It always surprises me how automotive design has evolved and how a vehicle, when launched as a concept, will appear futuristic and revolutionary only to become dated a few years after production. The 3rd generation Dodge Ram 2500 (2003-2009) must have, at one time, looked like a glimpse of the future, whereas that exact truck today looks like something from the distant past. Time marches on, and as our needs and tastes evolve, so do the vehicles we covet. The Ram Revolution is also an evolution.
The Ram 1500 Revolution Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept not only gives us a clear vision of Ram’s Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan for the future, but it also demonstrates how one of the industry’s leading truck brands intends to redefine the pickup segment. (Incidentally, General Motors’ full-size pickup trucks topped the leaderboard for 2022 when Chevrolet and GMC truck sales were combined). The futuristic Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept showcases innovative technology that Ram will offer in future models, specifically in the Ram EVs.
According to Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO,
“The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept is our clearest signal yet that we’re on the precipice of something extraordinary at Ram and points directly to where we’re going on our electrified journey. At Ram, we’ve redefined what pickup trucks can be, and we will do so again by pushing past what competitors are offering by delivering the best electric pickups on the market.”
The Ram’s exterior design team approached the design of the BEV, intending to revolutionize the pickup truck segment by creating an ultra-modern concept that exudes “heroic strength, maintains its purpose, and is environmentally responsible.”
The Revolution BEV Concept features an exterior design that the Ram describes as “brutiful”—brutal yet beautiful. A modern “R-A-M” badge adorns its streamlined face with a fully animated LED “tuning fork” design. The doors open in a saloon style, giving access to ample occupant space without a pesky B-pillar. Bright LED lights have been integrated into the front bumper flares, and animated LED taillamps and badging illuminate the rear. The “frunk” opens with a one-touch open-and-close functionality. A power charge-port at the driver front quarter panel, flush-mounted door handles, powered tailgate, powered side steps, and a powered rear step with an active diffuser, all complete the list of automated features.
But, the qualities that will make this vehicle suitable for off-road use and travel are more important than gadgets and gizmos. The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept boasts four-wheel steering with up to 15 degrees of articulation, which will offer both greater maneuverability on tight off-road trails and increased steering response at highway speeds. The hourglass body design and fender wells clear 24-inch wheels with 35-inch tires. Adjustable air suspension enables three modes: ingress/egress, aero, and off-road, and the concept features self-leveling capability. The Ram concept features all-wheel-drive capability and is powered by two electric drive modules (EDMs), which are positioned toward the front and rear of the chassis.
Regarding power and range, Ram claims that the Revolution can add up to 100 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW. A new inductive robot charger—or Ram Charger—will make home charging as easy as possible. It automatically detects the truck’s presence and its charging needs, and moves into position under the vehicle to charge the battery packs integrated in the ladder frame. All this results in a projected 500 mile range and up to 10,000 pounds of towing capacity, although final range and power numbers are not yet available.
How does the Ram BEV stack up in the storage department? The spacious interior and cabin, combined with the battery’s size, allow for more cargo volume. The Ram’s rail attachment/floor track system provides cabin flexibility for the console and seats as well as tie-downs for additional storage potential. The concept also offers one continuous space front to back, known as a “one space environment” that enables several different interior configurations.
Of all the many intelligent features promised, “Shadow Mode” would have to be our favorite as it allows the Revolution to automatically follow a driver while he walks ahead of the vehicle. This voice-activated feature can be helpful in situations where the driver needs to move a short distance and doesn’t want to get back in the truck. The truck will stay at a safe distance using sensors and camera technology to navigate around obstacles.
It is forecast that the Revolution will be available sooner than anticipated, with a 2024 release, followed by electrified options becoming available across the entire Ram lineup.
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