You’ve seen the videos. A 9,000-pound beast crab-walking sideways like some sort of glitch in the Matrix, or launching to 60 mph faster than a Ferrari while the front end lifts toward the sky. It’s theater. It’s loud, even though it’s silent. But honestly, the 2023 GMC Hummer EV pickup is one of the most misunderstood machines on the road today. People love to call it a "green" savior or an environmental disaster, but the reality is much weirder.
It’s basically a moon rover built for suburban America.
Most folks think the Hummer EV is just a bigger, electric version of the old H2. It’s not. While the old gas-guzzlers were built on heavy-duty truck frames that vibrated your teeth loose, this thing is a rolling supercomputer. It’s built on GM's Ultium platform, which is a fancy way of saying the battery is the floor, the walls, and the soul of the truck.
The 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup: Beyond the Hype
Let’s talk about that battery for a second because it’s a monster. We’re looking at a 212.7 kWh pack. To put that in perspective, that’s double the size of the battery in a long-range Tesla Model S. It’s so big that it alone weighs about 2,900 pounds—roughly the same as an entire Honda Civic.
This leads to the biggest misconception: that every EV is "efficient."
Kinda? Not really.
The 2023 GMC Hummer EV pickup gets about 47 MPGe. If you compare that to a Chevy Bolt, which hits over 100 MPGe, the Hummer looks like an energy hog. But compare it to the old gas Hummer H1, and it’s a miracle of physics. It’s all about perspective.
Why the Edition 1 is the One Everyone Talks About
If you saw a Hummer EV in 2023, it was probably the Edition 1. This was the "I want everything" spec.
- Three motors: One in the front, two in the back.
- 1,000 Horsepower: It’s a number that feels made up until you hit the "Watts to Freedom" (WTF) mode.
- 11,500 lb-ft of torque: (Note: This is wheel torque, not motor torque, which is a bit of marketing sleight-of-hand, but it still pulls like a freight train.)
The interior of the Edition 1 is... interesting. It has a "Lunar Horizon" theme with bronze accents and a floor mat that literally has a map of the Sea of Tranquility on it. It’s techy. The 13.4-inch touchscreen runs on the Unreal Engine—the same tech used for Fortnite—so the graphics are buttery smooth.
What It’s Actually Like to Drive Every Day
Driving this truck is a lesson in cognitive dissonance.
You’re sitting higher than almost anyone else on the road. The hood is a vast, flat tundra in front of you. Yet, because of the four-wheel steering, it turns tighter than a Chevy Malibu. Seriously. It’s a parlor trick that never gets old. You turn the wheel, and the back wheels pivot up to 10 degrees. You can flip a U-turn on a narrow city street that would leave a Ford F-150 driver doing a five-point turn.
Then there’s the CrabWalk.
Honestly, you’ll probably use CrabWalk exactly twice: once to show your neighbor, and once to show your coworkers. It’s cool to move diagonally at 1.2 mph, but in the real world? It’s a bit of a gimmick. The real hero is "Extract Mode," which uses the air suspension to lift the truck six inches. If you’re ever high-centered on a rock—or a very tall curb at the mall—it’s a lifesaver.
The Charging Reality Check
Charging this beast is where things get real. Because the battery is so massive, a standard 120V household outlet is useless. You’d be charging for a week.
Even on a 240V Level 2 home charger, you’re looking at an overnight soak to get from empty to full. The 2023 GMC Hummer EV pickup shines at 350kW DC fast chargers. It can pull 100 miles of range in about 12 minutes if the stars align. But "if the stars align" is the key phrase. Public chargers are often broken or throttled, and when you’re trying to fill a 200+ kWh tank, a slow charger feels like trying to fill a swimming pool with a squirt gun.
The Problems Nobody Wants to Mention
It’s not all sunshine and torque.
The weight is a genuine issue. At over 9,000 pounds, some residential driveways might actually crack under it. If you live in a place with old bridges or parking garages with weight limits, you actually have to check the signs. You aren't just driving a truck; you're driving a piece of heavy machinery.
Then there’s the "Infinity Roof."
It’s beautiful. Four transparent Sky Panels that you can pop out and store in the "frunk" (front trunk). But here’s the thing: they aren’t the best at blocking out heat. On a 95-degree day, that cabin gets toasty. And while the panels are removable, they are bulky. You’ll spend ten minutes wrestling with them, and by the time you’re done, you’re sweaty and tired.
Reliability and Recalls
Early 2023 models dealt with some growing pains. There was a notable recall regarding the battery pack seal. Basically, water could get into the battery enclosure. Not ideal for a vehicle that’s supposed to be able to ford 32 inches of water. GMC has been proactive about fixes, but it’s something to watch for if you’re buying one used.
Is It a Practical Work Truck?
In a word: No.
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The bed is only five feet long. You aren't hauling 4x8 sheets of plywood easily. The payload capacity is actually lower than some mid-size trucks because the battery takes up so much of the weight allowance.
This is a lifestyle vehicle. It’s for the person who wants to go off-roading in Moab without burning a drop of gas, or the person who just wants the most imposing vehicle in the Costco parking lot. It’s an engineering showcase.
Actionable Tips for Potential Owners
If you’re looking at a 2023 GMC Hummer EV pickup on the used market or sitting on a lot, do these three things:
- Check the Battery Health: Ask for a diagnostic report. Since these batteries are so expensive, you want to ensure the previous owner didn't leave it sitting at 0% or 100% in a hot garage for months.
- Test the Air Suspension: Cycle through the modes. Listen for any groaning or popping. The air bags are under a lot of pressure carrying that 9,000-pound load.
- Upgrade Your Home Electrical: Don't even try to live with this truck without a 48-amp or 80-amp home charging station. You’ll need a dedicated circuit and likely a panel upgrade.
The Hummer EV isn't for everyone. It's too big, too heavy, and way too expensive for most. But as a statement of what electric motors can do when engineers are told to "make it crazy," it’s unmatched. It defies physics, ignores tradition, and makes every other truck on the road look a little bit boring.