What is Hummer UltraVision?

High-definition camera systems significantly improve a vehicle's capability when traversing rugged terrain. Good visuals from around the car will allow the driver to avoid dangers and make informed decisions as they navigate the ups and downs of an unpaved path. To that end, the GMC Hummer EV's UltraVision system provides up to 18 camera angles designed to help drivers maneuver their SUV in virtually any scenario. This article explains how this advanced camera system works.

How Does Hummer UltraVision Work?

GMC offers UltraVision on the new Hummer EV Edition 1 truck. The system provides as many as 18 available camera views of areas around the vehicle, including the undercarriage. According to the automaker, the UltraVision feature is a "virtual spotter" designed to help navigate various scenarios ranging from off-road driving to maneuvering a roadway littered with debris. The system is also helpful in tight parking lots. For a vehicle as large as the Hummer EV, the UltraVision system may be the most valuable in parking lot scenarios and narrow city streets.

Operating the UltraVision System

The UltraVision system is relatively straightforward to operate. The steps are as follows:

• Press the "Camera" icon on the infotainment display to access the Camera app
• When the Camera app opens, you may see the following, depending on your specific trim and option package:
  • Icons representing different views along the bottom of the screen
  • If your vehicle has the available Surround Vision feature enabled, you'll see a Surround View/Overhead/Top-Down View of your vehicle on the left side of the screen. This view will consistently display when parked or driving at low speeds.
  • If you open a vehicle door while the Surround View system is displayed, you'll notice a black field on the overhead view. This is because Surround View uses cameras mounted on the outside rearview mirrors.

UltraVision Limitations

It's important to note that some camera views require available accessory cameras and installation. Also, the UltraVision system is not compatible with all trailers. And some display views and functionalities are unavailable when the Hummer EV is engaged in CrabWalk mode. The CrabWalk is a non-conventional functionality that lets the vehicle turn its wheels at both axles, allowing it to crawl sideways to avoid certain obstacles.

How Does the Underbody Camera System Work?

The Hummer EV features a waterproof underbody camera system designed to give the driver a view of the terrain below the truck. This setup helps the driver navigate obstacles without damaging the vehicle's undercarriage componentry and tires. Although the Hummer EV is armed with a full-length skid plate to protect its underside, the camera system brings extra damage prevention through driver awareness.

The system comprises two wide-angle cameras covered with a transparent lens protector. One faces forward, toward the front wheels. The other faces rearward, toward the underbody and rear wheels. These cameras can help the driver monitor wheel spin and specific tire placement in certain off-road situations. They can also help the driver avoid obstacles underneath the vehicle, like rocks.

How to Use the Underbody Cameras

The driver can toggle back and forth between the front and rear underbody views through the Camera app on the infotainment system. Pressing the split-screen button multiple times will toggle between a split of two views:

• The front grille camera with Underbody Forward View
• Underbody Forward View with Underbody Rearward View

GMC says you can view the underbody cameras while driving at reasonable speeds. The system has a speed limit of 50 miles per hour. The cameras will not transmit images at speeds faster than 50. Most likely, drivers will use the system at slower speeds in Terrain mode when the vehicle crawls over unpaved surfaces.

When the driver selects an underbody camera view and stays below 8 mph, the selected view will not change while shifting between forward and reverse gears. GMC designed it this way to help the driver remain focused on particular areas below the vehicle. The camera app will close if the vehicle goes above 8 mph after shifting out of reverse. When this happens, drivers can reopen the app if needed.

It's important to note that camera equipment can sustain damage during off-road driving. The lenses on the underbody cameras are replaceable in case of damage.

What Other Functionalities Does UltraVision Offer?

Other than camera lenses and optics, the UltraVision system offers the following features to ensure good visibility:

• Wash nozzles: To help remove dirt from the underbody camera lens protector, each camera has a wash nozzle activated on demand, helping to keep mud or debris from diminishing the quality of the view or performance of the system.
• Skid plate protection: Besides the lens cover over the cameras, GMC designed the skid plates on the underbody of the Hummer EV to offer protection for the lenses.

Summary

The Hummer UltraVision system offers drivers the visibility and vantage point needed when driving in more challenging conditions. Whether in the concrete jungle or a real one, this technology gives the gift of sight.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek. Her work has also appeared in AutoTrader.

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