GMC HUMMER EV: DRIVE MODES EXPLAINED

The GMC Hummer EV is a massive step forward for the Detroit automaker. As the pressures of electrification continue to grow, the Hummer marks GM’s first attempt at this very different kind of truck. Packed with all sorts of new tech like any proper electric vehicle, the GMC Hummer EV promises to use several drive modes to enhance its performance both on the road and off it. Here’s everything you need to know about these various modes.

GMC says that the Hummer EV lineup will arrive with five distinct drive modes via the new Drive Mode Control. These consist of Normal, Tow/Haul, Off-Road and Terrain, and the configurable My Mode. The modes will allow drivers to adjust the personality of the Hummer EV for various tasks, which is done by adjusting the torque distribution, four-wheel steering, ride height, shock damping, throttle maps, brakes and interior sound enhancement. With up to 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lb of torque under foot, this level of adjustability is rather welcome.

Hummer EV Crabwalk Mode

Outside of these various drive modes, GMC has fit the Hummer EV with a number of electronically controlled party tricks. Included in this list is the aptly-named Crabwalk mode, which utilizes the truck’s e4WD system and four-wheel steering capabilities. By rotating the front and rear wheels in the same direction at low-speeds, the truck can rotate on a tight axis without moving forwards or backwards. This will provide drivers with a significant amount of extra maneuverability on the often cramped trails.

Extract Mode

The GMC Hummer EV is also equipped with something called Extract Mode. When activated, the truck’s suspension raises almost six inches up to a total of 15.9 inches of ground clearance. This is designed to help the Hummer EV get itself out of whatever nasty terrain gets thrown in its path. You can read more about the truck’s off-road capability here.

Adrenaline Mode

Also included in GMC’s Drive Mode Control is the new Adrenaline Mode. This performance oriented mode takes advantage of the massive amount of power that the Hummer EV makes, enhancing the on-road driving performance. The Edition 1 model is slated to be able to make the 0-60 sprint in just four seconds when in Adrenaline Mode. That is rather impressive for a massive pickup, especially one carrying the weight of some truly massive batteries.

Hummer EV WTF Mode

Measuring in at over 200 kWh, the battery found in the Hummer is actually more than twice the size of the one found in the range-topping Tesla Model X. While this has its benefits for range, GMC hasn’t forgotten about the performance potential. The all-new Watts to Freedom mode is optional on the three-motor Hummers, and fully unlocks the power of the new EV powertrain. Ostensibly a launch control mode, WTF Mode unlocks more current through the motor inverters and increases cooling capacity. Furthermore, Watts to Freedom also lowers the suspension by two inches and stiffens the dampers to assist in a solid launch.

Watts to Freedom Mode (WTF Mode) also brings a bit of theater to the launch. Switch it on, and it will cause the seats to rumble, while a booming bass-tone plays over the speakers in place of engine sound. Curiously, the only time the truck will make the full 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lb of torque (11,500 lb-ft of wheel torque) is in Watts to Freedom mode. This will allow the truck to do 0-60 in an estimated 3.0 seconds with knobby off-road tires. WTF, indeed.

Summary

So then the GMC Hummer EV will use a slew of tech to help the truck be best suited for any situation. While we’ll have to wait a little while longer before GMC is ready to divulge performance data for the rest of the lineup, it’s pretty clear that they all have set a pretty high bar. Reservations for the electric pickup are open now.