The beginning of the year usually brings one of the most awaited shows of the year: The CES. The Consumer Electronics Show is not necessarily a show about cars, but about technologies that are going to have a huge influence on humanity’s future. These days, however, vehicles are taking a bigger piece of the show flow thanks to the evolution in automotive technology. Stellantis used the 2023 CES to display the new Ram Revolution BEV Concept - a preview of its future Ram 1500 EV pickup truck. And, even if late to the party, the future Ram electric truck promises to revolutionize the electric truck segment in all aspects: range, towing, payload, and charge time. The production version of the Ram Revolution electric truck is expected to arrive in 2024, by which time the entire Ram lineup will offer electrified solutions.
1 The Revolution Brings Saloon-Style Doors Without A B-Pillar
One of the most fascinating features of the new Ram Revolution Electric Truck is the lack of the B-pillar. So, instead of the traditional doors, Ram opted for saloon-style opening doors that open at 90 degrees and reveal an even more cavernous interior space. In fact, the new cabin is about four inches longer than today’s production ICE-powered truck, which offers increased room and comfort. This feature will most likely not be carried over to the production version due to safety reasons, but hopefully, Ram will find a way to make things interesting in the future too.
2 Four-Wheel Steering With Up To 15 Degrees Of Articulation
While the two electric modules provide the all-wheel drive system - like every truck should offer – there is one feature that makes the 1500 Revolution BEV concept special. The rear-axle steering system allows for the rear wheels to be pivoted by up to 15 degrees of articulation for greater vehicle maneuverability – especially during trailering duties. It is all done by the driver at the push of a button. Just to compare things, the Hummer EV only does 10 degrees. The concept is also equipped with an adjustable air suspension that has three different modes: ingress/egress, aero, and off-road.
3 Ram Revolution 1500 BEV Concept Perfects The Electro-Chromatic Roof Option
Ram's new electric truck, at least in its concept form, is outfitted with a full glass roof that includes electro-chromatic panels and integrated roof rails. They can be controlled from inside the cabin with the overhead console. By using advanced tactile swiping technology, the occupants can control how much light they want to let inside the cabin. This is, of course, not a new feature by any means, and we’ve seen it in many cars before, but the first to have it was the 2005 Ferrari Superamerica. The Italian supercar was offered with a "revochromic" roof where the main surface of the roof was made of an electrochemical glass panel that allowed the driver to adjust the light inside the car from four to 40%.
4 The Future Ram Electric Truck Will Offer A Flexible Interior Layout
The Ram Revolution features a concept known as the "one-space environment" that enables several different interior configurations. This concept allows for more flexibility so that the 1500 BEV can be configured based on personal needs. First, the concept has third-row jump seats - an industry first. The seats are mounted on the brand’s new Ram Track system, and they feature a removable lower section that can be removed when not needed. The seats are made from a lightweight material, and they can be folded flat along with extended recline for even more interior volume. Also, if needed, the center console can be removed, or the armrest can be converted to a workstation surface. And finally, a mid-gate with powered glass can fit objects up to 18 feet long when the tailgate is closed.
5 Ram’s Adjustable And Removable Lower Display In The Revolution
The centerpiece of the electric Ram 1500’s interior is its full touchscreen display loaded with advanced technology. It consists of two screens and offers up to 28 inches of screen space. The lower display - measuring 14.2 inches - has three different positions depending on the task performed. Display options include a minimal view, extended view, and full screen view, but what’s even cooler is that it can even be removed to be used in different areas of the truck. According to Ram, it can be used as a tablet, passenger display, truck bed workstation, vehicle control, or video game controller. The upper screen, while not as flexible, can also slide on the Ram rail attachment system.
6 Ram 1500 EV - An Autonomous Pickup Truck
The new Ram Revolution electric truck concept - and according to the company's promises, the production version too – has a Level 3+ autonomous mode. Ram didn’t go into many details on this, but we know that Level 3+ autonomous is known as "conditional driving automation." While this level uses lots of driver assistance systems and artificial intelligence to drive the car around, a human driver must always be on alert in case of a system failure. In this situation, the 1500 Revolution Concept will retract the steering wheel to provide additional space for the driver. However, you need to be aware that Level 3 autonomous systems are not legal on U.S. roads just yet. A lot can happen until 2024 when the production version of the Ram electric truck arrives, though, so we might be telling a different story then.
7 Ram Packed Its Future Electric Truck With Technology
Next to what has been listed so far, the new Ram electric truck is loaded with lots of other leading-edge technology that should completely transform the experience for both driver and passengers. Each truck will have its own AI-powered virtual assistant that helps with user interaction and vehicle control. One of the coolest features the concept has to offer is called "Shadow Mode." This means that the truck will automatically follow the driver walking ahead of the vehicle - a very useful feature when having to move something for a short distance. Another cool feature is the Smart Home Control - which allows users to control their smart home using the truck's infotainment screen. The future electric Ram truck will also be packed with Advanced Augmented Reality (AR) Heads-up Display (HUD), an Intelligent storage app, an advanced camera, and a sensor system and exterior projector.
8 The Ram 1500 EV Will Add 100 Miles With Just 10 Minutes Of Fast Charging
The new Dodge Ram electric truck will be built on Stellantis' new STLA Frame body-on-frame architecture that has been designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles. It allows for the largest battery packs Stellantis has to offer, and even if we do not know specific sizes just yet, we do know it supports 800-volt DC fast charging at speeds up to 350 kW. This means that the future Ram Revolution electric truck will gain up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes of fast charging. Chevrolet has made the same promise about its new Silverado EV, while 15 minutes of charging will add about 65 miles for the F-150 Lightning.
9 The Ram Revolution Has A Modern Look
The new 1500 Revolution Concept debuts an all-new face for Ram. The concept's design - defined by Stellantis as "brutiful – brutal yet beautiful" is dominated by an animated and modernized “R-A-M” badge and animated LED tuning fork headlights. LED lights have also been integrated into the front bumper, with the same technology also being used for both the taillamps and the badging. The side-view mirrors are smaller than those found on any other Ram truck before. They are made from 3D printed lightweight materials, and they are meant to reduce drag and increase aerodynamics. The concept is still recognizable as a Ram model thanks to new pivoting tow hooks that can sit flush, but also the power multifunction tailgate and the larger RamBox. While the future Ram electric truck will drop this feature, the concept rides on 24-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires with a new unique design.
10 The Ram Revolution Electric Truck Promises To Be The Leader On The Market
The new Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is powered by two electric drive modules (EDMs) - placed at the front and the rear of the vehicle. They provide all-wheel-drive capability and, according to the company, there is room for larger capacity EDMs, which means there is potential for future high-performance versions. There is no word on the truck's performance figures, but Ram promises it will "redefine the pickup truck segment." The future electric Ram truck will be the leader when it comes to range, towing, payload, and charge time. And for sure the next few months will give us a few more details on the official numbers. No matter what, if the production version will be at least 50% as impressive as the concept, both Ford and Chevy have a lot to fear about. No wonder Ram took its time to come up with an electric truck: it seemed to have learned from everyone’s mistakes.