When it comes to a large electric vehicle like the GMC Hummer EV, more information at your fingertips is better than not knowing important details.
During a week-long test with the Hummer EV, it was the app that impressed me the most, in part because the syncing between app and vehicle worked quickly and accurately, showing the range for the vehicle both when it was parked in my garage, in an underground parking facility, and even in a remote area. It was a split second sync in all cases.
The app shows quite a few details that are helpful to know. I drove the Hummer EV for a week and used the app before every drive. First and foremost is the ability to lock and unlock the Hummer — or just check to see if it is locked in the first place. On one of my drives, I actually forgot to lock the vehicle in a parking garage that was, I will say, already quite secure. I had no problem pulling out my phone and clicking the lock button.
The app also lets you control climate by setting the temp. Because the temperature in my area was mild already (not too hot or too cold) I didn’t bother to adjust this setting. I have seen a few reports from other Hummer EV owners that the climate settings worked as predicted.
I was surprised how many other settings there are for the Hummer EV, though. With many apps, you can adjust climate settings, lock and unlock, and remote start. With the Hummer EV, you can stop charging using the app, which helps if you decide you want to save power when you are plugged in when the vehicle is in your own garage. I sometimes did that when I was just in my kitchen instead of having to go out and unplug the charge cable.
The biggest surprise had to do with both the eTrunk and the Swing Gate. In many EVs, since there is no engine, you have tons of extra storage space in the trunk. With the app, you can press a button to access that storage area, which is cavernous. I ended up removing the top panels during one drive and stored them all in the eTrunk where you can stack them all on top of each other. I also released the rear Swing Gate, which is another place you can store tons of gear. I used the app to open that rear door, then stashed a bike in the back.
There are several safety options as well. You can sound an alarm using the app and flash the lights, which is helpful if you are in a dark parking garage. Another helpful setting has to do with the map. You can quickly see exactly where the vehicle is parked, which is a good thing for people like me who tend to forget.
During my test, I found I relied on the app more than usual for other tests I’ve done. Just seeing the range was ideal since I could monitor how much time I had left to drink my coffee and browse through my email. Range anxiety? Not with this test vehicle. I just monitored the charge level and casually used the app to see how much time I had to relax.
I liked the app more and more during the week. Next time I’ll test out more of the climate settings, likely when it gets hot in summer or cold next winter.
