This story contains independent illustrations penned by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes based on RAM’s teasers and our own intel. The renders are neither related to nor endorsed by RAM.
The automotive industry’s ambition to electrify everything and anything is gaining incredible momentum, from small hatchbacks to sports cars and large trucks to SUVs. Even heavyweights like GM and Ford are going all-out on battery-electric propulsion for their most popular nameplates with the Silverado EV and F-150 Lightning.
Not to be outdone, the crew over at RAM Trucks are hard at work with their assault on the battery-electric market under the ‘RAM Revolution’ banner. Auburn Hill’s first dedicated EV truck will be the RAM 1500, which has been previewed on numerous occasions through shadowy teaser sketches. Curious as to what will the final product look like? Read on as we take an illustrative crystal ball-gaze and explore everything else that it’s tipped to offer.
Different, Done Well
Illustrations Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes
The one thing that Ralph Gilles and his team at RAM Trucks does right is design – there are no Cybertruck levels of polarization with the styling of this truck. The front end features an illuminated ‘RAM’ logo sitting within a decorative panel in place of a traditional grille. Twin bar DRLs help frame the LED headlamps, and a contrasting hourglass graphic adds dynamism to the lower bumper.
Read: We Envision A 2025 Subaru Baja Rival To The Ford Maverick And Hyundai Santa Cruz
A steeply raked cabin and rear pillars exude a futuristic aesthetic, as do the black inlays cascading downwards into the side sills and front fender moldings. The rear is equally futuristic as the front, featuring a high bedside, full-width LED taillamps and illuminated RAM lettering in red.
Under The Skin
Ram shared this image of an EV platform
While little is known about the interior, the odds are that it’ll be one of the best in the business if the current 1500 Laramie and Jeep Grand Wagoneer are anything to go by. Expect big-ticket items like large infotainment screens, a digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, over-the-air updates, and Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving.
Underpinning the 1500 is Stellantis group’s STLA Frame architecture for large trucks and SUVs. The body-on-frame platform is large enough to accommodate battery packs ranging from 159 kWh to 200 kWh, with the latter good for 500 miles (800 km) of range.
With an 800 Volt EV architecture, DC fast charging should enable class-leading fast charging (provided you turn up to a DC fast charger that works). Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology will power worksite equipment and even the family household in a blackout.
Power To Stun
RAM recently teased the 1500 BEV with these darkened sketches which our own illustrations are based on
The 1500 BEV will initially be offered with electric motor outputs ranging from 201 hp (150 kW) to 443 hp (330 kW), powering either the rear or all four wheels. Those wanting higher performance could be in luck with rumors suggesting that an 885 hp (660 kW) dual-motor variant is in the works, which, to be frank, is utterly insane for such a heavy battery-laden pickup truck.
See: Jeep Teases A Brand New Electric SUV Coming In Early 2023
In an intriguing move, Stellantis have also announced a REPB which stands for Range Electric Paradigm Breaker. Think of it as a long-winded name for a range-extender, although what form this will take is still anyone’s guess, with conjecture wildly ranging from ICE to hydrogen combustion.
Rivals & Reveal
Chevy has already introduced its first dedicated electric pickup, the 2023 Silverado EV
The RAM 1500 BEV will compete directly against the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV/GMC Sierra twins, Hummer EV SUT and the Tesla’s Cybertruck (when it eventually arrives). Others include the smaller Rivian R1T and upcoming Toyota Tacoma EV.
An official reveal is expected within the next 12 months as a 2024 model year entrant.
What are your thoughts on RAM’s electrifying new direction? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.
Our artist’s impression of the 2024 RAM 1500 BEV. Illustrations Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes
