Putting down 1,000-hp with nearly 12,000 lb.-ft. of twist, the new Hummer EV’s supertruck status is backed by impressive, all-electric specs. But what influenced its topless, futuristic design and interior cabin layout? We spoke with Rich Scheer, Design Director for both the interior and exterior of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, to discuss where he drew inspiration from for the truck’s science fiction looks and what kind of interior features consumers can expect when it hits showrooms next year.
Related – Exploring the Details of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
What Makes the New Hummer EV’s Design Truly Stand Out
The Hummer EV will only be available in a four-door configuration and five-foot bed, an inevitable outcome given how it’s built. The bed itself does, however, integrate a midgate model, similar to a Honda Ridgeline, which is made up of the same materials as the bed itself, all while integrating GMC’s MultiPro tailgate design.
A luxury off-roader with light-weight, removable roof panels
Another key feature of the Hummer EV’s design is the removable transparent roof panels, which were engineered to be as lightweight as possible with a storage compartment in mind in the truck’s front trunk (frunk). However, unlike a Ford Bronco or even a Jeep Wrangler, the Hummer’s doors are fixed. Scheer and his team instead put a lot of emphasis on the fact that the Hummer EV will aim at being a more luxurious truck experience, while still retaining the rugged, off-road capability associated with the Hummer name.
…the Hummer EV will aim at being a more luxurious truck experience, while still retaining the rugged, off-road capability associated with the Hummer name.
See it more as a competitor to high-end adventure machines like the Land Rover Defender or Mercedes-Benz G-Class rather than a direct Ford Bronco competitor.
Interior look at the new Hummer’s upscale cabin
While the interior isn’t waterproof per se, Scheer assured us the truck’s floor surface was carefully thought out to be both mold and water-resistant, as well as being easily removable for cleaning. While he preferred not to provide specifics on the different fabric, material, and colour combinations the Hummer EV will offer, Rich did confirm that consumers will be able to choose from a wide range of customizable options in order to match their needs and lifestyles. The 2024 HUMMER EV Omega Edition gains some even more distinct features.
A strong Sci-Fi influence
The Hummer design team was heavily inspired by science fiction themes and stories to conceptualize its lunar mission feel. He explained how the designers were given freedom to explore new and existing ideas, heavily taking inspiration from Sid Meier futuristic design, or even Halo’s M12 Warthog, all while respecting the ground rules for industrial design. The Hummer EV had to feel out of this world, but also had to be a Hummer, which meant staying true to its military and utilitarian nature.
We’re definitely thrilled to see General Motors hop onto the electric truck bandwagon with a product that feels fresh and exciting. While it may take a while before seeing a Hummer EV in the flesh, giving time to its rivals to also cook up their version of the thing, it’s easy to see how GM just time-warped the entire truck segment into an electrifying era of utility.
