Ram is using the biggest show of the year – at least in the US – to tease its first electric pickup truck.
The Ram 1500 REV, as it will be called, is being previewed in a Super Bowl commercial ahead of a fourth-quarter 2024 introduction in the US, and the company has also released a bevy of images – if little in the way of technical information.
The company notes “range-lengthening technology” will come later.
While it hasn’t released full specifications, Ram has confirmed the 1500 REV will have a “frunk” with unspecified power outlets, while there’s vehicle-to-load, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-vehicle charging. RamBox storage compartments are also visible.
Its look is more subdued than the Ram 1500 Revolution concept revealed in January, and both inside and out it has a clear design kinship with the combustion-powered 1500.
Indeed, its relation with its ICE counterpart is rather more like the Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning than the Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado EV.
There’s a slimmer grille area up front than the regular 1500, with a flush panel bearing the Ram wordmark. LED daytime running lights continue from the headlight assemblies onto this panel.
The bonnet has a power dome, on the side of which sits a REV logo.
Down back, the tail lights continue onto the tailgate and have a similar shape to the concept, but the tub overall has a less aerodynamic look than the concept.
Inside, there’s a large, portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system and plenty of physical switchgear for the sound system and climate control.
A digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while on the passenger side there’s another display – a feature Stellantis has previously introduced on models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The 1500 REV will serve as Ram’s entrant into an increasingly crowded segment, going up against the likes of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning and GMC Sierra EV.
Other electric pickup trucks include the more off-road-oriented GMC Hummer EV and the smaller Rivian R1T, while the Tesla Cybertruck remains the elephant in the room – or rather, not in the room, as it has yet to be released.
The 1500 REV will use Stellantis’ STLA Frame body-on-frame architecture, which the company has previously confirmed will support 159-200kWh batteries and feature electric motors each producing between 150kW and 330kW.
MORE: Platform sharing: Stellantis’ EV future
Stellantis has also touted range of up to 800km on STLA Frame vehicles.
The Revolution concept featured a dual-motor all-wheel drive system and an 800V electrical architecture which Ram says it can DC fast-charge at speeds up to 350kW. A claimed 161km of range can be added in 10 minutes of charging.
The brand didn’t detail any power, torque or range figures for the concept but notes it’s designed to accommodate larger-capacity electric motors, which means it has the potential for future high-performance applications.
It’s unclear just how many of the concept’s clever and/or flashy features will make it to the production vehicle.
The concept features four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of articulation. This is designed to make the pickup feel more manoeuvrable at low speeds and more responsive at high speeds.
It also features adjustable air suspension with self-levelling capability and three different modes – ingress/egress, aero, and off-road.
The concept features “grand saloon-style” opening doors, digital side mirrors, and power assistance for the side steps, rear step, “frunk” and split tailgate.
Ram 1500 Revolution concept
In the rear tub there’s a powered glass mid-gate that can allow objects up to 18 feet (~5.5 metres) long to fit with the tailgate closed. There’s even a pass-through into the frunk.
Both the frunk and rear tub feature the Ram Track rail attachment system too.
The 1500 Revolution concept has a cabin that’s around 100mm longer than the current production model, which adds more interior space, though the tub remains the same length.
One main highlight is the concept features third-row jump seats that can be placed in the rear tub using the Ram Track system.
All the seats feature integrated seatbelts, grab handles and speakers. They also have the ability to fold flat and have extended recline, work, and conference modes.
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept comes with Level 3+ autonomous driving which when active retracts the steering wheel. It also interacts with the head-up display and seats to provide “next-level situational awareness to the driver”.
As for the production vehicle’s chances for an Australian launch, a spokesperson for local Ram distributor Ateco said in April last year it’s “working with our colleagues at Ram Trucks in the US, and are monitoring a number of vehicles that would suit the Australian market”.
In addition to the full-sized electric pickup, Ram says it’s planning a “mid-sized” one, closer in footprint to the likes of the Ford Ranger.
Ram 1500
This will be based on the STLA Large architecture, which will also form the basis of the Jeep Recon and Wagooner S and production Dodge Charger Daytona SRT, among others.
Ram has previously said it’s aiming to offer electric vehicles (EVs) in the majority of the segments it competes in by 2025, with a full range of electric models to be offered no later than 2030.
The promise of a full range of EVs by 2030 suggests Ram is not only working on the aforementioned mid- and full-sized electric pickups, but also EV counterparts to the rest of its model line-up.
In addition to the 1500, Ram also sells the heavier-duty 2500 and 3500 pickups and the ProMaster, a rebadged version of the Fiat Ducato van. All of these vehicles are sold locally, though the Ducato retains its Fiat badging in Australia.
The Ducato is already available with an electric powertrain in Europe, and Ram has confirmed it’ll introduce it in North America in 2023.
MORE: Everything Ram 1500
