Summary
- GMC Hummer EV has a range of up to 312 miles on a 170 kWh battery
- Tim Esterdahl conducted a winter range test on the Hummer EV in extreme conditions
- Preconditioning the cabin and strategic charging helped conserve energy on the trip
- The cold weather and heavy vehicle weight significantly impacted the EV’s range
- Planning and preparation are crucial for successful EV road trips in winter conditions
Article
Optimizing Range in the GMC Hummer EV
The GMC Hummer EV is a unique American solution to maximizing the range of an electric vehicle by using a large battery. The top-spec Hummer EV3X SUV boasts an impressive 312 miles of EPA-rated range from its 170 kWh battery. However, real-world conditions can impact this range, especially in winter weather.
Challenging Winter Conditions
Tim Esterdahl of the Pickup Truck + SUV YouTube channel put the Hummer EV to the test in a winter road trip from Nebraska to Denver. With temperatures in the teens and even negatives, the cold weather presented challenges for electric driving. The high temperature of the day was 14 degrees F, adding to the difficulty of the trip.
Efficient Driving Strategies
Despite the cold, Tim employed various strategies to optimize the Hummer EV’s range. He pre-conditioned the cabin while plugged in, dialed down the heater during the drive, and charged only as needed to reach his destination comfortably. The low center of gravity due to the large battery aided in stability and weight distribution on slippery roads.
Range Impact in Challenging Conditions
The cold weather and highway speeds significantly reduced the efficiency of the Hummer EV, leaving Tim with only 98 miles of range after driving 90 miles to Cheyenne. Despite the lower efficiency, Tim successfully reached the airport on time after a charging stop. However, the winter conditions highlighted the limitations of the EV’s range.
Winter Road-Trip Planning
Tim’s experience with the Hummer EV serves as a valuable lesson for winter road-trip planning with an electric vehicle. Knowing where chargers are located, thinking ahead, and understanding the impact of cold weather on range are essential for a successful journey. While EVs offer comfort and traction advantages, the actual range in cold conditions may differ from estimates.
Conclusion
The GMC Hummer EV showcases the potential of electric vehicles for long-distance travel, but winter conditions can pose challenges for range optimization. Despite the unique features and capabilities of the Hummer EV, the large battery and weight of the vehicle can impact efficiency in cold weather. By planning ahead and adapting driving strategies, EV owners can make the most of their vehicles in challenging conditions.
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