A revolution has begun. Ram Trucks, a brand that has been built upon their hard-working nature and their “Built to Serve” mantra has finally jumped into the world of full electrification with the unveiling of the Ram Revolution BEV pickup concept today at CES in Las Vegas.
While its main two competitors have taken different approaches to the same end, with Ford electrifying their F-150 with minimal overall differences to the ICE version and General Motors’ Chevrolet and GMC building an all-new BEV platform from the ground up to maximize the benefits of electrification. Ram goes the route of the latter company and further plans to revolutionize how work is done in electric pickups beyond what GM engineers have shown us thus far. Unique features to the Ram Revolution BEV: front trunk passthrough into the cab and midgate between cab and bed to allow up to 18ft items to be stored with front trunk and tailgate closed, “saloon-style” rear doors that open in reverse eliminating the B-pillar, removable center console and flexible “Ram Track” floor rail system for increased interior flexibility, and third-row removable jump seats.
Let’s start with the exterior styling. Ram calls it “brutiful” or brutal yet beautiful. There are not too many surprises as it follows the typical EV pickup formula (unlike the yet-to-be-released Tesla Cybertruck) and the silhouette has been teased for over a year. Ram has clearly had the broad strokes of this vehicle set before bringing in fan and owner input. The look is very clean and aerodynamic while still retaining the muscular proportions the brand is known for. Up front, we get new “tunic fork” style LED running lights that split to reveal the multi-element LED headlights. As is the custom with LED lighting, these will animate as owners approach the vehicle. Between the tuning forks is the new backlit R-A-M logo below three amber marker lights at the base of the hood.
Below the “grille” (is it really a grille if there is no air passing through to cool an engine?) is a smooth and aerodynamic skid plate and new pivoting tow hooks that can sit flush (are you paying attention Toyota?).
Pivoting around to the profile and we get 35-inch tall tires. Don’t start salivating about off-road intentions just yet as they are wrapped around 24-inch wheels that do their best to look aggressive while still maintaining an aerodynamic advantage. Translation: lots of black to close any holes in the design. The cab is highlighted by a black roofline that starts at the base of the A-pillar and surrounds the entire greenhouse around to 2/3 the way down the C-pillar where a raised notch of body color raises to give a nice visual element to the rear of the cab.
In typical concept vehicle fashion, the rearview mirrors are actually cameras wrapped in a 3D-printed minimalistic shroud. The look is almost comical with the small “mirrors” on a large, brutish pickup. Just give us real mirrors, please!
Flush-mounted door handles hide the fact that the rear doors are rear-hinged. This allows for a wide-open entry into the cab, but I wonder how well that will be received when you are parked next to someone at Home Depot or Lowe’s and can’t get into your full-size rear door without doing that awkward dance that used to be associated with extended cab pickups before they too ditched this design element for 3/4-size forward-hinged doors. Everything old is new again, right?
It would be easy to believe that Ram engineers took a different route from rivals at GM and gave us a truly separate bed and cab structures thanks to the clear dividing line in the bodyside however, the midgate separating the cab from the bed which opens the entire back of the cab to the bed says otherwise; as does the Ram Track floor system.
Rear 3/4 angle views give us Cypertruck vibes thanks to its high bedsides, slightly rearward angle to the tailgate when closed, and slab-sided approach to the design. Unique LED taillights and red backlit R-A-M let everyone know what just passed them. The tailgate is a split design like their current options in the ICE Ram Trucks, but this one is 50/50 right down the middle. Integrated rear bumper, diffuser, and deployable step make bed usability more functional for all.
Open the tailgate and you will see Ram’s new Ram Track system that runs the length of the bed, tailgate, and cabin. Bed length is the same as current ICE-powered Ram Trucks, but with the Ram Track system and additional tie downs and RamBox, there is immense cargo flexibility here. We have already mentioned the midgate (a cue first implemented in the Chevrolet Avalanche and has now made its way into the Chevy and GMC electric pickups), but Ram takes it a step further with a removable center console and a front trunk pass-through that allows items to stretch all the way from the nose to the tail of the pickup. That is 18 feet of secure storage capability. The front trunk also has cupholders and bag holders for increased tailgating or cargo-carrying functionality up front as well.
Moving inside, Ram promotes this as the future of their brand’s interiors. Using what they call a “one space environment,” flexibility is the name of the game offering many different configurations for people and stuff. The seats, which are self-sustaining with an integrated belt, and the center console both ride on the Ram Track system inside the cabin. Ram notes that the Club Cab introduced 2nd-row seating in pickups nearly 50 years ago, now they are showing off the first 3-row pickup thanks to mounted jump seats at the midgate with removable lower sections for a bed stop at the end of the tailgate if needed.
Up front, the center console can be removed or turned into a workstation surface to make the Ram Revolution BEV a true mobile office (move over Ford with your foldable shift lever and fold-out workspace). The dash continues the tuning fork design of the headlights with a full-width red LED element across the entire dash that carries over onto the doors as well. A dual-screen touchscreen offers up to 28 inches of screen space in the center of the dash and is customizable for many different interior functions.
The steering wheel is unique with a flat bottom and top and is collapsible. Capacitive touch areas allow the driver to enable the configuration of the sun visors or the entire electro-chromatic glass roof with the ability to adjust the opaqueness. Roof rails feature more ambient light that can be customized through the overhead console.
Materials are sustainable throughout from the “Greyslate Nanostone” center to the “Apple” leather, to its unique texture floor that is composed of recycled rubber and cork particles.
Lastly, what is the tech behind the drivability of this pickup? We know it uses a large, floor-mounted battery pack and dual electric motors, but we have little more information than that. We are happy to hear it will employ an 800-volt electrical architecture allowing up to 100 miles of range to be added in about 10 minutes with a 350 kW DC fast charger. That is over double the fastest charging speed of a Ford F-150 Lightning, which takes a while to fill its massive battery. No horsepower, torque, range, towing, payload, or other stats were shared about the BEV platform’s capability. We do know, however, this will be more maneuverable around town thanks to its rear steering capable of turning up to 15 degrees.
We hope to see this Ram up close and personal sometime later this year in which we will give you more of our impressions at that time. Otherwise, the little we know about the EV-specifics of this makes it hard to compare at this point to the F-150 Lightning from Ford and the upcoming Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. One thing is for certain, brands are getting very unique in storage, design, and overall character of their EVs to make up for their lack of powertrain “personality.”
#GTGarageTalk #RamRevolution #CES #RamEV #ElectricRamTruck #RamTrucks #RamTrucksEV #Ram #RamEVPickup #Truck #PickupTruck #TXAutowriters
Below is the full release from Ram Trucks for you to read through:
Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept Unveiled at CES 2023
The Ram Revolution BEV Concept is a visionary road map showing how the industry’s leading truck brand will redefine the pickup segment once again
Segment-redefining Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept demonstrates Ram’s commitment to electric vehicle (EV) leadership
Loaded with advanced technology and reinvents the customer experience by integrating leading-edge technology, a fully connected customer experience and advanced mobility features
Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept delivers seamless connectivity to transform the experience for driver and passengers
Stunning, ultra-modern exterior design represents the future of Ram trucks
All-new face of Ram includes animated and modernized “R-A-M” badging and animated full LED “tuning fork” headlight design
Doors have been reimagined in a grand saloon style opening that showcases a cavernous occupant space without a B-pillar
New interior layout offers even more flexibility with room to configure workspace with a removable center console with fold-flat surface
Ram continues to build on its list of industry-shaping features with the 1500 BEV Concept ushering in an industry-first feature: third-row jump seats
Powered mid-gate features mounted jump seats with a removable lower section allows for multiple flexible seating configurations and enables a pass-through (and into the frunk) that can fit objects up to 18-ft. long
Built on new STLA Frame body-on-frame architecture designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles and incorporates the battery pack efficiently with full underbody aero panels and active diffuser
Powered by two electric drive module (EDMs) and features all-wheel-drive capability
Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW
Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of articulation for greater vehicle maneuverability
Ram will once again redefine the pickup truck segment with revolutionary Ram 1500 BEV production model in 2024, to be introduced in the coming months o Ram 1500 BEV will be the leader in a combination of areas customers care about the most: range, towing, payload and charge time
Entire Ram lineup will offer electrified solutions with disruptive, leading-edge advanced technology in the years to come
Ram’s move toward electrification supports the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to lead the way the world moves by delivering innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility solutions
January 5, 2023, Auburn Hills, Mich. – The Ram Truck brand introduced a visionary road map today at CES 2023 with its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept, that provides a glimpse into the future and demonstrates how the industry’s leading truck brand will once again redefine the pickup truck segment. The leading-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept showcases a truck-load of innovative features that will be seen in Ram trucks going forward and in particular on Ram’s electrification journey. Ram will differentiate itself by offering a portfolio of fully electrified solutions to better meet customer needs, including a segment-redefining Ram 1500 BEV in 2024. The entire Ram lineup will offer electrified solutions with disruptive, leading-edge advanced technology in the years to come. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is the first chapter that establishes how Ram will push past competitors’ future EV offerings. “The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is our clearest signal yet that we’re on the precipice of something extraordinary at Ram and points directly to where we’re going on our electrified journey,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “At Ram, we’ve redefined what pickup trucks can be and will do so again by pushing past what competitors are offering by delivering the best electric pickups on the market.” The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is part of Ram’s significant contribution to Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to lead the way the world moves by delivering innovative, clean, safe and affordable mobility solutions. “The Ram Revolution represents several important things to the Ram brand,” Koval added. “Of course, it’s our new Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept that serves as a roadmap to our electrified future. 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.”
Ram is committed to innovation and powertrain leadership with a lineup that consists of anything and everything truck buyers want and need, meeting real-world demands. Today Ram offers the most fuel-efficient 4x4s and the quickest, fastest and most powerful pickup truck straight from the factory.
Ram will once again redefine the pickup truck segment with its revolutionary Ram 1500 BEV production model in 2024. It will be the leader in a combination of areas customers care about the most: range, towing, payload and charge time. More news on the production version will be available in the coming months.
Pioneering design establishes the vision for Ram’s electrified future
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept provides a stunning vision of the ultimate pickup truck as part of the future of Ram Trucks. Ram’s exterior design team set out to revolutionize the pickup truck segment by creating an ultra-modern concept that exudes heroic strength, maintains its purpose and is environmentally responsible.
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features an exterior design that is strikingly “brutiful” – brutal yet beautiful. An animated and modernized “R-A-M” badge adorns the all-new face of Ram that features a fully animated LED “tuning fork” design. The doors have been reimagined in a grand saloon style opening that showcases a cavernous occupant space without a B-pillar. Bright LED lights have been cleverly integrated into the front bumper flares and advancements in lighting are highlighted by fully animated LED tail lamps and badging. Building on Ram’s reputation as North America’s off-road and performance truck leader, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features an integrated fascia design with a skid plate and new pivoting tow hooks that can sit flush.
Innovative features are thoughtfully integrated throughout and include a new powered frunk with one-touch open-and-close functionality that adds capability and storage. Other powered features include a powered charge-port door, situated on the driver’s side front quarter panel, a powered tail gate, flush-mounted door handles, powered side steps and a powered rear step with active diffuser round out the extensive list of powered features.
The concept features revolutionary sideview mirrors that are smaller, more lightweight and use 3-D printed materials for optimal aerodynamics and reducing drag. The sideview mirrors use a digital camera to capture the truck’s surroundings, allowing for a smaller physical size.
The charge port illuminates and blinks while charging. An audible sound will signal it’s plugged in and charging has begun. The charge port features level 1 and level 2 AC charging on the top half and DC fast charging on the bottom half of the charger.
Recognizable Ram design cues with added capability include a power multifunction tailgate and a larger RamBox. The acute hour-glass body design and fender wells clear 35-inch tires with a new unique design. The 1500 Revolution BEV concept features self-leveling capability and rides on 24-inch wheels with center caps that light up and stay in place.
These new proportions are achieved courtesy of the innovative STLA Frame EV platform on which the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is built. New intelligent safety systems and smaller, more powerful electric motors afforded the design team the ability to shift the cabin forward and increase cabin length. The 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features a cabin that is four inches longer than today’s production truck for increased room and comfort while the bed length remains the same.
New interior boasts sustainable materials with never-seen-before levels of flexibility, comfort and innovation
Known as a “one space environment,” the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept utilizes one continuous space front to back that enables several different interior configurations. The “one space environment” theme is bolstered by a new interior layout that offers even more flexibility with room to configure a workspace or for your next adventure.
A significantly more spacious interior and greater cabin length are the result of a new architecture while the battery’s size allows for more cargo volume. “Ram Track,” Ram’s rail attachment/floor track system, provides cabin flexibility for the seats and console as well as usable tie downs or other storage potential. “Ram Track” is also incorporated in the frunk as well as the bed allowing for true flexibility from front to back.
Nearly 50 years ago, the Club Cab was introduced with second-row seating. Half a century later, Ram continues to build on these industry-shaping features with the 1500 BEV Concept ushering in a new feature: third row jump seats. The powered mid-gate features mounted jump seats with a removable lower section for placement in the bed or outside the vehicle. The mid-gate with powered glass enables a pass-through (and into the frunk) that can fit objects up to 18-ft. long with the tailgate closed.
Seating and console flexibility was a focus with the center console’s ability to be removed for even more space. If desired, the center console armrest individually converts to a workstation surface. Combined with mid-gate and jump seat options, the 1500 Revolution BEV Concept offers multiple flexible seating configurations. Lightweight seats feature integrated seatbelts, grab handles and speakers with the ability to fold-flat along with extended recline, work, conference modes and deploying the jump seats. Vastly more interior volume benefits second row and third row jump seat passengers who enjoy limo-like space.
The “tuning fork” design is present inside the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept stretching the length of the dashboard and continuing a theme line to the mid-gate. A full touchscreen display comprised of two screens offers up to 28-inches of screen space as the centerpiece of an interior loaded with advanced technology. The lower display has three different positions depending on the task at hand – minimal view, extended view and full screen view – and can be removed and used in different areas of the truck. The upper screen can also slide on the Ram rail attachment system.
The rearview mirror combines leading-edge technology to improve safety and convenience. Significantly smaller than traditional truck mirrors without compromising effectiveness, the rearview mirror is packed with a range of sophisticated technologies, including a smart backup camera with 360-degree views, speakers, and receivers compatible with voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri. When in reverse, the camera stitches together images from various other cameras around the truck, providing the driver with a 360-degree view on the interior digital screens. This allows the driver to see their surroundings with greater clarity, helping to avoid accidents improve safety, and when backing up to a trailer. The mirror also includes a supplementary backup flood lamp which provides additional visibility when reversing the truck, which is especially useful in low light conditions. In addition to the backup camera, the rearview mirror also communicates with biometric cameras that observe the truck's environment as it approaches objects and as it’s being approached.
Digital side-view mirrors and augmented reality (AR) head-up display (HUD) highlight the onboard advanced technology.
A flat-top and bottom collapsible steering wheel offers enhanced hand grips with capacitive controls, digital screens and a lit “RAM” badge. Tactile swiping technology enables occupants to configure the sun visors or the entire electro-chromatic roof with the ability to adjust the opaqueness. The full glass roof with electro-chromatic panels and integrated roof rails features ambient lightning that’s operated through the overhead console.
Sustainability was a key focus during development of the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept with unique and resourceful materials seen throughout the interior as a result. Examples include “Greyslate Nanostone” veneer that is resilient and lightweight, and “Apple” leather, a bi-product from the apple industry that is naturally animal and cruelty free. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept also features a uniquely textured floor that is composed of recycled rubber and cork particles that enhanced durability and functionality.
Ram’s design team wanted to showcase ideas that delivers every passenger an individualized and personalized experience that seamlessly connects them with their digital lives, as well as the other passengers. Artificial intelligence and the autonomy to enable users to work and play from anywhere were also focal points.
Redefining pickup truck ownership again with leading-edge technology, connectivity and convenience
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept provides a glimpse into leading-edge technology, a fully connected customer experience, and advanced mobility features that deliver confidence for hardworking people every day, no matter their line of work.
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept delivers seamless connectivity to transform the experience for the driver and passengers. 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.
Some unique technology features on the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept vehicle include:
Vehicle Personal Assistant – Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual assistant that enhances in-vehicle and exterior interaction with users. A 3D Ram avatar acts as the vehicle's face, responding to various voice commands from users. Additionally, voice control enables the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept to follow commands from the owner while they’re outside the vehicle, such as close the windows, play music, take a picture, and “follow me” with Shadow Mode... o ShadowMode–Allows the vehicle to automatically follow driver walking ahead of the vehicle. This voice-activated feature can be useful in situations where the driver needs to move a short distance and doesn't want to get back in the truck, such as when picking up tools or equipment from a job site. The truck will follow the driver at a safe distance, using sensors and camera technology to navigate around obstacles. This innovation increases efficiency making the job easier and more convenient
My Day – Intelligent trip planning based on users’ schedule and preferences to provide suggestions at right time and right location
Cabin Mode – Cabin Modes are “one button” settings that adjust multiple aspects of the cabin experience at once, based on the use case. They include options such as Productivity Mode, Social Mode, Party Mode, Relax Mode and User-created modes. Adjustments include interior lighting, seat position and orientation, window and skylight opacity, vehicle suspension, sound zones, and display content
Advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Heads-up Display (HUD) – This feature combines AR HUD and advanced camera and sensor technology to provide enhanced driving assistance. See-through vision uses camera and sensor technology to create an experience that allows the driver to see objects outside of their normal view on the AR HUD. The AR HUD can also display information
Intelligent storage app – a mobile application that helps users measure objects to determine if they can be transported with their vehicle. To obtain an object’s dimensions, users can scan the product’s barcode or utilize a built-in augmented reality camera measuring tool. The mobile app will show users how the object can best be positioned in their vehicle, and internal and external cabin projectors assist by displaying guides on the target storage location
Adjustable and removable lower display – can be used as a tablet, passenger display, truck bed workstation, vehicle control, or video game controller. The two 14.2-inch displays can be combined to provide a larger viewing area
Smart Home Control – the user can control their smart home from the infotainment screen, adjusting devices such as lights, cameras, thermostats and sound systems
Advanced camera and sensor system – multiple cameras and sensors works together to enhance the driving experience and provide additional functions, such as 3D capture, biometric identity recognition, and 360 photo and video capture
Exterior projector – multiple built-in projectors provide an efficient way to visually communicate information to the user. The projectors also double as a mobile movie theater, allowing the owner to have movie night anytime, anywhere
Autonomous capabilities – In Level 3+ autonomous mode the vehicle retracts the steering wheel to provide additional space for the driver. Interior lights, the AR HUD, smarts seats, and the steering wheel work together to provide next-level situational awareness to the driver
Battery-electric power unlocks new levels of capability and performance
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features all-wheel-drive capability and is powered by two electric drive module (EDMs), which are positioned toward the front and rear of the vehicle, maximizing interior space and enabling the cavernous frunk. Designed to accommodate larger capacity EDMs, the Ram 1500 BEV concept offers the potential for future high-performance applications.
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW.
As part of the Ram brand’s focus on providing consumers a growing and vast array of leading-edge advanced technology, Ram is showcasing a new inductive robot charger – or Ram Charger – at CES 2023, that will make home charging as easy as possible. It detects the vehicle's presence and its charging needs, and automatically moves into position and aligns itself under the vehicle. Smart-charge capability will allow charging during off-peak time, providing more convenience and peace-of-mind for our customers.
The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of articulation and is designed to offer greater vehicle maneuverability while parking at low speed, on tight off-road trails, and increases the vehicle’s steering response at high speeds.
Based on the Company’s STLA Frame platform, the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept features a body-on-frame design that incorporates the battery pack efficiently.
Adjustable air suspension enables three different modes: ingress/egress, aero, off-road.
Ram Truck Brand
In 2009, the Ram Truck brand launched as a stand-alone division, focused on meeting the demands of truck buyers and delivering benchmark-quality vehicles. With a full lineup of trucks, the Ram 1500, 2500/3500 Heavy Duty, 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab and ProMaster, the Ram brand builds trucks that get the hard work done and families where they need to go.
Ram continues to outperform the competition and sets the benchmarks for:
1,075 lb.-ft. of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
Towing capacity of 37,090 lbs. with Ram 3500
Segment first 1,000 lb.-ft of torque with Cummins Turbo Diesel
Payload of 7,680 lbs. with Ram 3500
Most luxurious: Ram Limited with real wood, real leather and 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen
Best ride and handling with exclusive link coil rear and auto-level air suspensions
Most interior space with Ram Mega Cab
The most cargo space available in any traditional full size cargo van
Most capable full-size off-road pickup – Ram Power Wagon
Ram 1500 TRX is the quickest, fastest and most powerful mass-produced pickup truck in the world
Most awarded light-duty truck in America
Highest owner loyalty of any half-ton pickup
The latest J.D. Power APEAL study, which rates the emotional bond between customers and their vehicles, named the 2022 Ram 1500 as the best vehicle in the large light-duty pickup category. This marks the third straight year Ram 1500 has received top honors.
The Ram 1500 lineup includes the Know & Go mobile app featuring an immersive experience for customers who want to learn more about their vehicles.
Ram is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.