Replenishing a GMC Hummer EV’s vast battery on the go can be quite pricey.
According to InsideEVs, Kyle Conner conducted a full charge experiment on a Hummer EV using an Electrify America charging station. The vehicle is equipped with a 246 kWh battery, providing an operational capacity of 212 kWh and a stated range of 329 miles. Charging the battery to its full capacity at a 350 kW station took approximately 2 hours and 32 minutes. The station delivered a total of 224 kWh of power, reflecting an estimated 5% loss during the charging process.
At Electrify America’s standard rate of $0.43/kWh, the total bill amounts to $96.32 before additional charges. Factoring in other fees, the cost surges past $100 for a complete charging cycle. For Electrify America Pass+ subscribers, the expenditure drops to $69.44 before tax, with a reduced rate of $0.31/kWh and a nominal monthly subscription of $4. Interestingly, Conner managed to acquire a complimentary charging session, resulting in significant savings.
Alternatively, some Electrify America stations apply time-based charges instead of kWh rates. At these locations, it could cost around $50 to fully charge a Hummer EV, or $37 for Pass+ members, assuming rates of $0.32/min and $0.24/min respectively, provided the vehicle is charging at maximum capacity on a 350 kW charger.
Charging at home presents a more economical option. The national average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh would result in an approximate $30 cost for a full charge. In places like Colorado with rates as low as $0.07/kWh, the expense can shrink to around $16.
The substantial expense is attributed to the Hummer EV’s massive battery capacity. Unlike other EVs with 300+ miles of range using batteries ranging from 75 to 120 kWh, such as the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model 3, the Hummer EV packs a heavier 9,046 lbs weight, requiring more energy for acceleration. This makes it less efficient compared to other electric vehicles in the market.
To contextualize, paying $100 for a 329-mile journey equates to roughly 26.6 gallons of gas at the current national average price of $3.76 per gallon. This results in a fuel efficiency of 12.4 mpg. Consequently, at the maximum charging rate with Electrify America, expenses are akin to operating an outdated fuel-inefficient vehicle.
For Hummer EV owners, securing a cost-effective charging plan or opting for home charging is crucial. The battery’s substantial appetite for electrons (disclaimer: this is not a precise representation of electricity consumption) may lead to significant expenses to keep the vehicle powered on the road.
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