RAM Trucks Australia keen on securing all-electric full-size ute as soon as it’s available
RAM has joined the full-size electric pick-up truck battle, unveiling the near-production 2023 RAM 1500 Revolution BEV concept at CES in Las Vegas.
And the local RAM importer is already admitting it is interested in securing the production model for Australian sale when it becomes available.
Underpinned by the Stellantis Group’s STLA Frame architecture designed specifically for EVs, the RAM 1500 Revolution features 800V DC fast-charging at up to 350kW. RAM claims up to 160km of range can be added in 10 minutes.
The concept is powered by front and rear electric drive modules for which RAM has yet to give power and torque figures, although it is already hinting there is plenty of performance upside to be extracted in the future – an electric RAM 1500 TRX anyone?
The Revolution has all-wheel drive capability as well as four-wheel steer with up to 15 degrees of articulation.
No pricing has yet been revealed for the production vehicle, which will be shown within months.
RAM is promising the 1500 BEV “will be the leader” in range, towing, payload and charge time, although no detail on that has been offered.
Locally, the RAM 1500 Revolution would join the staggeringly successful RAM Trucks Australia line-up, which is converted from left- to right-hand drive in Melbourne by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group.
“We are aware of the recent RAM Revolution reveal and look forward to working with our colleagues in the US on future Australia product,” a RAM Trucks Australia spokesman told carsales.
While the petrol V8 Chevrolet Silverado is also converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne by Walkinshaw for GMSV, and a factory-approved Ford F-150 local conversion program will begin in 2023, the battery-electric versions of either vehicle have yet to be confirmed for Australia.
Both have been subject to intense interest in the US, where Ford is working to quadruple Lightning production to 150,000 per annum by mid-2023, while the Silverado EV has attracted 170,000 reservations months ahead of first deliveries.
The overall presentation of the Revolution is being described by RAM as “brutiful” and touted as the styling future for the brand.
The cabin measures up about 100mm longer than a petrol-powered RAM 1500, something allowed by smaller e-motors (also said to be more powerful) and new safety systems.
The bed length is unchanged, but volume is increased because of the battery pack dimensions.
The dual-cab concept is notable for details including its animated and modernised R-A-M grille badging, suicide rear doors that eliminate the need for a B-pillar, digital side mirrors and off-road tow hooks that pivot to sit flush.
The concept rolls on three-mode air suspension, 35-inch tyres and 24-inch wheels with centre caps that light up and stay in place.
New customer-friendly tech the Revolution debuts includes an AI personal assistant with 3D RAM avatar, a voice-activated shadow mode that allows the vehicle to follow the owner at walking pace and an inductive robot that senses the arrival of the truck in your garage and slides underneath to start charging.
Power assistance is everywhere – the frunk, the charge port door, the tailgate, side steps and rear step with active diffuser all open and close without human muscle effort required.
Inside, the multi-configurable cabin is dubbed a “one space environment” and features claimed industry-first third-row jump seats that can be set up in the cabin or load bed.
There’s also a pass-through into the cabin that allows objects up to 5480mm to be carried with the tailgate closed.
Lightweight seats are set on tracks and the centre console can be removed. Storage tracks are also fitted in the frunk and load bed.
Interior tech includes upper and lower screens with 28 inches of combined space. The upper screen slides on a track and the lower screen can be removed from the cabin.
The rear-view mirror includes a camera with 360-degree views, speakers and receivers compatible with voice assistants, such as Alexa and Siri.
Other interior features include an augmented reality head-up display, a flat-top/bottom steering wheel with capacitive controls and digital screens that collapse when Level 3+ autonomy is engaged, and an adjustable electro-chromatic roof.
Enviro-friendly cabin materials include Greyslate Nanostone veneer, Apple leather and a floor that is composed of recycled rubber and cork particles.
“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,” said RAM brand CEO Mike Koval Jr.
“The RAM Revolution represents several important things to the RAM brand.
“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 pick-up segment, with a steady drumbeat of announcements and initiatives as we embark on our electrified journey.”
Keyword: CES 2023: Electric RAM 1500 Revolution pick-up revealed