The Ram 1500 Revolution made its grand entrance at the CES 2023. Indeed, Ram has fulfilled their promise that they would build their first all-electric truck with a flashy and sharp visual, features and specs.
According to MotorTrend, an automotive entertainment network, the Ram 1500 Revolution will make its way to the EV market by 2024.
Ram 1500 Revolution Development
After carefully examining what rivals have to offer and how the customers would react, Ram executives have been boasting about the 2024 Ram 1500 Revolution for more than a year. It is a full-size electric truck that is expected to outperform the competition.
According to Ram CEO Mike Koval Jr., Ram will take advantage of its position as a come-from-behind competitor to outperform rivals in all the crucial categories. It includes towing and payload, range, and charge time.
MotorTrend mentioned that as the concept developed, Koval Jr.’s crew also toured the nation for an entire year in search of feedback and suggestions on the Real Talk Tour.
Competitions
With talks about the competition Ram is up against, MotorTrend mentioned the vehicles with the biggest head start. It is because they are already on the market, including the GMC Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T.
MotorTrend further stated that according to General Motors, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV work truck would debut this spring, and the GMC Sierra EV will follow in 2024. Before the Ram hits dealerships, Tesla might even deliver its long-delayed Cybertruck to customers.
The Story Behind the Concept
With its combustion-engine pickups, the recent three-time MotorTrend Truck of the Year made its presence felt through its EV entry for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
The CES 2023 in Las Vegas indulges the EV community as they showcase the awaited appearance of Ram’s EV entry – the Ram 1500 Revolution battery electric vehicle concept.
According to MotorTrend, the actual deal will emerge in a few months, but it is currently only a concept. Much of the concept is presented in the actual model’s design, which has been finalized. Interestingly, the model name is a play on words: the production truck’s name will be Rev, while the concept is Revolution.
“Everything you see from now on will be a direct descendant of this.”
CEO Mike Koval Jr.
According to MotorTrend, the Ram 1500 Revolution will set as the starting point and pave the way for Ram’s future strategy and goal to reinvent the pickup market.
All About the ‘Ram’ Design
MotorTrend reports that Ram went to another path and went wild on a modern, rugged, and edgy design. It is unlike Ford’s more conservative styling approaches and similar to the ICE styling versions of GM.
Ram might have come off, but not quite, the same stylistic approaches with Tesla Cybertruck.
The vehicle’s body is just like how a signature Ram pickup truck would look like. It has fender flares, and an exaggerated Coke bottle form, says exterior designer Mark Trostle. Additionally, head of design Ralph Gilles describes the vehicle as “brutiful” (both brutal and beautiful) as this was what he and the other designers would want the car to appear.
MotorTrend reported that the truck’s face is animated and has new RAM badging and a headlamp with an LED “tuning fork” style. The LED taillights were also fully animated. The front bumper flares use LED lighting as well. A skidplate and pivoting tow hooks that can sit flush are features of the fascia.
Koyal speaks highly about the Ram 1500 Revolution, calling it a ‘heroic design’ that will revolutionize people’s perceptions about pickup trucks. What makes it better is that this EV pickup offers “white-knuckle acceleration and extraordinary efficiency,” MotorTrend reports.
The Crew Cab
Koyal said that the bed length is unchanged. The entire cabin has been moved forward and is now 4.0 inches longer than in the modern 1500s. The lower roof height is probably for improved aerodynamics. Eighty to ninety percent of consumers prefer it in the crew cab form, which is the only available.
As for the EV pickup’s doors, MotorTrend stated that the clamshell doors could be opened in a grand saloon style into an extended cab by removing the B-pillars. Although it is structurally possible, MotorTrend added that the production model will still have regular doors. Interestingly, the flush door handles do not pop out. Gilles mentioned that the yawning doors were more intended to help show off the show truck’s cabin than anything else. When one touches them, the door opens slightly and reveals a grab handle at the very end, MotorTrend reports.
Additionally, removable speakers, portable power chargers, storage spaces that can be heated or cooled, hold straps, or housing a first aid kit are all incorporated into the ends of the doors.
When we thought we could not do work on an EV, the Ram 1500 Revolution said otherwise. According to MotorTrend, the vehicle’s removable center console allows the cabin to be a usable office. For a fold-flat work surface for the driver or passenger, one may also slide the center armrests over.
What’s New? Jump Seat = Third-Row Seating
The Revolution has a motorized midgate and a retractable, cabin-folding rear window.
According to MotorTrend, one has to slide the first two rows of seats forward on the “Ram Track” floor-mount system to reveal a third row of mounted jump seats.
MotorTrend also mentioned that the lower portion of the seats could also be removed and set up in a bleacher style on the floor or a bed for tailgating. The front seats can also be taken off the track and put back on while being turned to face the back passengers.
Furthermore, according to MotorTrend, the seats may be folded flat and feature an extended reclining option. Each chair features built-in speakers, grab grips, and seat belts. The center console may be moved as needed using the Ram Track rail attachment/floor-track system, and the track extends through the truck bed and forward through the frunk.
The Frunk
A front trunk, where an engine would typically be, is in the vehicle. According to MotorTrend, the Revolution frunk features four power outlets, a drain, compartment dividers, cupholders, and the Ram Track rail system. The trunk lid may be opened and closed with a touch and is motorized.
MotorTrend also mentioned that the tailgate is powered, as are the side and rear steps, with an active diffuser. The pickup bed has more power outlets, and Ram also made the RamBox bedside storage bins larger.
MotorTrend added that the side view mirrors are smaller than anticipated, primarily because they include a digital camera to provide a comprehensive view of the area around the vehicle. Images from cameras around the truck are projected on the inside digital panels to give a 360-degree picture. The mirror housings’ 3D-printed designs with integrated backup flood lighting make them lighter.
The ‘Ram’ Interior
Known for its one-of-a-kind truck interiors, MotorTrend reports that the Revolution concept combines that upscale vibe with pure future fantasy. MotorTrend added that inside, the tuning fork theme from the headlights extends from the dashboard to the midgate. The floor comprises recycled rubber and cork fragments, while the leather is manufactured from byproducts of the apple industry.
According to MotorTrend, the steering wheel has an illuminated RAM emblem, improved hand grips, capacitive controls, digital panels, and a flat top and folding bottom. The steering wheel retracts in the concept’s envisioned Level 3+ autonomous mode to provide greater space for the driver. It rotates forward before sliding into the dashboard like a CD, cassette tape, or credit card.
MotorTrend also reported that the vehicle’s enormous touchscreen is two, offering a 28-inch display. The lower screen can be tilted in three different directions to provide a single flush screen, a small angle, or a larger angle. Similar to a tablet, it can also be taken off. There is no digital cluster; instead, the driver has an augmented reality head-up display.
It is unique because, according to MotorTrend, there is no headliner; the glass roof covers the entire truck. You can swipe to change the amount of light that enters through each quadrant, which has a crazy pattern. Additionally, there are no sun visors; instead, one touches the windshield and slides the tinting down to block the sun’s glare.
Ram-techy
MotorTrends report that Ram seeks to reinvent the consumer experience by utilizing cutting-edge connectivity and mobility technologies. One of the greatest features is the AI-powered personal assistant, which employs a 3D Ram avatar to respond to voice instructions, even from outside the vehicle, to unlock it or play music.
According to MotorTrend, another great feature is to ask the Ram to “follow me” with Shadow mode. It is when you only need to drive a short distance and don’t want to go back behind the wheel. The truck will automatically follow the driver as they walk ahead of the vehicle.
MotorTrend stated that a few more of its great features would be the ‘My Day’ which, according to MotorTrend, does your trip planning. The Smart Home Control helps you as you’re en route and turns on the heat and lights in your house. Cabin Mode sets the mood to be productive, social, relaxed, or party.
STLA Frame in a Ram
According to MotorTrend, the Ram Revolution uses the Stellantis STLA Frame body-on-frame architecture explicitly designed for full-size electric vehicles. MotorTrend added. It incorporates a battery pack with total underbody panels. It also has an active diffuser for aerodynamics. The Rev would continue to fall within the light-duty truck category even if the architecture was created for heavier vehicles, according to Koval.
MotorTrend also specified that two electric drive modules, one in the front and one in the back, are necessary to accomplish all-wheel drive. The Revolution concept also has four-wheel steering with an articulation range of up to 15 degrees. It is a feature that helps make navigating the big vehicle simpler.
The Ram has 24-inch wheels with center caps that light up and stay in place, just like the Silverado EV. The vehicle can level itself. Three modes of adjustable air suspension are available: reduced for easier entry and exit, aero, and the maximum setting for off-road driving, MotorTrend reports.
The Range of a Revolutionary
Koval claims that the Revolution will have a class-leading range, but comprehensive specifications will follow. The STLA Frame global platform was built with a specific technology that cannot handle large loads and still deliver up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. The manufacturer claims that the 800-volt DC rapid charging up to 350 kW may extend the range of the Revolution concept by up to 100 miles in around 10 minutes.
The Ram will also provide smart-charge functionality to make it simple to let the energy flow during off-peak hours, following the competitors’ lead.
According to MotorTrend, the Ram designed the charge-port door to power open and closed, and it lights up and blinks while charging, with a sound to signal when charging has commenced.
Ram also demonstrated a new inductive robot charger at CES called the Ram Charger. The robot locates the vehicle, checks its charge level, and positions itself below the truck.
Driving The Revolution
Notably, the brand will eventually electrify its entire lineup. Additionally, news about a Ram with a “range-extended paradigm breaker,” which means a small gas engine extends the range, also circulates.
However, for the time being, MotorTrend commented that this Ram 1500 EV proposal is merely to fish out for comments from both current and former Ram consumers. Some exhibition trucks have more innovative elements, including third-row seating, flexible cabin, and enormous pass-throughs, which are still being developed. The company will monitor the response to the unveiling.
While it is true that Ram may be a little late to the EV truck battle, they came well-prepared.
