GM's flagship Hummer off-roader gets a new factory to go with its new green electric powertrain.

Dan Carney

October 21, 2020

3 Min Read
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2022 GMC Hummer EVGeneral Motors Co.

General Motors is converting its Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center to be a dedicated electric vehicle plant branded “Factory Zero.” The $2.2 billion renovation represents the single largest investment in a plant in GM history and will produce 2,200 jobs, according to GM.

The company will produce the new 1,000-horsepower 2022 Hummer 4x4 EV in the plant along with the Cruise Origin, a purpose-built electric, self-driving, shared vehicle, along with other GM EVs. GMC Hummer EV production is slated to begin in late 2021.

The $112,595 Hummer EV Edition 1 boasts amazing new technology such as CrabWalk four-wheel steering, air suspension with Extract Mode six-inch lift, and the ability to charge its 800-volt, 24-module, double-stacked Ultium battery pack at 350 kilowatts to add 100 miles of driving range in just ten minutes.

In addition to the Hummer’s Factory Zero plant, GM is also revamping the Spring Hill, Tenn. plant that was originally the home of GM’s Saturn brand to also build EVs. That factory currently builds the conventionally powered Cadillac XT6 and XT5 crossover SUVs, which will remain at the plant when it adds production of the new Cadillac Lyriq crossover EV.

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GM is investing $2 billion to build EVs such as the Lyriq at Spring Hill. The price tag includes major expansions to Spring Hill’s paint and body shops and the general assembly will receive comprehensive upgrades, including new machines, conveyors, controls and tooling.

Related:We're on the Road to Somewhere: GM Maps its Electric Vehicle Future

“We are committed to investing in the U.S., our employees, and our communities,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “These investments underscore the success of our vehicles today, and our vision of an all-electric future.”

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GM has committed to invest more than $4.5 billion at three U.S. manufacturing sites to prepare those facilities for EV-related vehicle production since last year.

GM boasts that Factory Zero is being rebuilt with a focus on sustainability. An example is concrete waste that was repurposed to create temporary roadways during the project. The site now recycles stormwater to reduce discharge costs and offset the cost of potable water. Treated stormwater will be used in cooling towers and the fire suppression system.

The company also created a 16.5-acre wildlife habitat for Monarch butterflies, foxes, and turkeys that has been recognized by the Wildlife Habitat Council.

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Factory Zero will be powered entirely by renewable energy by 2023, the company pledged, as GM targets sourcing 100 percent of its U.S. facilities with renewable energy by 2030, and all global facilities by 2040.

The factory also features a 30-kilowatt solar carport and 516-kilowatt ground-mount photovoltaic solar array from DTE Energy.

“This manufacturing plant will be the epitome of GM’s vision by sustainably manufacturing electric and shared autonomous vehicles that can help reduce crashes, emissions, and congestion,” said Dane Parker, GM chief sustainability officer.

 

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