What could be one of the most important launches for the Ram brand over the next decade, the Ram 1500 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and its range electric paradigm breaker (REPB) variant are a critical step forward as the automotive industry moves toward electrification.
But after this past week’s reveal of the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept at CES 2023, there are still a number of questions surround the brand’s move to electrification.
In our recent one-on-one interview with Head of Stellantis Design, Ralph Gilles, the lead architect for the Auburn Hills design department explained that Ram’s current 1500 internal combustion engine (ICE) program will continue on for the next several years. This will allow skeptical customers enough time to adapt to the new electrified offerings.
“For a while, you are going to know the ones that are electric versus the ones that are not,” exclaimed Gilles. “We are going to have something to satisfy the full range of our customers. We’re not going to force them into anything overnight, it’s going to be a process. But you are going to know the electric trucks coming a mile away.”
Ram CEO, Mike Koval, Jr. told the media earlier this week, that the brand will have a wide range of models for its new BEV and REPB trucks. The move ensures that just like its ICE counterparts, there will be an electrified truck to fit everyone’s needs. So, you can expect models ranging from a work-oriented Tradesman model to an off-road Rebel variant, to an ultra-premium Limited offering.
Equipped with dual electric drive modules (EDMs), the new electrified Ram pickups will feature four-wheel drive (4×4) capability. Ram has yet to say if a single EDM configuration will be available to reduce costs and extend range.
Koval went on the record to say that the STLA Frame architecture that the new trucks will be based on, can allow for up to three EDMs. This would allow Ram to offer a future high-performance model.
According to the company’s EV Day 2021 presentation, the EDM #3 units used on both the unibody STLA Large and body-on-frame STLA Frame can be used on both either 400-volt or 800-volt architectures. EDM #3 units are rated from 150 kW (201 horsepower) to 330 kW (443 horsepower).
So that means that the production electric trucks could have 402 horsepower to 886 horsepower across its lineup. A high-performance model could offer a maximum output of 1,329 horsepower and while that seems crazy, the Tesla Model X Plaid currently offers 1,020 horsepower from a tri-motor layout. So it would be safe to say a 1,000 horsepower performance Ram BEV wouldn’t be out of the question.
When it comes to the REPB, the range extender model differentiates itself from the BEV model by offering some sort of gasoline engine to provide power.
According to our sources, the system should be similar to what we have seen on the Chevrolet Volt. Instead of driving the wheels, the ICE engine will be used as a generator to recharge the battery pack allowing for greater range over the BEV model and solving many of the issues about towing with an electric pickup. We expect the REPB will have a slightly smaller battery pack over the BEV, but the ICE generator should make up the difference plus some.
Ram has told us that a more production-ready version of the Ram 1500 BEV will make its debut in the upcoming months. It will be interesting to see how much of the Revolution BEV Concept will make it into the production truck. Until then, we will eagerly be awaiting.
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