Overview
The upcoming all-electric Ram 1500 grabs life with cords instead of horns. Following the excitement of existing full-size EV pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T, this concept truck is a preview of an entirely new generation of Ram pickups. Like its future EV competitors, the Ram 1500 EV retains a rugged body-on-frame chassis, and it’s lined with enough LED lights to cover short runways. In its concept form, the Ram 1500 EV promises plenty of passenger space, with adjustable seats offering enough room for a foldable third row. That will be a pickup truck first, though we’ll see if it actually makes it into production. A powered center door separates the cabin from the truck bed, but can be configured in a variety of ways; including a tailgate-to-frunk entryway that allows storage of objects up to 18 feet long. Ram’s goal for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive pickup is a maximum driving range of 500 miles and a towing capacity to rival modern gas-powered trucks of more than 10,000 pounds. Ram says the concept uses an 800-volt architecture that enables DC fast charging rates of up to 350 kW, giving it as much charging capability as a GMC Hummer EV. Although the Ram 1500’s gasoline era is not yet over, the EV version is a reference to the replacement of the old truck.
What’s New for 2024?
The The 2024 Ram 1500 EV will be an all-new model and the first Ram pickup truck powered exclusively by electricity.
Price and Which One to Buy
Ram has not said how much the 2024 Ram 1500 EV will cost, what trim levels will be available, or what equipment will be standard and optional. Based on the F-150 Lightning’s current starting price of about $58,000, we’re betting that the electric Ram 1500 will launch with a similar starting price. And given the high MSRP of the Lightning’s top trim level, the top Ram EV won’t reflect that either.
EV Motors, Power and Performance
While it’s too early for a complete breakdown of powertrain options and total horsepower output, Ram has mentioned that the 1500 EV will feature all-wheel drive with motors located in the front and rear of the truck. Ram has also mentioned that the truck’s new chassis is built to accommodate a larger-capacity battery, hinting toward a lineup that may range from more affordable to expensive models, where maximum power and range are the targets. We speculate that, for the Ram 1500 EV to beat the Ford F-150 Lightning’s 10,000 maximum towing capacity, it will also have to top the F-series’ maximum 580 horsepower. At least in dual-motor form, the Ram 1500 EV will offer four-wheel steering for tighter turns outside or in parking lots. Like the current truck, it will offer adjustable air suspension that increases ground clearance for off-road use and lowers the truck to maximize highway efficiency and ease loading.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Ram doesn’t reveal specific numbers when it mentions the Ram 1500 EV’s maximum towing rating, and it doesn’t discuss payload capacity at all. However, the brand promises that its all-electric pickup truck will be able to pull more than its EV rivals. Currently, the F-150 Lightning has official maximum towing capacity of 10,000 poundsso expect max Ram above that.
Range, Charging and Battery Life
While we don’t know any details about the Ram EV half-ton’s battery size or charging time, Ram has said that the truck will have a driving range of up to 500 miles. That’s 200 miles longer than the F-150 Lightning’s current range. Ram said, at least in concept form, the electric truck could add up to 100 miles of range in about 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging up to 350 kW.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The gas-powered Ram has, for a long time, offered a luxurious interior with quality materials that outclassed its competitors, and we suspect its shift toward battery reliance won’t change that. Without an engine under the hood and other bulky powertrain components, the all-electric Ram 1500 promises to offer a smart way to increase storage for cowboys and contractors. The concept has an adjustable seat and storage area that allows objects up to 18 feet long to be loaded from bed to frunk. Power trunk, side steps and rear tailgate make the full-size pickup easy to use and get in and out of. A larger Ram box with a multifunction tailgate is also shown on the concept and will likely be listed on the included equipment list for the production pickup. The concept cab is 4.0 inches longer than the current Ram 1500 crew cab, and a set of jump seats that create a third row are also featured.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Ram 1500 EV concept features two 14.2-inch touchscreens that flash all the interior entertainment. A 360-degree camera with digital side-view mirror and head-up display are also shown, with voice assistance from Android’s Alex and Apple’s Siri. The truck’s infotainment system also has a Smart Home Control function, which will allow passengers to adjust the home’s lights, cameras, thermostat and audio system from the front seat. We expect equipment already found on the gas-powered Ram like wireless phone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to come as standard features for the EV truck.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Real World Fuel Economy and MPGe
- Safety Features and Driver Assistance
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage