GMC has been testing the off-road capabilities of the company’s upcoming Hummer EV Pickup in trails near Moab, Utah. Ahead of the vehicle’s production debut this autumn, a team at GMC has been testing and calibrating the EV’s Adaptive Air Suspension hardware, Extract Mode, Terrain Mode, e4WD and torque distribution, among other systems such as the Hummer’s e-lockers, stability control, rear steering and CrabWalk.
The Terrain Mode, a part of the EV’s Drive Mode Control, offers drivers the choice of two braking calibrations; a mild braking option for two-foot driving and a One-Pedal Driving control for use in low-speed off-road scenarios. The mode features unique calibrations that enable vehicle acceleration and deceleration using only the accelerator pedal, designed to aid the driver when negotiating steep gradients, rocks and other tough terrains without having to move a foot between pedals.
“One-Pedal Driving offers a great feeling of control by optimizing the regenerative braking, friction braking and drive motor torque all through the accelerator pedal,” commented Aaron Pfau, GMC Hummer EV lead development engineer. “Drivers will quickly realize the benefits once they try it off-road.”
When tackling extra-tough off-road terrain, the Hummer EV features an Extract Mode that enables the Adaptive Air Suspension height to be raised approximately 6in in order to help the vehicle maneuver over large boulders or to wade in deep water.
“The GMC Hummer EV was a blank slate that was filled out by a dedicated team of engineers who are hardcore off-road enthusiasts,” continued Pfau. “Features like One-Pedal Driving, Terrain Mode and Extract Mode result in an absolute off-road beast that will take you to new places.”
