2024 Ram 1500 REV boasts ultra-long electric range capability

Ram is the latest of the big three truck makers to jump on the EV bandwagon with the 2024 Ram 1500 REV (Ram Electric Vehicle, in case you weren’t sure), unveiled today at the New York Auto Show. It joins the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV in the race to bring electric driving to the ultra-popular world of the light-duty pickup truck.

The 1500 REV will be available with two all-electric powertrains: one with a 168 kWh battery pack good for up to 560 km, plus a colossal 229 kWh battery version good for over 800 km of range. That eclipses what’s being offered by the Lightning or the Rivian R1T and should be more than what’s required between charging opportunities. If buyers want or need more, an XR range-extended version is going to be announced at a later date and will provide what Ram says is “class-shattering” range. They are keeping mum past that for now, but we’re expecting the possibility of a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a large battery for longer all-EV driving.



In addition to the range provided, Ram is claiming a 0-100 km/h time for the REV of around 4.5 seconds thanks to the 654 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque made by its dual 250 kW drive motors; there’s one on the front axle, one on the rear. Those figures also allow for a payload of 2,700 pounds (1,225 kg) and a tow rating of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg) with a 5.7-foot bed as the only choice. There is also a front-axle disconnect that allows the front wheels to spin freely for better efficiency.

Speaking of charging opportunities: Ram is saying that when hooked up to a 350 kW DC fast charger, owners can expect to add about 177 km of range in just 10 minutes. As far as overall charging goes: Ram hasn't confirmed anything there yet, but if current trends in the charging world hold, we expect a charge from 10-80 per cent in 20-30 minutes when hooked up to a DC fast charger, and likely 5-7 hours when hooked up to a level II home charger. And, if you want your Ram to do the charging, it will be able to do so thanks to a 7.2 kW onboard generator in the bed, and a 3.6 kW charging panel in the frunk. That kind of power is enough to power a tailgate party, tools at a job site or even a home, say, during a blackout. Then, when power comes back on, the truck will automatically reverse the energy flow and start to power itself from the grid.



While the 1500 REV retains the strength of a body-on-frame chassis, it will be getting an all-new STLA platform developed especially for full-size electric vehicles that adds wider frame rails in order to accommodate the battery. The gas truck’s rear multi-link suspension remains for better ride and handling and four-corner air suspension comes as standard.

Styling-wise, the REV is differentiated from other Ram models thanks to its “tuning fork” LED headlamps, new “Ram” badge on the grille, and a new hood design, required to accommodate the 425-litre power-operated frunk.



Inside, the proceedings are anchored by an optional 14.5-inch central infotainment display, but there’s also a segment-first 10.25” display ahead of the front passenger that allows passengers to help input navigations commands, stream music, and so forth. The standard 12.3” digital instrument cluster, meanwhile, now has a menu that displays charge schedule and there is also one-pedal driving. In top Tungsten spec – that’s a new trim for Ram – we find diamond-knurled real metal inserts, premium quilted leather, and trim-specific Klipsch audio system with 23 speakers.

It's a brave new world for pickups, and Ram appears to be jumping in feet-first with the REV. Exciting times are ahead. Watch this space for more coverage of the EV revolution going on over at Ram.