Though it’s been ten years since production of the original Hummer was halted, this iconic vehicle is far from forgotten. The Hummer’s bold look and military-inspired design have kept it alive in the memories of many. Celebrities like Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton were once proud owners of their personal Hummers.
The Hummer’s roots lie in the U.S. military. In the early days, the Jeep was the primary vehicle for military transport, especially during the Vietnam War. However, the Jeep’s limitations led the military to require a more versatile vehicle. This led to the development of the “High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle,” or Humvee, which General Motors (GM) produced under a billion-dollar Pentagon contract.
The Humvee was originally used for troop and cargo transport, offering limited protection but sufficient durability for various terrains. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love for the vehicle started during the filming of Kindergarten Cop when he spotted a Humvee and immediately wanted one. He initially reached out to GM for a personal version, which eventually led to the development of a civilian model of the Humvee. GM honored him with the first civilian Humvee, later marketed as the Hummer, with the name “Terminator” engraved on it.
The first civilian Hummer, released in 1992, was known for its massive size and minimalistic, military-focused design. Although it came with air conditioning and airbags, comfort was not a priority. Weighing about 10,000 pounds, it achieved only about 10 miles per gallon. Due to its weight, it was categorized as heavy-duty, allowing owners to benefit from certain tax breaks. A unique feature included a “Fire” button to start the engine, in place of the conventional “Start” label.
From 1999 onward, GM actively marketed the Hummer, and it quickly became a popular choice for Hollywood stars. However, as fuel prices rose and environmental concerns grew, the Hummer’s popularity began to wane. It became a symbol of excessive fuel consumption and environmental disregard, attracting criticism and even vandalism. By 2010, after GM faced financial difficulties, Hummer production ceased entirely.
But in 2020, GM decided to bring Hummer back—this time as an all-electric vehicle. Despite past criticism, the demand for large SUVs has persisted, making this comeback timely. The GMC Hummer EV takes the concept of the original Hummer and transforms it into a fully electric supertruck. With an estimated range of 350 miles, this electric powerhouse can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, thanks to its triple-motor setup producing up to 1,000 horsepower.
The Hummer EV boasts an advanced Ultium battery system, enabling fast charging of up to 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes with its 800-volt electric architecture. It’s designed to dominate off-road terrain, featuring up to 18 camera views, including waterproof underbody cameras to navigate obstacles. Its “Infinity Roof” with modular sky panels provides an open-air experience, allowing passengers to enjoy the outdoors in style.