In exciting news, General Motors (GM) is introducing its Ultium fast chargers, designed for both public locations and customers’ homes. However, potential buyers of the $112,595 Hummer EV should be prepared for additional costs, as GM will charge for home installation, unlike the more affordable Chevrolet Bolt, where installation is complimentary.
GM’s decision makes sense; purchasers of the budget-friendly $31,995 vehicle are likely to be more concerned about installation costs compared to those investing in a high-end, 9,000-pound truck. Furthermore, the Ultium charging options are significantly more advanced than the basic packages available with the Bolt. It’s worth noting that all GM EV buyers need to purchase a charger and wallbox, with free installation being a perk exclusive to Bolt owners.
For Hummer EV drivers, GM offers two types of 48-amp/11.5-kilowatt chargers—one standard option and a premium version featuring a touchscreen and camera. For even faster charging, there’s also an 80-amp/19.2kW premium charger available. All models come with WiFi connectivity.
According to Hoss Hassani, GM’s North American Director of EV Ecosystem, these chargers will be accessible across North America for both residential and commercial clients. However, it’s important to clarify that they won’t be provided free of charge.
Hassani explained, “For Bolt customers, aside from the wallbox, we are offering the NEMA 14-50 240-volt outlet at no extra cost as part of their purchase. We cover all expenses, including sending an electrician. This makes it completely hassle-free for the customer, who also receives a vehicle equipped with a dual-level charge port capable of 7.7 kilowatts. Most Bolt owners won’t require a higher-powered wallbox.”
This arrangement is beneficial for Bolt customers, who likely don’t share much overlap with Hummer EV buyers. However, those who have upgraded financially since purchasing their Bolt should be prepared for different installation costs.
Hassani noted, “For Hummer customers, given the variety of different home types and builds, we are offering a comprehensive solution. While customers will need to pay for the installation, they can choose to use our third-party services. We have a seamless process in place, complete with a concierge line for inquiries—we send an electrician, and the customer receives a bill at the end.”
Exact costs can vary significantly due to differences in home setups, as Hassani remarked, “From our experience over the past year with Bolt installations, costs have ranged from $400 to $2,500 depending on individual circumstances.”
He added, “For those opting for the 48-amp unit with their Hummer, you can expect expenses to be between five to six hundred dollars and potentially up to a couple thousand, depending on upgrades needed or existing home capabilities.” Consequently, installation costs are likely to be more variable for Hummer owners compared to Bolt customers.
Before installation, homeowners need to ensure they have sufficient power capacity, which may add to the overall expense, particularly with the 80-amp unit. However, once that is sorted, the chargers can be set up almost anywhere, as all options are designed for outdoor use, making them suitable for yards or garages. This presents a good opportunity, as a few hundred dollars for a fast charger offers substantial convenience, especially considering the high price of the Ultium-equipped vehicles.
Cadillac Lyriq owners will also have access to the chargers, but GM has not yet provided details on pricing or installation for them.
Have a fast charger? Share your experience at hazel@thedrive.com
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