Design
The Ram 1500 REV isn’t a model designed as an electric vehicle from the outset. It’s a modified version of the combustion-engined Ram 1500, which is why it has a familiar shape and similar proportions. There are some design differences, though, mostly concentrated at the front.
The first production Ram electric truck features a revised version of the Ram 1500 Revolution concept’s tuning fork LED headlights, a gloss black panel along with an illuminated Ram logo between the headlights, a new bumper, and a new lower air intake. The hood is also new, which makes it look a little cleaner than that of the ICE model. It features “REV” branding, just like on the concept.
On the sides, the 1500 EV sports six-spoke aero wheels to give it a proper EV look. A flap above the left-side front wheel arch opens up its charging port. At the rear, the electric truck features new tail lamps with horizontal extensions inward at the top and a tailgate with new sculpting and block-lettered brand inscription.
Interior
The interior of the Ram 1500 REV looks nearly identical to the ICE Ram 1500. There are a few changes, but the overall layout and design are the same. The electric model’s touchscreen is probably slightly taller than the donor model’s 12-inch unit, and there are a few differences in the layout of controls on its center console, too.
The biggest differentiator on the inside is the inclusion of a passenger display, a feature Stellantis first introduced in Jeep models. We can already see it gives music controls, and we expect it to let the front passenger use the EV’s navigation system as well.
The electric pickup should get firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) upgrades for improved performance and efficiency throughout its lifecycle. Mamatha Chamarthi, the company’s SVP for Software Business & Product, has suggested that software-enabled performance upgrades will be available after the delivery.
Platform & Capability
STLA Frame
The Ram 1500 REV will be the first model based on the STLA Frame platform. STLA Frame is a body-on-frame platform for full-size electric vehicles and it has double the normal operating voltage – 800 V.
Motors
Two electric motors, one for each axle, will likely be standard in Ram 1500 electric. Ram could offer RWD configurations later if there’s enough demand, though. Later launches may include street-performance- and off-road performance-oriented triple-motor AWD configurations as well.
There are rumors of powertrains with up to 885 horsepower! Crazy as that sounds, we don’t think it’s undoable, especially if you consider the fact that the gas-powered 1500 already packs up to 702 horsepower. Koval Jr. has confirmed that the STLA Frame platform allows installing up to three electric motors, Mopar Insiders reported on January 10, 2023.
Air suspension
The 1500 REV would have a self-leveling capability, thanks to an air suspension. The driver will likely be able to adjust the height to a lower level for maximum aerodynamic efficiency on the highway, a higher level during off-roading, or somewhere in between in other situations.
Four-wheel steering
A four-wheel steering system will likely make maneuvering the 1500 electric in the city and on tight off-road trails more easily and give it more stability on the highway. It may allow the rear wheels to turn up to 15°.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning can haul 2,235 pounds, while the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV will offer up to 1,300 pounds of payload capacity. As for the towing capacity, the F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds, while the Silverado EV, with an optional package, will be able to do up to 20,000 pounds! Like the F-150 Lightning, the Ram 1500 REV may come with a spare wheel below the bed.
Locally-sourced batteries
The Ram 1500 REV will utilize batteries that are manufactured in North America, eventually, if not next year. On March 23, 2021, Stellantis announced it will create a lithium-ion battery production plant in Windsor (Ontario), Canada, in partnership with LG Energy Solution. The annual production capacity of this facility will be 45-gigawatt hours. Production will start by Q1 2024 (January-March 2024). Stellantis and LG Energy Solution will invest CAD 5 billion (USD 3.7 billion) in this facility.
On May 24, 2022, Stellantis announced it will set up a lithium-ion battery production plant in the United States in a joint venture with Samsung SDI. Located in Kokomo, Indiana, this plant will have an annual production capacity of 23 GWh initially and a potential to scale up to 33 GWh at a later stage. Operations will start in 2025 if everything goes as planned. A joint investment of over USD 2.5 billion will go into this factory. Either of the two plants should supply the Ram electric truck.
