GMC’s Hummer EVs are too big and too expensive to register on most American buyers’ radar, but maybe that’s about to change. The heavy-duty GM brand just pulled the covers off two concepts that it swears aren’t destined for production, but give us a taste of what we might expect from a future generation of smaller, leaner-looking Hummers.

The concepts were unveiled alongside the opening of GM’s new Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California, a 148,000 square feet studio spread across three buildings and home to 100 staff. Called the Hummer X SUV and Hummer X Truck, both are significantly shorter than today’s Hummer EV models and were, we’re told, created as rolling laboratories for new design, manufacturing, and technology ideas.

Related: Thieves Drove Two New Hummer EVs Off A Train, You Can Guess The Rest

First up is the Bronco-sized Hummer X SUV. Measuring 188.3 inches (4,783 mm) long with a 116-inch (2,946 mm) wheelbase, it’s 10.7 inches (272 mm) shorter between the axles than a current Hummer SUV, while retaining the chunky stance and visual toughness buyers expect from the nameplate. 

The off-road credentials are equally serious. GM fitted the concept with 37-inch tires, beadlock wheels, Multimatic dampers, removable fender flares, substantial underbody protection, and enough ground clearance to handle some really gnarly obstacles. Approach and departure angles of 44 and 46 degrees suggest the designers weren’t merely focused these things simply looking ready for off-road action.

Inside, the concept explores a highly configurable cockpit featuring stackable infotainment displays that can be added or removed depending on how much information drivers want available. There’s even a drone that can scout terrain ahead and relay information back to the vehicle.

The Hummer X Truck follows a similar philosophy but packages it in a familiar pickup shape. At 207.3 inches (5,265 mm) long and riding on a 130.7-inch (3,319 mm) wheelbase, it’s much bigger than the SUV, but slots into midsize truck territory rather competing with today’s XXL Hummer truck.

Flex Fab Technology

Like the SUV, it incorporates removable components, rugged off-road hardware, and a design intended to support customization. GM also used the concepts to showcase Flex Fab manufacturing technology, which allows low-volume metal parts production without traditional stamping tools.

GM is adamant these vehicles aren’t destined for showrooms. That’s probably true. But the ideas behind them feel harder to dismiss. The Hummer brand remains surprisingly underutilized given its recognition and the fashion for tough-looking utilities. And a family of smaller, more affordable off-road EVs would arguably make more sense than relying solely on enormous six-figure flagships that are selling so badly GM had to shut the plant down.

Even if these exact concepts never reach production, don’t be surprised if elements of their DNA eventually filter into future Hummers aimed at the likes of Ford’s Bronco and Jeep’s Wrangler and Gladiator. And probably sooner than you’d think.

GM

General Motors spent years telling us electric pickups were the next great American migration. Now the convoy appears to have missed an exit because reports claim GM has indefinitely paused development of its next-generation full-size EV trucks.

According to a piece by Crain’s Detroit, GM had been developing updated and lower-cost successors for the electric Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and GMC Hummer EV lineup, with production previously targeted for 2028.

Related: GM Pauses Production Of Two Hyped-Up EVs, Sending 1,300 Workers Home

But suppliers were reportedly told the program has been halted, with no replacement timeline offered. Industry watchers now don’t expect fresh full-size GM electric trucks before 2030, and they could end up arriving much later.

That doesn’t mean GM’s current EV trucks are dead. Existing models will continue rolling out of the under-utlilized Factory Zero in Detroit-Hamtramck, the story says, and experts think the Escalade IQ is important enough to Cadillac’s plans to keep in production. But it does suggest GM wants to spend more R&D time and money on products customers are actually buying in larger numbers right now. Ones that run on gasoline.

The company is said to be redirecting resources toward its upcoming T1-2 internal-combustion truck platform, which is expected to power future full-size pickups and SUVs. Orion Assembly, once earmarked for electric trucks, and now thriving after switching to ICE versions, is now reportedly preparing for future gas-powered models.

Hybrids And Range Extenders

Crain’s Detroit sources also claim plug-in hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra are in the mix, while GM has discussed range-extended EV tech with suppliers. It’s an idea rivals are already chasing. Ram is expected to launch a range-extended pickup first, while Ford has signaled similar plans after backing away from the idea of renewing the all-electric F-150 Lightning.

No More Federal Handouts, Or Directives

None of this is happening in a vacuum. EV tax credits have been rolled back, emissions rules have softened, and demand for expensive electric pickups hasn’t exactly set sales charts on fire. Big batteries and six-figure stickers remain a hard sell for many truck buyers, though GM refused to comment on the report that its EV plans have been axed.

“We have not disclosed any potential plans or timing for any next-generation battery electric trucks and we’re not going to engage in speculation,” a GM spokesperson told Crain’s Detroit.

GM still says the long-term destination is electric, and it probably is. But right now, Detroit’s most profitable vehicles are trucks, and trucks and their buyers can’t kick their gasoline habit.

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