The results did not disappoint. The more powerful 568bhp version of the Lightning tipped our scales at a little over 3.1 tonnes, and needed more than 15m for its turning circle. And yet it still dispatched 60mph from rest in 4.5sec and a standard quarter mile in less than 13.5sec – faster, in both cases, than the celebrated BMW ‘M46’ M3 coupé.
In unloaded running, the car proved good for Ford’s 300-mile electric range – even if its outright carrying capacity (800kg) was limited by its heavy battery pack. It could ‘offload’ up to 9.6kW of mains power for on-site power tools; it had a 1.7m loadbay with a full-sized step hidden in the tailgate; and fully independent suspension for a surprisingly comfortable ride, as well as a huge and comfortable cabin.
The Lightning’s sheer size, its left-hand-drive-only cabin layout, and its likely near-six-figure price are all likely to make it a rare sight in the UK, assuming it does ever get officially imported here. But, amazingly, it’s sufficiently versatile that it’s still not hard to imagine a great many uses for one.
Pros: Monstrously quick, super-capable off road, can do crustacean impression
Cons: Not available in mainland Europe or the UK through official channels, weighs four tonnes.
If electric pick-up trucks are proving to be all about excess, the Hummer EV may be the most excessive of all. In range-topping form, it’s got a tri-motor powertrain with 1000bhp, and some 11,500lb ft of torque, it has a battery pack of 213kWh in all, and it weighs a little over four tonnes. It couldn’t therefore be driven in the UK by anyone without a Category C commercial vehicle licence.
Built on General Motors’ new Ultium electric car architecture, the Hummer EV has quite some party tricks. With an armoured underbody, it’s designed for peerless off-road performance. It can also crab walk, tilting its steered front and rear axles to the same angle, and waltzing sideways without turning at all.
On air suspension, it rides quite gently too, besides from performing every bit as brutally as you’d imagine. Mainland-European-market availability is unlikely, UK-market distribution even more so, apart from through unofficial routes. For more, read our first drive report here.