The new GMC Hummer and Rivian R1T prove how insanely quick EV trucks are; Tesla Model X Plaid joins the fun as an honorary guestThrottle House likes to pit some of the latest vehicles against one another, in a series of tests. This usually involves a drag race and this time is no exception. Moreover, many have been waiting to see, which of these new electric pick-up trucks is quicker in a straight line. The GMC Hummer or the Rivian R1T? You would think there’s not a single Tesla in sight, but a Model X Plaid decides to join the fun. Will it school the newcomers?

GMC Hummer

Starting with the GMC Hummer, it packs three electric motors – one at the front, two at the rear – for a combined output of 1,000 horsepower and 1,100 pound-feet (1,491 Nm). To say that the Hummer EV is on the heavy side would be an understatement when you take into account its 9,046-pound (4,103 kg) curb weight. However, in “Watts to Freedom” mode, it still manages a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) sprint in 3.0 seconds.

Rivian R1T

The Rivian is a new name in the automotive industry, but is already showing great promise. It has four electric motors – one for each wheel – which is good for over 800 horsepower and over 900 pound-feet (1,224 Nm). While it may seem like the Hummer EV has this one in a bag, the Rivian R1T is much more compact and, consequently, much lighter – 7,148 pounds (3,242 kg). Rivian says that the R1T can match the 3.0-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of the Hummer EV.

Tesla Model X Plaid

There weren't going to be any Teslas here, but since Throttle House is giving one away, through a partnership with Omaze, they figured it’s as good a time as any to see how the new EVs stack up to the benchmark in the segment. Whether it’s the Model S or Model X, every Plaid has a three-electric motor setup with two at the back and one at the front.

This is good for a combined output of 1,020 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet (1,424 Nm). At 5,390 pounds (2,445 kg), the Tesla Model X Plaid is the lightest vehicle here, by a lot. It also, clearly, has a much sleeker design than the other two, which may further aid.

The drag race

First up is the standing start, quarter-mile drag race. All three EVs switch to their most aggressive setting – Hummer EV activates “Watts to Freedom” (WTF) mode, Tesla Plaid activates “Cheetah Stance”, and Rivian R1T simply goes into Sport Mode, which results in all three vehicles assuming a lowered stance.

To no one’s surprise, Tesla takes an early lead and stays there. The real race is between the two pick-up trucks, however, and the Rivian seems to be winning. Being lighter, the R1T overcomes its weight quicker, allowing it to pull on the Hummer, which never manages to catch up, but doesn’t fall behind either. Both trucks quickly reached their limited top speed - 106 mph (170 km/h) for the Hummer EV and 115 mph (185 km/h) for the Rivian.

The roll race

The roll race may negate the Hummer’s weight disadvantage. From 30 mph (48 km/h), the Rivian R1T still pulls ahead of the GMC Hummer EV, which just has too much weight to lug around. Both cars, once again, reached their speed limiter, indicating they are capable of a lot more, although at the great expense of range. The Hummer EV also seems to be squatted throughout the entirety of both races, indicating a lot of drag.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, we learned three things today. Tesla still makes some of the fastest EVs, the Rivian R1T is quicker than the GMC Hummer EV, and electric trucks are alarmingly quick.