strategy regarding Full Self-Driving’s speed settings, and owners are definitely confused.

Earlier versions of Full Self-Driving allowed owners to set a max speed that the vehicle could travel while operating under the semi-autonomous driver assistance platform. This allowed more customization for the driver, giving them the ability to experience FSD’s robust performance with their own personal preferences.

Speed is massively important for obvious reasons — it’s not only a question of keeping the vehicle occupants comfortable by traveling at a safe speed, but it’s also something that could contribute to a ticket or infraction from law enforcement.

With the release of FSD v14 last year, Tesla removed the ability to set a max speed and instead opted for five Speed Profiles, ranging from “Sloth,” the most conservative, to “Mad Max,” the most aggressive and spirited. These profiles not only control speed, but also how frequently the vehicle will execute passes, perform lane changes, and other contributing factors.

The removal of the Max Speed setting was a major complaint amongst the Tesla community because it left owners scrambling for a way to experience suitable behaviors while traveling at an appropriate speed. Most felt the driving profiles would be a good indicator of the behaviors, while speed would still be left up to the discretion of the driver.

Instead, Tesla’s Speed Profiles determine both, and the constant tinkering of how they behave has been a major bottleneck and point of confusion for both owners and the company. From update to update, the Speed Profiles will change, sometimes more drastically than others. Some owners have complained that the “Standard” profile is too fast, while others have experienced “Mad Max” traveling below the speed limit:

These things change with each update, but the big complaint is that owners are on the hook for any tickets that come from FSD’s infractions; that’s the caveat of the suite being named FSD (Supervised). It ultimately means the driver is responsible, and the automaker has no liability when it comes to speeding tickets or general traffic infractions.

It is the driver’s responsibility to take over or adjust based on this.

Elluswamy essentially confirmed that there are no plans to bring back Max Speed control, because it is what he referred to as “an anti pattern.” He then echoed something that CEO Elon Musk has started to really push with FSD, and that’s the idea that Tesla is really honing in on the preferences of the driver.

Owners were confused by Tesla’s decision, stating that there must be a better way, especially considering disengagements for incorrect speeds are common:

From personal experience and using FSD for over 72 percent of my driving miles since v14 was released late last year, I make Speed Profile adjustments constantly. If FSD is traveling a tad too quickly, I will scale it back, and if it’s too conservative, I’ll make it more aggressive.

I don’t complain about making the Speed Profile changes too frequently, but it would certainly be nice to have it happen less frequently. There are far too many times I am concerned about getting a ticket, even in Standard mode.

The biggest issue for me, personally, which seems to be echoed throughout the community, is the fact that Tesla’s goal is to minimize disengagements. Many drivers are stating that speed is a major reason for disengagements.

However, Tesla is not willing to bring back this one level of input because it would technically be a regression.

Whether it’s right or wrong in your opinion, it is what Tesla is going with, and it seems like it has pivoted quite a bit from its other strategies for minimizing interventions by pushing its AI to behave in a way that would fit the occupant’s personal preferences.

Continue Reading

News

Tesla qualifies for awesome new first-time EV buyer incentive in California

Published

on

White Tesla Model X rear bumper showing California license plate

Tesla is one of several automakers whose vehicles qualify for an awesome new first-time EV buyer incentive program in California.

The Golden State launched the MyFirstEV incentive program, which helps those buying an electric vehicle for the first time with a $3,500 incentive on new-inventory purchases of a Model 3 or Model Y.

The incentive requires an order on or after August 3, and delivery must be taken while the program is still being funded. California has set aside $135.5 million to help strengthen its SEV market and support automotive innovation.

Incentives are offered at the point of sale, and used EVs are also available for a partial incentive of $1,750. Half of the $3,500 and $1,750 incentive amounts are covered by California, with the other half being covered by participating OEMs.

Additionally, rules apply for MSRP and how the vehicle will qualify for the incentive. Any vehicle from a non-California headquartered OEM must have an MSRP of $50,000 or less. Used vehicles must be priced at $25,000 or less and must be at least two model years older than the year of purchase.

The cars must also be purchased from manufacturers as certified pre-owned vehicles. Private dealerships are not eligible.

In total, California expects to incentivize over 73,000 ZEVs.

Participating Manufacturers

Fourteen total automakers are participating in California’s MyFirstEV program:

  • Chevrolet – Launching August 2026
  • Ford – Launching August 2026
  • Honda – Launching September 2026
  • Hyundai – Launching August 2026
  • Kia – Launching August 2026
  • Lexus – Launching September 2026
  • Lucid – Launching August 2026
  • Mitsubishi – Launching November 2026
  • Nissan – Coming Soon
  • Rivian – Coming Soon
  • Subaru – Launching September 2026
  • Tesla – Launching August 2026
  • Toyota – Launching September 2026
  • Volvo – Coming Soon

 

Continue Reading

Investor's Corner

SpaceX to report first-ever earnings today: here’s what to expect

Published

on

Credit: SpaceX

Elon Musk’s space exploration company, SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX), is set to report its earnings for the second quarter today in what will be its first-ever earnings call since going public in July.

SpaceX is trading down roughly 25 percent from its IPO. These early stock signals are usually a bit tumultuous, and considering this is the first company actively launching rockets that is available on the stock exchange, investors might have a tendency to be a bit skittish.

However, there are going to be some details that investors will hear for the first time today on the earnings call. Here’s what to look for:

Wall Street Expectations

Revenue is expected to fall somewhere around $6.8 billion, and will be heavily driven by Starlink, which is SpaceX’s widely popular satellite internet platform that has been adopted by numerous airlines, cruise ships, and other maritime operations. It is also available for consumers at home or in their cars.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) expectations fall at a net loss of $0.23 per share. Wall Street sees this as a total net loss of roughly $1.9 billion.

EBITDA is expected to come in between $2 billion and $2.1 billion.

What Investors Want to Know

Tesla uses the Say platform to help work with both retail and institutional investors to answer relevant and quality questions that address concerns or questions that they might have.

However, SpaceX is doing things differently, as the company launched its own Investor Relations website where these questions are being fielded. Just like the Tesla questions, they seem to be less focused on the operational tasks and overall progress of the company, and more novelty.

Here are the top five:

  • Has the team thought about what possibilities there are with your mascot Asteroid? Whether it’s starting additional foundations for kids in its name, helping kids learn about space, etc. Kids are our future, and Asteroid would be a fun and easy way to help.
  • Baby Asteroid is already making a difference through charity around the world. Could SpaceX take it even further with programs that inspire kids to explore space?
  • SpaceX has some legendary vehicle names. Would you ever allow the public to name a Starship, even knowing there is a 99% chance it becomes Shipy McShipface?
  • When can we expect to see more footage of the Human Landing System?
  • Will Asteroid (your mascot) go to Mars?

SpaceX will report its earnings today, August 4, at 4:30 P.M. EDT.

Continue Reading