The GMC brand of General Motors Co. in Detroit and Oregon-based EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles are teaming up to develop innovative technologies that will bring zero-tailpipe-emission solutions to the overlanding market.
Working with EarthCruiser’s research and design division, ECI (EarthCruiser Innovations), GMC is collaborating in the design and development process for a next-generation overland upfit solution for electric vehicles that will be integrated onto the HUMMER EV Pickup.
“GMC has long been a leader in professional-grade trucks with 100-plus years of uncompromising pickup capability, luxury, and driver control,” says Josh Tavel, executive chief engineer for battery electric trucks at GM. “We had an instant connection with EarthCruiser — a leader in the overland community — and their similar vision to accelerate the zero-tailpipe-emissions future.
“EarthCruiser products have proven their performance in environments around the world and we’re excited to join them on this next chapter of adventure and exploration.”
According to GMC, the collaboration will look to leverage EarthCruiser’s engineering expertise in the overland and off-road vehicle development space, proven through its lineup of EC Terranova, EarthCruiser EXP, and FX overland vehicles, as well as its CORE line.
“EarthCruiser designs its vehicles to thrive in the most extreme, toughest environments imaginable,” says Lance Gillies, founder and CEO of EarthCruiser. “From the Australian Outback to the Alaskan wilderness and everywhere in between, an EarthCruiser was made to tackle tough terrain.
“As we consider the future of overlanding, we are continuing to look toward key technologies like electrification that will help us explore for decades to come. Electrification presents exciting opportunities for overland use, such as precise torque control over terrain and ease-of-use, in addition to zero-tailpipe emissions. We’re thrilled to be working with GM’s team of top-tier EV engineers and look to develop an overland vehicle that’s truly made for, and will define, the future of this industry.”
The GMC HUMMER EV overlander concept will be unveiled in late summer 2023.
For more information, visit GMC.com and earthcruiser.com.
