Preview The Upcoming Ram 1500 BEV Pickup Truck

 

Ram has made its way to the top of the full-size pickup class over recent years with the Ram 1500. This truck offers a selection of cargo beds and powerful engines that can get the job done at the work site. But now, Ram is moving into the electric vehicle (EV) race with a new Ram 1500 BEV. Many people wonder whether the Ram 1500 BEV will differ substantially from its gas-powered cousin and what new features it could bring. Here at Chris Nikel Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, we can help answer some of these questions. View our inventory of New Vehicles, or if you have any questions, give us a call at (539)-766-8990 today!

When Will the Ram 1500 BEV Launch?

The Ram 1500 BEV, a battery-powered EV, is set to begin production in early 2024. Ram hasn’t released too many details on the truck yet. Therefore, we’re not sure whether it will come out in time for the 2024 model year or whether the early 2024 production timeline means it will hit showrooms later that year for the 2025 model year. A concept is set to be previewed in January 2023, so we hope to have more information following its release.

What Will the Driving Range of the Ram 1500 BEV Be?

Ram executives have promised that the Ram 1500 BEV will have a range of “up to 500 miles.” This figure would be a tremendous improvement over many current EVs. Electric crossovers typically have a driving range between 250 and 350 miles, while Ford’s F-150 Lightning currently has a range of 320 miles. Reports indicate that the new electric truck will have an optional range extender, which suggests that there may be a base trim with a lower range and higher trims that will push the 500-mile mark.

Ram has also confirmed that its electric truck will be compatible with DC fast charging. The 1500 BEV will be able to charge at 150 kWh on a so-called Level 3 charger.

What Will the Ram 1500 Electric Truck Look Like?

While taking some of its styling from the gas-powered Ram, the 1500 electric truck will have some unique styling elements. The electric Ram will share the rugged style that fans of the gas-powered truck have enjoyed for years. However, early drawings already show some significant changes, such as an eye-catching illuminated Ram logo at the front and L-shaped taillights with the Ram logo at the rear. Instead of the traditional upper grille, the electrified Ram will get a dark-colored panel that will improve aerodynamics.

Like many other electric trucks, the Ram’s powertrain will consist of a battery and electric motors. The powertrain will be located under the floor in the center of the vehicle. This change in design from traditional front-engine, gas-powered vehicles could open up even more cargo space inside the Ram’s cabin.

What Will the Ram Electric Truck’s Specs Be?

We’re still some time away from the Ram 1500 BEV’s release date, so we don’t yet know all the specifics about its capabilities. Speculation suggests that the truck could ride on the STLA platform, which Stellantis, Ram’s parent company, wants to bring out in 2024. The platform is expected to offer room for a spare tire under the cargo bed.

Discussion is ongoing about whether a hybrid powertrain will be offered in the lineup. The advantage of including this option would be that it could appeal to buyers who are uncertain about relying solely on an electric powertrain. One of the concerns raised is that the official driving range of an EV can decline sharply when the EV has to tow or haul a heavy load. This issue could pose a problem for Ram buyers, who predominantly use their trucks to shift heavy cargo.

One potential solution being considered is whether the “range extender” offered in the Ram 1500 electric truck could consist of a gas-powered engine alongside an electric motor. This system could run on all-electric power most of the time but have the gas-powered engine as a backup for situations where much power is used up during a heavy towing job.

How Will the Ram 1500 BEV Compare to the Gas-Powered Truck?

We’ll have a clearer idea after we see the concept vehicle, but it already seems likely that the electric truck will have a short cargo bed. Currently, the Ram 1500 gives customers the choice of three cargo bed lengths.

The latest editions of the Ram 1500 are available with a longer bed measuring 6 feet 4 inches in length and a shorter one that’s 5 feet 7 inches long. If you choose the Ram Classic 1500, modeled on a previous-generation Ram discontinued in 2019, you can also select an 8-feet-long bed, which is ideal for job sites.

The all-electric Ram 1500 may only be available with the shorter 5-feet-7-inch bed. This cargo-hauling option could be combined with a cab offering two rows of seats, much like the Crew cab in the gas-powered Ram truck in terms of size.

Can I Reserve a Ram 1500 Electric Truck?

There’s no reservation process yet for the Ram 1500 BEV, but Ram will likely put one in place nearer to the release date. Other electric truck manufacturers have done this in recent years due to the high demand for EVs. For example, Ford’s F-150 Lightning currently has 200,000 requests on hand, while Chevy’s Silverado EV has 170,000.

When reservations are open, we’ll ensure that you’re the first to know about it here at Chris Nikel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat. Our easily accessible online services, including custom-order trucks, will enable you to register your interest in no time.

If you’ve decided to wait for the release of the Ram 1500 electric truck before making your next truck purchase, we recommend you check back regularly to stay up to speed with the latest news. Alternatively, if you’d rather check out our latest Ram 1500 gas-powered trucks, we have a great selection for you to explore in our Tulsa showroom. You can arrange a test drive or select your preferred trim by spending just a few minutes browsing our online inventory. Should you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Tags: EV, RAM 1500, Ram 1500 BEV Pickup Truck
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