Ram 1500 BEV to take on F-150 Lightning

RAM recently released teaser images of its forthcoming 1500 battery-electric pick-up as part of parent company Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan presentation.

The full-size pick-up, which is likely to be underpinned by the group’s STLA Frame platform, will compete with the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning when it goes on sale in 2024.

Ram has not revealed much detail about its all-electric “truck”. Instead, it invited consumers to “join the brand on its journey to revolutionize the pickup truck market”.

Only two teaser images of the model have been shown so far; Ram is one of many Stellantis group brands that will undergo electrification by 2025, with the brand saying that it will offer a full portfolio of electrified solutions by no later than 2030.

Speaking at Stellantis’ Dare Forward strategy presentation, CEO Carlos Tavares said the 15-brand firm aimed to reach carbon net zero emissions by 2038, with a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.

Mr Tavares said Stellantis would reach its goal with the help of a range of more than 75 battery-electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The target was five million BEVs sales by 2030, when electrified models will make up 100 per cent of its sales in Europe and 50 per cent in the US.

“Dare Forward 2030 inspires us to become so much more than we’ve ever been,” he said.

“We are expanding our vision, breaking the limits and embracing a new mindset, one that seeks to transform all facets of mobility for the betterment of our families, communities and societies.” 

“Our journey is fuelled by a focus on innovation and engineering excellence that will put the latest technology in our vehicles – from the most affordable to the high-performance and luxury – all offered through the extensive product portfolio of our unique… house of brands.

“The customer is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to be number one in customer satisfaction for our products and services in every market. We will pay exceptional attention to the full end-to-end experience, working to eliminate any friction throughout the value chain.

“We are proud of our rich history. It shows our grit, perseverance and agility. To this we add the mindset of entrepreneurs to deliver Dare Forward 2030,” he concluded.

It’s too early to say if the Ram 1500 EV will share the traditional styling of its rivals, but from the images, it’s obvious that the 2024 Ram 1500 EV looks very different to today’s ute.

An LED lighting signature and illuminated RAM nameplate dominate the vehicle’s fascia, while pumped guards, a vented bonnet and rakish windscreen give the model a sporty look. Just how practical these items will prove once series production commences is another matter entirely…

The tailgate shares a similar theme to the front with wider tail=lights split across the flanks and tailgate door, and a second illuminated nameplate set centrally on the ‘gate.

It’s believed the 1500 EV will share its platform with the Jeep Wrangler EV – which is due to lob early next year. Several future SUV and LCV models will be underpinned by the STLA Frame.

Early calculations indicate that a driving range of 800km is possible for the 1500 EV; the battery packs offer anywhere between 159kWh and “over 200kWh”, Stellantis said previously. As for braked towing- and payload capacities, they remain little more than educated guesses.