GM is taking three all-new electric Hummer models to a major auto show in Las Vegas this week, highlighting the nearly 200 optional accessories that would make anybody’s weekend.
GM will display the GMC electric SUV, and a pair of Hummer EV pickups (utes) at the SEMA Show being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and while one of the two Hummer utes will be a plain old production model, the second will be brimming with “dozens of accessories” from a portfolio of almost 200 optional products.
This, GM vice president Duncan Aldred says, will highlight “the functional, lifestyle and aesthetic possibilities for the revolutionary EV supertrucks.”
“Our accessories portfolio is designed to offer customers more choices to tailor their vehicle with off-road functionality, lifestyle integration and styling enhancements.”
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, estimates more than $US40 million ($A53 million) was spent on specialty-automotive aftermarket sales in 2020 in the United States, and pickup personalisation represents the largest sector of the market.
GMC’s EV Hummers will offer nearly 200 products – a select few of which will be available in colours such as the Performance Red or Tech Bronze, including tow hooks, lunar map, hood decal, emblems, and accessory wheels.
As part of GMC’s Hummer EV display, a range of accessories will accompany the vehicles, including a hard Power Retractable Tonneau Cover, off-road recovery kit, 50-inch roof-mounted off-road light bar, and front off-road auxiliary lights.
Also on display are rocker protectors with integrated assist steps, bed-mounted vertical spare tire carrier, Sky Panel Storage Tray Set for eTrunk, under-seat organiser and I-Bar storage, and cargo management rails.
“We knew from the outset that the strong character of the Hummer EV would inspire a high degree of personalization from owners,” said Humberto Ortiz, lead designer for performance accessories.
“The accessories developed for GMC Hummer EVs are inspired by its extreme performance capabilities. The accessories’ design and functionality integration make them extensions of the vehicles themselves.”
Pre-production of the GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup has already begun at GM’s Factory Zero Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center, which it promised back in April. Factory Zero is also building the GMC Hummer EV – which was launched back in October 2020 – as well as the all-electric and driverless Cruise Origin shuttle.
The Hummer EV SUV, which the company also unveiled in April, will not begin production until early 2023, after which the first delivery of its limited-edition models will come later that year.
As companies continue to explore the electric vehicle options available to heavy-duty and larger vehicles like pickups and SUVs, we’re only going to have more opportunity to remind our prime minister that he once thought that EVs would be the end of the weekend.
Reality, however, would seem to suggest that EVs are only going to expand the options available for how we spend our weekends, where we travel, and how far we can go.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.