Overview
The upcoming all-electric Ram 1500 REV is grabbing life by the ropes instead of the horns. Following the excitement of already available full-size EV pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Rivian R1T, this truck is a battery-powered version of the Ram 1500. Like its future EV rivals, the Ram 1500 REV retains a rugged body-on-frame chassis, and it’s streaked with enough LED lighting to cover a short runway. While the concept Ram EV was a wildly futuristic truck with several strange features, the production version looks similar to the gas-powered model. It is initially shown as a crew cab model with a short bed. Ram’s goal for its dual-motor and all-wheel-drive pickup is a maximum range of 500 miles and a towing capacity to compete with modern gas-powered trucks in excess of 10,000 pounds. Ram says it will use an 800-volt architecture that allows DC fast charging rates up to 350 kW, giving it as much charging capacity as the GMC Hummer EV. While the days of the gasoline Ram 1500 aren’t over, the EV version is a nod to the old truck’s eventual replacement.
What’s new for 2024?
The 2024 Ram 1500 REV will be an all-new model and the first Ram bakkie powered solely by electricity.
Prices and which one to buy
Ram did not say how much the 2024 Ram 1500 REV will cost, what trim levels will be available, or what equipment will be standard and optional. Based on the F-150 Lightning’s current starting price of around $58,000, we’d bet the electric Ram 1500 will open with a similar starting price. And given the high MSRPs of the Lightning’s upper trim levels, the top Ram EVs will no doubt reflect that as well.
EV motor, power and performance
While it’s still too early for a full breakdown of powertrain options and total horsepower output, Ram did mention that the 1500 REV will have all-wheel drive with motors in the front and rear of the truck. Ram also mentioned that the truck’s new chassis is built to accommodate larger capacity batteries, hinting at a lineup that will likely consist of models ranging from more affordable to more expensive, where total power and maximum range are the targets. is. We speculate that, for the Ram 1500 REV to beat the Ford F-150 Lightning’s maximum towing capacity of 10,000, it will also surpass the F-Series’ maximum 580 horsepower. At least in dual motor form, the Ram 1500 REV will offer four-wheel steering for tighter turning for the outdoors or in parking lots. Like the current truck, it will offer an adjustable air suspension that increases ground clearance for off-road use and lowers the truck to maximize highway efficiency and ease of loading.
Towing and payload capacity
Ram didn’t divulge specific numbers when it mentioned the Ram 1500 REV’s maximum towing rating, and it didn’t discuss payload capacity at all. However, the brand promises that its all-electric pick-up will be able to tow more than its EV rivals. Currently, the F-150 Lightning has an official maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, so expect the Ram’s maximum to exceed that.
Range, charging and battery life
While we don’t know any details about the half-ton Ram REV’s battery size or charging times, Ram said the truck will have a driving range of up to 500 miles. That’s 200 miles longer than the longest-range F-150 Lightning is currently estimated to go. Ram says, at least in concept form, the electric truck can add up to 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging up to 350 kW.
Interior, comfort and cargo
The gas-powered Ram has long offered a luxurious interior with quality materials that surpass its rivals, and we suspect its shift to battery reliance won’t change that. Without an engine under the hood and other bulky powertrain components, the electric Ram 1500 promises to offer smart ways to increase storage for cowboys and contractors. The concept featured adjustable seating and storage areas that allow objects up to 18 feet long to fit from the bed to the back, but we don’t know if the production truck will have them. The powered back, side steps and rear tailgate make the full-size van easy to use and get in and out of. A larger Ram Box with a multi-functional tailgate appears to be for the production pickup.
Infotainment and connectivity
The Ram 1500 REV appears to have a similar larger, vertically oriented touchscreen to that available on the petrol Ram. A 360-degree camera with digital side mirrors and a head-up display were shown on the concept, with voice assistance from both Android’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri. The truck’s infotainment system also features a Smart Home Control feature that will allow passengers to adjust lights, cameras, thermostats and audio systems at home from the front seat. We expect equipment already found on the gas-powered Ram, such as wireless phone charging and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, to be carried over as standard features for the EV truck.
As more information becomes available, we will update this story with more details on:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
- Safety and Driver Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Cover
