Ram 1500 BEV Expected To Hit Market With 500 Miles of Range

LAS VEGAS – When Stellantis introduces the Ram 1500 BEV later this year as a ’24 model, it will be the third entry among the major truck brands to launch a battery-electric version.

Because it is trailing Ford and General Motors into the BEV pickup market, the Franco-American automaker looks to make a splash by beating Ford and General Motors with an expected class-leading range of 500 miles (805 km) – assuming neither big truck competitor increases range before the Ram goes on sale.

Besides the range advantage over its Detroit Three rivals, the electric Ram also is expected eventually to have a hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain for its heavy-duty fleet version.

Foreshadowing the future of electrified Ram vehicles, the automaker introduces the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept here at CES.

“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,” says Ram brand CEO Mike Koval Jr.

The Ram 1500 BEV’s launch puts it behind the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, the GMC Hummer EV and the Rivian R1T. But being first at this stage of the BEV era is not as crucial to sales and pickup brand loyalty as getting the truck right. And Ram’s superior range expectations could easily be what sways truck buyers.

CN023_040RM_0.jpg

Ram's BEV concept rides on the new STLA architecture featuring two electric-drive-modules that provide all-wheel drive. STLA also supports the Ram 1500 light-duty BEV and a Ram heavy-duty electric truck, including a fleet variant that uses a fuel cell to generate energy to run the motors. A range extender is being offered as well, which Ram calls the Range.

Electric Paradigm Breaker

Electric motors front and back provide all-wheel-drive capability. Battery packs range up to 200 kWh to provide perhaps up to 400 miles of range (another 100 miles is expected to be available with a range extender), and the 800V architecture speeds up the charging. Stellantis says it will make up for its lateness to market with class-leading towing, payload, range and charging time as well.

Ram, like Ford, is offering the BEV pickup on a conventional body-on-frame construction with standard all-wheel drive. The automaker says it is certifying the BEV truck to tow more than 10,000 pounds (4,536 kg), slightly more than the Lightning, Silverado and Sierra. Fast-charging speeds of up to 150 kWh and a Level 2+ autonomous-driving feature also will be offered.

The Ram Revolution concept also has a Level 3+ autonomous mode with a retractable steering wheel that gives the driver more room when it is engaged.

The Ram Revolution has an unmistakable modern look that is a definite evolution from the current Ram. Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles is coy, for now, about how much of the sleek concept ends up in the production model.

Other key features of the Ram Revolution: