Electric RAM 1500 Revolution teased

RAM Trucks Australia has revealed it is interested in securing the production model for Australian sale when it becomes available.

The RAM 1500 Revolution will go on sale in North America next year as a direct rival for battery-powered competitors including the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV, as well as the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck, which is also expected on sale by 2024.

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Underpinned by the Stellantis Group’s STLA Frame architecture designed specifically for EVs, the RAM 1500 Revolution features 800V DC fast-charging. RAM claims rapid charging can add up to 160km of range in 10 minutes.

The concept is powered by front and rear electric drive modules. RAM has yet to give power and torque figures, although it is already hinting there is plenty of performance potential – an electric RAM 1500 TRX, anyone?

The Revolution concept includes all-wheel-drive capability as well as four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of rear-wheel articulation.

No pricing has yet been revealed for the production vehicle, which is expected to be shown within months.

RAM says the 1500 BEV “will be the leader” in range, towing, payload and charge time, although it is yet to reveal those details. Of note, the Ford F-150 Lightning will boast towing capacity of up to 4500kg, while a special version of the Chevrolet Silverado EV will tow up to 9000kg.

Locally, the RAM 1500 Revolution would join the staggeringly successful RAM Trucks Australia line-up that 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 says.

While GMSV's petrol V8-powered Chevrolet Silverado is also converted to right-hand drive in Melbourne by Walkinshaw, and a factory-approved Ford F-150 local conversion program will start in 2023, the battery-electric versions of either vehicle are 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 units a year by mid-2023, while the Silverado EV has attracted 170,000 reservations in the US, 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 Revolution's cabin is bigger than that of the existing RAM 1500, with powered-adjustable seats all around. It measures about 100mm longer than a petrol-powered RAM 1500, something that the smaller electric motors (also said to be more powerful) allow, and features new safety systems.

The bed length is unchanged, but the volume is increased because of the battery pack's compact 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.

New customer-friendly tech introduced on the Revolution includes an artificial intelligence-based personal assistant with a 3D RAM avatar, a voice-activated shadow mode that allows the vehicle to follow the owner at walking pace, and a robot that senses the arrival of the truck in your garage and slides underneath to start inductive charging.

Power assistance is everywhere – the "frunk" (front trunk), the charge port door, the tailgate, side and rear steps with active diffuser all open and close without human effort.

Inside, the multiconfigurable 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 long 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 cameras providing a 360-degree view, 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 electrochromatic roof.

Enviro-friendly cabin materials include Greyslate Nanostone veneer, vegan-friendly 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,” RAM chief executive Mike Koval says.

“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.”