All vehicles go through extreme weather testing. From the desert sands of the Arabian Peninsula and Mojave Desert to the freezing cold of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Scandinavia’s upper reaches, vehicles from concept to near-production.
During that testing, research and development team members are finding out if their power- and drivetrain components are properly functioning as they have designed them to, checking on calibration, and also discovering the hardiness of their work.
When it comes to electric vehicles, there are additional tests that play into it. Does the battery deplete too quickly? Is the battery able to handle the cold weather? Are the electric motors getting enough power?
GMC HUMMER EV | The Next Chapter
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It was this, and more, put to the test by General Motors engineers when they got behind the wheel of the 2022 GMC Hummer in the northern reaches of Michigan. While driving in sub-zero temperatures they tested the all-electric truck on various slippery surfaces, including snow, ice, steep and split-mu grades. Key tests include integrating its powerful all-wheel drive torque distribution with the traction control system, as well as calibrating and testing the electronic stability control system.
The video shows the Hummer EV looping a test track, using four-wheel steering to handle ice, and bumping its way over some mild snow piles. There’s also a show of the suspension system absorbing the imperfections in the roadway, allowing the cab of the truck to remain stable.
There are some differences with the prototype truck seen testing here and the renderings of the model that were shown off by GMC at the truck’s reveal. Specifically, the front end. Eagle-eyed enthusiasts will note that the headlights and the area between them is not as refined as it was in the original images.
At this point, it is unclear as to why the change has been made and whether or not it’s permanent. Likely, it’s just fascia that has been deleted for testing and will be replaced when the vehicle heads to production.
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV is slated to go into production this autumn. Find out more about the product rollout plan for the model here.
In the video, GMC also teases the coming of the GMC Hummer EV SUV.
