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GMC Will be Able to Send Extract Mode to 2022 HUMMER EV Owners as an OTA Update

Up until now, most over-the-air updates have been radio upgrades or simple software fixes. Now, GMC can fundamentally change the way a vehicle operates with an OTA upgrade.

Since it was announced, GMC has promised that the 2022 GMC HUMMER EV would be revolutionary, now the automaker has developed revolutionary software to go with it. GMC announced that “Extract Mode is the first all-new feature made available for the GMC HUMMER EV through over-the-air updates. Get ready to rise above the obstacles in your way—literally”.

OnStar was recently upgraded to enable this type of more complicated OTA technology. It is amazing to think that a company can transmit something to your vehicle’s onboard computer that will raise or lower the suspension six inches.

Until now, most OTA transmissions were used to send software upgrades or patches to fix bugs in the vehicle’s computer system. This latest announcement is an indication of how far the software has progressed. Obviously, the HUMMER EV vehicles in question were built with the necessary equipment, the vehicles need the software to enable what could be a high demand feature.

GMC’s Description of Extract Mode

“When the road gets tough, the available Extract Mode feature enables the Adaptive Air Suspension height to be raised approximately 6 inches in order to help the GMC HUMMER EV negotiate extreme off-road situations, such as clearing large boulders and fording deeper water.”

GM’s First Electric Supertruck

The first 2022 HUMMER EVs, labeled Edition 1, started rolling off the line just before last Christmas. The 9000-pound EV pickup has a range of 350 miles on a single charge, and its three-motors combine to produce GM-estimated best-in-class 1,000 horsepower and GM-estimated 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque. Edition 1 Hummers sold for a whopping $112,595 and immediately sold out.

Other GMC HUMMER EV Special Features

  • Infinity Roof with removable Sky Panels. GMC teased this feature early on. The expansive roof gives an open-air driving experience.
  • Crab Walk giving the Hummer the ability to steer all four wheels. The segment-exclusive feature enables the Hummer to move at a diagonal at low speeds. This gives the driver better maneuverability on challenging terrain.
  • UltraVision adds new front and rear underbody cameras with live “virtual spotter” views to help drivers navigate obstacles on and off the trail. The underbody cameras are packaged to help protect against damage and equipped with a wash function to help clear debris. Up to 18 camera views are available.
  • Large, 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment screen and 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center make it easier to access information.
  • Quick Charging. Industry-first technology mechanically switches the batteries from parallel to series mode during charging, which makes HUMMER EV compatible with the fastest 350 kW DC fast chargers, enabling nearly 100 miles of range in 10 minutes of charging.
  • MultiPro Tailgate with six different positions. The Hummer EV gets the most functional tailgate on the market.
  • Power rear drop glass window and power tonneau cover.
  • Super Cruise. The GMC Hummer EV will have the latest edition of GM’s driver assistance. They don’t call it auto-pilot but it enables hands-free driving on most roads. Super Cruise requires the driver to remain engaged.

“We had one goal for HUMMER EV: Build the most capable factory truck - ever,” said Al Oppenheiser, GMC HUMMER EV chief engineer. “It’s an absolute off-road beast with a unique e4WD drive system that provides maneuverability unlike anything GM has ever offered before.”

And now, thanks to new software technology, the GMC HUMMER EV will have the first-of-its-kind Extract mode.

GMC Photo and Video

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.