We lastly get take a look at what the RAM EV truck would possibly appear like and a few hints at its high-tech options. The RAM Revolution idea was simply unveiled at CES 2023.
With fashions just like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and GMC Hummer already on the highway, anticipate to see a full-on explosion of all-electric pickups come to market over the subsequent few years. But RAM is decided to not get misplaced within the crowd. The truck arm of Stellantis plans to launch an EV model of the acquainted RAM 1500 someday in 2024. And it’s providing a touch of what’s in retailer at CES 2023.
If the RAM Revolution idea car is any indication, the manufacturing mannequin must be a visible standout providing prolonged vary and an array of distinctive options.
RAM Revolution Concept Truck
The previous Fiat Chrysler Automobiles was a reluctant participant within the EV market, with former CEO Sergio Marchionne at one level asking potential prospects to not purchase its first all-electric mannequin, the Fiat 500e. But that’s all modified since FCA’s merger with France’s Groupe PSA. And among the many many battery-electric automobiles the automaker now plans to carry out by mid-decade, the RAM 1500 EV is likely one of the most eagerly anticipated.
The gasoline and diesel variations persistently comprise one of many best-selling car traces within the U.S. market, and far of that’s because of the RAM 1500’s distinctive styling and distinctive options. So, it’s no shock that the truck model will deal with related attributes to let the EV model stand out in an more and more crowded section — with as many as a dozen all-electric pickups anticipated out by 2025.
RAM has already hinted at some important options for the 1500 EV, together with vary that might attain as a lot as 500 miles. Now, it’s providing much more perception within the type of the RAM Revolution idea car making its debut at CES in Las Vegas.
‘A Roadmap to Our Electrified Future’
“Our new RAM 1500 Revolution BEV Concept … serves as a roadmap to our electrified future,” mentioned Mike Koval Jr., RAM model CEO. “Yet, RAM Revolution is also our philosophy as we redefine the pickup segment, with a steady drumbeat of announcements and initiatives as we embark on our electrified journey.”
The RAM Revolution idea rides on Stellantis’ new STLA Large structure. It’s a skateboard-like platform that mounts batteries and motors under the load flooring.
While nowhere close to as radical because the Tesla Cybertruck, the RAM Revolution clearly pushes the boundaries of conventional pickup design with a mix of brawn and wonder. It mixes sharp traces and creases with comfortable curves, from the Revolution idea spending loads of time within the wind tunnel as slippery aerodynamics are essential to maximizing vary.
Brutal Meets Beautiful
The entrance makes use of what RAM stylists have dubbed a “tuning fork” design, with cut up lamps framing an enormous “R-A-M” badge. The grille is strong, after all, as there’s no must feed cooling air into an engine compartment.
Lift the sculpted hood, and also you’ll discover a large frunk (or entrance trunk) that seems to rival the dimensions of the one discovered on the Ford F-150 Lightning. The frunk is power-operated, as are the cost port, the flush door handles, the rear steps, an energetic diffuser, and the marginally angled tailgate.
There’s a little bit of a sports activities automobile to the design, with the RAM Revolution’s all-glass roof sitting notably decrease than the present 1500 pickup. That enhances the truck’s aggressive look whereas additionally decreasing drag, a senior undertaking member informed GearJunkie. The problem was to make sure that there was nonetheless loads of headroom.
RAM EV: Still a Work Truck
This is, after all, a piece car. The entrance fascia incorporates a skid plate and towing hooks that may pivot to take a seat flush and scale back drag.
RAM payments the truck as a “one-space environment.” And which means, amongst different issues, a deal with flexibility. The major seats might be moved, as can twin soar seats.
There’s a movable midgate between the cabin and the cargo mattress. Not solely can the mattress be prolonged however by utilizing a pass-through to the frunk, objects so long as 18 toes might be carried with the tailgate closed.
Sustainability Meets High-Tech
The cabin makes use of an array of sustainable supplies. This consists of flooring manufactured from recycled rubber and cork and a leather-based different manufactured from “by-products from the apple industry.”
The cabin picks up on the tuning fork theme with twin gentle bars on the instrument panel. The gauge cluster is digital, and RAM seems to be within the working for “largest touchscreen,” with the show rising out of the middle console. There’s additionally an augmented actuality head-up show that may undertaking issues like arrows to indicate a driver the place to show.
The steering wheel is flat on each high and backside and options capacitive contact controls.
There’s a heavy emphasis on know-how, with the RAM Revolution idea adopting a brand new, centralized electrical structure. “The Concept creates a connected hub that brings a consumer’s digital lifestyle into the vehicle, using advanced technology to create a customized space for each occupant,” RAM mentioned in an announcement.
The truck options an Amazon Alexa-style private voice assistant. The AI-powered know-how might be accessed even outdoors the car, permitting a driver to shut the home windows, for instance.
An proprietor can set quite a lot of “Cabin Modes” that management inside lighting, seating positions, audio, and different features.
Shadow Mode
One of the extra novel options is known as “Shadow Mode,” which is able to let the Revolution observe a motorist at a protected distance utilizing numerous sensors. It obviates the necessity to get into the truck if you wish to transfer it.
In idea kind, the RAM Revolution additionally options Level 3+ autonomy which might allow a driver to go hands-free and do issues like learn texts or watch movies — although they’d nonetheless should be able to take management rapidly in an emergency.
There’s even a built-in projector that might be used with an exterior display screen to observe films or movies on the highway.
How many of those and different tech options will make it into manufacturing is unsure, nonetheless.
RAM EV Powertrain
Some key particulars are being held again, beginning with the facility the Revolution’s electrical drivetrain might ship. Some studies have quoted figures approaching 900 horsepower from two or extra motors giving it all-wheel drive.
Range is one other query unanswered, although firm officers have indicated the manufacturing mannequin would possibly attain as excessive as 500 miles. There’s additionally been hypothesis the RAM 1500 EV might add a range-extending generator.
Also disregarded of the dialogue up to now is the dimensions of the Revolution’s battery pack. The automaker did affirm it will possibly add as a lot as 100 further miles of vary in roughly 10 minutes when utilizing a public DC charger able to 350 kilowatts.
Four-wheel-steering is one other characteristic confirmed on the truck — and prone to carry over to the RAM 1500 EV.
RAM EV Truck Timeline
The RAM Revolution is making its debut at CES 2023. The manufacturing pickup will debut someday in 2024, model boss Koval beforehand introduced. The ultimate design might then debut late this yr or early subsequent.
We’ll hold you knowledgeable, however you can even keep updated on the RAM Trucks web site.
