2025 Ram 1500 REV back seat speakers. Ram
Similar to its predecessor, the Hummer EV, the Ram REV features flat “unit magnification” style mirrors, designed to provide an accurate representation of the vehicle’s size to the driver. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 mandates these mirrors for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds—calculated as curb weight plus maximum payload. While they are permissible for vehicles in lower weight classes too, convex mirrors are more commonly used for better visibility. The cutouts in the REV’s mirrors likely accommodate convex mirrors.
The presence of these mirrors suggests a potential maximum GVWR above 10,000 pounds, placing it in the realm of Class 3 medium-duty trucks. Despite the manufacturer classifying the REV as “light-duty,” there is debate among sources whether Class 3 trucks fall under the light or medium-duty category. Regardless of nomenclature, the increased weight poses a new challenge: affecting the vehicle’s range.
While Ram touts a range of over 500 miles with the REV’s substantial battery, independent verification through EPA testing might not be possible. If the weight of the REV crosses the 10,000-pound threshold, it would be exempt from EPA testing, similar to ICE Class 3 trucks which are not subjected to fuel efficiency assessments.
Skipping federal testing might not be unique to the Ram 1500 REV. The NHTSA does not conduct crash tests for three-quarter-ton pickups like the Ram 3500, or their electric counterparts, including the Hummer EV (untested), and potentially the Ram 1500 REV.
However, there is a chance that the REV will undergo crash testing and receive EPA range estimations, though this may not apply to the highest-range variant. A representative from Ram hinted that the testing scenario might differ for the truck showcased at the New York
The upcoming auto exhibition this week will showcase a production model that doesn’t feature the maximum 500-mile range. This hints at a lighter variation that could fit into Class 2B, similar to the Rivian R1T, which indeed comes with an EPA range estimate. In the event that the Ram REV is lightweight enough to fall into Class 2A, like the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, it may undergo some level of crash-testing. To a certain extent, at least.
One notable exemption for the Ram would likely be bypassing weigh stations, a requirement that many Class 3 vehicles have to adhere to, but this is applicable solely to commercial vehicles. Unless the REV is officially registered as a promotional vehicle, it won’t be purchased for business purposes: The 5-foot-7 bed is inadequate for eligibility for Section 179 tax benefits, and the production model lacks the bed pass-through feature seen in the concept version, which could potentially allow Ram to argue “it’s more spacious than it appears.”
All these details may seem unnecessary for the potential buyer of the 2025 Ram 1500 REV. If you’re considering investing in what could be a $100,000 electric pickup truck solely based on the manufacturer’s range claim, chances are you’re not inclined to weigh independent range or crash tests as significant factors. Just like the Hummer and Rivian models, the Ram 1500 REV is likely to serve initially as more of a statement or luxury item rather than a strictly utilitarian vehicle.
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