GM Unveils The E85 'Green Hummer'

HX-Hummer

The words ‘green’ and ‘Hummer’ don’t usually occur together, except when compiling a complete list of oxymorons. But earlier today at the Saab/Hummer press conference, GM debuted it’s concept H-X Hummer, calling it the “Green Hummer”. The new model is smaller, lighter, and intended for a younger demographic, with the added capability of running on E85 ethanol. It also has an interesting modular construction that allows you to reconfigure the cab at will. Martin Walsh, General Manager of the brand, told us that the new model could get mileage in the mid-20s (although no hard numbers were available).

Ok, this isn’t exactly the 60 mpg Hummer I’ve mentioned before, but that’s a 10 mpg increase in efficiency over previous models. To be honest, it also looks a lot less like a Hummer, being smaller and sportier-more like a lunar explorer than the H2 (that’s my take). But Mr. Walsh said Hummers will continue to decrease in size as customers demand greater fuel efficiency and continue to voice environmental concerns.

Which brings up an important point: as much as we might want to pin the blame on auto manufacturers for producing large, wasteful vehicles in America, it really comes down to consumer demand. Thankfully, people are starting to ask for fuel efficiency, and getting folks into an E85 H-X (see earlier post on the ethanol announcement below) is surely better than defaulting to a 14 mpg H2.

GM also spoke of plans to release diesel model Hummers abroad in 2009, but was unclear (or it was a maybe) on plans for the U.S. market.

Photo Credit: General Motors

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About Clayton B. Cornell

Clayton B. Cornell was formerly a professional blogger as Lead Writer for Gas 2.0, Important Media’s blog covering the future of sustainable transportation, and was covering biofuels and green car technology for Important Media (formerly GreenOptions.com) since the beginning of 2007. Before GO, Clayton ran the training program for one of the EPA’s largest public toxicology information libraries at Oregon State University, which was fulfilled under a $2-million Federal grant. He became a biodiesel enthusiast after experimenting with small-scale biodiesel production in OSU’s chemical engineering lab, and has extensive hands-on experience with diesel cars and trucks, including the practical use of biodiesel and straight-vegetable-oil (SVO) as alternative fuels. Clayton graduated from the University of Utah with honors, receiving a degree in Biology and Chemistry. On the side, Clayton likes to spend his time at the beach or in the mountains. He’s been a professional river-guide, amateur beer judge, and world traveler, and currently lives in San Francisco.

Comments

  1. Part of me thinks it’s crazy to say this, but I think it’s inspiring that GM built a Green Hummer. It reminds me that companies can and will produce what we want them to produce. It’s not great that what we want right now are Green Hummers. But I think we can goad companies into some pretty amazing innovation if we communicate to them what we do and don’t want, what we will and won’t buy.

    More at http://www.moreperfectmarket.com/2008/01/cars.html if you’re interested…

  2. Part of me thinks it’s crazy to say this, but I think it’s inspiring that GM built a Green Hummer. It reminds me that companies can and will produce what we want them to produce. It’s not great that what we want right now are Green Hummers. But I think we can goad companies into some pretty amazing innovation if we communicate to them what we do and don’t want, what we will and won’t buy.

    More at http://www.moreperfectmarket.com/2008/01/cars.html if you’re interested…

  3. MichelleBennett says:

    My 2cents: Kudos to these companies for making an effort, but it’s just a start. Unfortunately they have a long way to go before they can tout a “green” title.

    I’d love to see the day when GM, Hummer, etc. are producing low-emission vehicles, but I’ll have to see it to believe it.

  4. MichelleBennett says:

    My 2cents: Kudos to these companies for making an effort, but it’s just a start. Unfortunately they have a long way to go before they can tout a “green” title.

    I’d love to see the day when GM, Hummer, etc. are producing low-emission vehicles, but I’ll have to see it to believe it.

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