Exclusive: GMC Hummer EV Prototype Caught Testing on Michigan Roads
Hummer EV near GM’s Milford Proving Grounds proves that they have working test mules alongside for-show-no-go prototypes.
When General Motors introduced the new Hummer EV last fall, the company quietly admitted that it didn’t have a fully-functioning test vehicle yet. The company had obviously completed the physical design of the vehicle and they had developed the electric drive system, but they didn’t actually have a fully built, fully functioning Hummer EV. This came as a surprise to some people, as the formal introduction of the new electric pickup including a bunch of pictures of the vehicle in action. Those were all computer generated and the truck used for photography was a static display vehicle.
That created some controversy, as General Motors talked a big game only to admit that they hadn’t actually built an electric Hummer that would perform like the vehicle in the pictures. However, living near the General Motors Milford Proving Grounds in Michigan, I know that the company absolutely has working test vehicles on the road. I had seen several on local roads over the past few weeks without being able to get pictures, but this past weekend, I was finally able to get some pictures of a Hummer EV test mule in action on public roads.
These pictures provide a unique look at the preproduction Hummer EV pickup, but more importantly, this vehicle proves that GM has working test mules in action.
Hummer EV in Milford
As you can see from the pictures here, this Hummer EV is obviously a crude test vehicle with many “unique” attributes that differ from a production version. The headlights, taillights, and grille lighting has all been replaced with black plastic fitted with non-production lighting. These crude black panels will be replaced by the normal grille, headlights, and taillights on the production model, but many early test mules use an inexpensive mock-up of the actual design.
Next, this Hummer EV has a few mismatched body parts that aren’t painted to match the white body and there are some key components missing, such as the wheel opening flares. There are also some exterior trim panels missing around the bottom of the vehicle, under the doors, and around the rear window. In their absence, we can see a bunch of random fasteners that give the truck a very unfinished look. Of course, this Hummer doesn’t have any badging, but there is no question that this is the new GMC electric pickup in test form.
When I first saw it coming towards me last week, it had all of the front lights on and that was what caught my eye. When I first saw it coming towards me, I thought that it was an H1 with an elaborate body kit, but as it got closer, it became clear that this was the new GMC electric pickup. Of course, it rolled past silently, riding on what appears to Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, similar to those featured on the new Ram 1500 TRX.
Proof of Concept
When General Motors introduced the GMC Hummer EV Concept last year, the biggest criticism was the fact that the company didn’t actually have a vehicle that would do what was being shown in the company photography. The Hummer EV promises monster power, impressive range and solid off-road capabilities with a roomy cabin, so there really isn’t much to dislike about the electric pickup. The quiet admission that the company hadn’t actually built a working model at the time of the concept debut served as a bit of a black eye for GM in social media debates, but that is clearly no longer an issue.
The GMC Hummer EV is the real deal and it is far enough along in the development process that it is out, being tested on public roads in Metro Detroit. When the production version of this new truck comes to market, we will likely have our first electric pickup that offers true American pickup capabilities with an all-electric drivetrain. This test truck proves that the future of the electric truck is right around the corner and based on this mule, the production truck may look a great deal like the concept.
Photos: Patrick Rall