Just yesterday, we got a look at the upcoming GMC Hummer EV’s Crabwalk Mode, which employs four-wheel steering to enable the battery-driven pickup to move in a diagonal direction. General Motors says the feature is “tailor-made for off-roading customers,” and now, we’re taking a look at another off-road-friendly feature of the new Hummer – its tires.
Crabwalk Mode video pictured here.
As highlighted in the same Crabwalk Mode video we covered yesterday, this GMC Hummer EV can be seen with BFGoodrich All-Terrain rubber, with a thick sidewall, aggressive tread, and relatively small-diameter wheel sizing.
Previously, GM Authority brought exclusive coverage of a stripped-down GMC Hummer EV platform that was also equipped with chunky off-road-oriented tires. However, enhancing the image revealed script along the sidewalls which suggested that those particular tires were actually Nitto’s Grappler G2 rubber.
Hummer platform image pictured here.
Unfortunately, the tread pattern shown in that image doesn’t match the Grappler G2 rubber currently available to consumers, leading to further questions over what the GMC Hummer EV would use with regard to tire specs.
The tires presented in the new Crabwalk Mode video don’t really help in that regard, as there are currently no BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires that match that particular tread pattern. As such, it’s likely that this particular tire does not yet exist as a mass-produced item, and least not yet.
Crabwalk Mode video pictured here.
Furthermore, the tires featured in the Crabwalk Mode video don’t include sizing specs either, or at least they are not visible in that particular video.
Nevertheless, the tires in the Crabwalk Mode video still look on point for what we’d expect from the GMC Hummer EV. Although not as aggressive as the tread seen in the previous platform image, these tires do have some chunkiness to grip a variety of surfaces.
Framed as offering “incredible on- and off-road capability,” the latest Hummer will need the right rubber underneath it to make all those promises a reality, with grip for a variety of conditions and enough traction to put down 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque in top-trim form.
As a reminder, the GMC Hummer EV will ride on the GM BT1 platform, and will utilize GM’s Ultium battery technology, topping out at 400 miles per charge for certain model variants. A full vehicle reveal is scheduled for October 20th, 2020.
What sort of tires do you expect the GMC Hummer EV to equip? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to GM Authority for more GMC Hummer news, GMC news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
I think the tires are just made up. The tread look very close to Goodyear Wranglers
The tires here are going to be a challenge.
They will have to have some off road ability but also be quiet and able to be low rolling resistance.
These tires have outer tread to give some off road traction, the center tread is more over lap tread for water and quiet tread noise.
I expect a hard tread and higher pressures for low rolling resistance to extend the range.
The bottom line is the tires will be a compromise mostly for street driving. These are not all out off road tires.
The aspects of a good off road tire conflict with what works best on a EV vehicle.
Also most factory tires are limited due to drive by noise regulations.
My bet is, the final tire selection will be, BF Goodrich T/A KO’s. With the total development cost of this vehicle out of site by now. Using a off the shelf tire, that has more than proven itself, is the way to go. Only time will tell, if GM makes the right choice.
No you will get a specific tire for EV use that is considered off road. With other models coming tire makers will invest here. Also automakers will invest in a tire that will extend the range.
That is why most EV models don’t come with off the shelf tires.
Goodyear I know had tires on the first volts that added a few miles per charge. GM was willing to pay more for them.
In the big picture if you can pick up 5-10 miles per charge it is worth the money.
Those tires don’t exist..it was a simulated vehicle (aka computer generated)
When choosing tires several factors must be addressed. Weight of the vehicle? This determines the amount of ply’s the tire is required. Ex. 8 ply tires typically for vehicles weighting in around 8K mark. With a sidewall 60 series min. Rolling resistance, with AT tread tires affect drag coefficient also noise. Purpose of the vehicle obviously determines what type of tire. Personally, I would require a nice highway tire. Noise, handling and importantly aesthetics with the right set of wheels.
Len all well put. But, a “nice highway tire” would not be fitting for what the ultimate design of this new vehicle is for. Some others have gone way overboard, in trying to discuss “their” desires. I still say GM will pick the BFG All Terrain T/A KO. It’s proven over several generations. And it can be had in a number of ply ratings and sizes. I owned an Offoad & 4×4 Shop for 20 years before my retirement. The BFG, was a cut above almost ANY other tire for ride, comfort and life span. My money is on this tire.