Ram, the final member of America’s Big Three to reveal an electric truck, has demonstrated a strong commitment to the specifications of the 1500 REV. The manufacturer not only pledges the highest range in its category exceeding 500 miles but also exceptional towing capability of 14,000 pounds. The battery required to achieve these benchmarks is substantial.
The 800-volt vehicle will incorporate numerous technologies to enhance range efficiency, while ensuring ample power resides beneath the floor. The 1500 REV will come equipped with a sizable 168-kilowatt-hour battery as standard, serving as the baseline. The highest trim level, which boasts a stunning 500-mile range, will feature an enormous 229-kWh unit. This exceeds the capacity of the battery in the Hummer EV and the long-range Ford F-150 Lightning. In fact, it represents the most substantial battery capacity observed in any electric passenger vehicle since the inception of the EV movement. Ram will also offer a gasoline-powered range extender on the “REV XR” model, which the company claims will redefine performance standards in its class.
The standard range is predicted to be 350 miles, with both variants capable of charging at 350kW. This translates to approximately 110 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Dual single-motor drive units on each axle deliver 654 horsepower and 620 lb.-ft. of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in a claimed 4.4 seconds. The front axle can disengage from the road to conserve energy, while the rear differential is lockable. The manufacturer has not specified if this will be the sole motor configuration available.
Similar to its gasoline counterpart, the REV will be offered in multiple trims, including Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, and Limited. A new premium trim named Tungsten, positioned above Limited, will feature amenities such as a 23-speaker sound system, heated and ventilated massaging seats, a suede headliner, and more. Despite these luxurious additions, Ram affirms that this truck remains faithful to the hardworking essence of the Ram 1500. It’s highly likely that you’ll soon spot this vehicle at a construction site near you.
Featuring independent rear suspension, the REV boasts an advertised 2,700-pound payload capacity. Hauling the aforementioned 14,000-pound trailer should be a smooth endeavor, attributed not only to the air suspension and adaptable dampers but also to the sheer heft of this vehicle, which is truly remarkable. While Ram has not disclosed its weight yet, the Hummer EV weighs in at 9,063 pounds with its 212-kWh battery pack, which alone weighs 3,000 pounds. The 229-kWh unit in the REV is likely even heavier, and a truck constructed around a battery of such magnitude will undoubtedly justify the name “Tungsten.” It would not be surprising if the curb weight of the 1500 REV approaches the five-ton mark.
Accompanying this substantial road presence is a plethora of technology. Both the driver and passenger are equipped with infotainment screens in the REV, along with a digital instrument cluster. Offering “Hands-free Active Driving Assist,” a counterpart to GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s Blue Cruise, the system will monitor the driver’s gaze to ensure focus on the road. Additionally, a heads-up display and a digital rearview mirror will provide the driver with situational awareness.
Like the F-150 Lightning, the REV will be capable of powering tools at a job site, the owner’s residence, or another electric vehicle. The Ram features the most expansive frunk among electric pickups thus far, housing a power panel capable of generating 3.6 kW of power at standard voltages. Another panel in the trunk offers 7.2 kW of power output. When equipped with the gasoline range extender, utilizing these outlets may not deplete the truck’s battery, although Ram has not confirmed this. Details regarding the range extender are still pending.
In addition, features such as a software key for starting the truck via smartphones, one-pedal driving, and a range of energy consumption metrics to optimize the truck’s efficiency complete the REV’s technological offerings. The manufacturer has not disclosed the pickup’s release date, but further information including the EPA-estimated range, XR trim specifications, and more will be revealed closer to its anticipated launch in 2024.
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