All-new electric RAM pick-up truck takes shape ahead of production next year
Watch out Tesla Cybertruck, there’s a sleek new full-size electric ute in development and it could join the RAM 1500 in Aussie showrooms in the next few years.
Following a series of official preview images and teasers over the past few months, we now have our first look at RAM’s upcoming electric pick-up truck – the 2024 RAM 1500 EV – thanks to an unofficial render.
Posted by TopElectricSUV.com, several elements of the rendering line up with the preview pics released by RAM, including the unique double-stacked LED daytime running lights, illuminated ‘RAM’ logo and chunky power bulge on the bonnet.
RAM’s new electric ute appears to be taking a different design approach to one of its key rivals, the square-jawed Ford F-150 Lightning, by adopting a sleeker, sportier design and thereby creating space between it and conventional RAM 1500 models.
The electric RAM pick-up truck render features the same contoured ‘double-bubble’ roof design as the teasers, and while it also gets pumped wheel-arches that feature in the teasers, they don’t quite deliver the machismo expected in the finished product.
Despite the more futuristic design, RAM’s full-size electric ute is set to deliver plenty of off-road and towing capability, thanks to advanced suspension systems and a range of electrified powertrains, including battery-electric and range-extending options.
The latter option was confirmed by RAM boss Mike Koval Jr earlier this year and is expected to employ a small petrol combustion engine to act as a generator to recharge the battery pack.
Pitched at customers who need to tow heavier loads (which drains the battery quicker) and those living in remote areas where charging infrastructure is scarce, it’s been dubbed the Range Electric Paradigm Breaker (REPB).
RAM and parent company Stellantis are keeping the vital statistics of its new EV truck – such as power output, cruising range and price – a closely guarded secret ahead of an expected reveal later this year, but details are starting to firm around the new model.
Based on Stellantis’ new STLA Frame platform, which is capable of housing a massive 200kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the new ute could deliver a range of up to 800km between charges if it gets the mega battery.
Expect to see smaller battery pack options, given the brand will need to target an entry-level price point close to the base Ford F-150 Lightning’s $US37,974 ($A53,345) price.
Single and dual electric motor options are tipped to include units that produce between 150kW to 330kW apiece, for RWD and AWD layouts.
Top-spec models, which may carry the TRX moniker, could bang out around 660kW of power and deliver enough torque to move mountains.
As well as the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning, the RAM EV will line up against the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Rivian R1T, among others.
Production is not anticipated to begin until later next year (as a 2024 model), however Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares sees RAM’s late entry into the EV pick-up truck market as a positive.
“Yes, it’s a fact that we are coming slightly after them, but it’s also a fact that we have the opportunity to adjust the competitiveness and the appeal of our own trucks to what they are doing,” Tavares said in January, during an interview with investment bank Morgan Stanley.
Image credit: TopElectricSUV.com
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Keyword: RAM 1500 EV rendered