Ram 1500 REV reservations halted

STRONG reservations for Ram’s forthcoming fully electric, full size 1500 Rev(olution) pick-up truck – publicly teased at the recent US Super Bowl game – have forced the commercial vehicle brand to halt a $US100 ($A149) deposit scheme that kicked off in conjunction with the NFL championship game.

The reservation system, called ‘The Ram Revolution Insiders+ Offer Program’, was supposed to run from Feb 10 – 28 but Ram has closed it off early due to the high uptake of reservations.

With the reservation option no longer available, potential customers (and speculators) can still register their interest by signing up to Ram’s email list for updates on the coveted electric pick-up, a competitor for Ford’s Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra Electric and slightly smaller Rivian R1T.

For those to have their reservation accepted, Ram says their place in the queue is not a guarantee that they will be able to order or purchase a Ram 1500 Rev but that reservation holders will be in front of so-called ‘walk ins’.

Due to lob in the US during the last quarter of this year at an unknown price, the near production-ready Ram 1500 Revolution electric pickup shown at the Super Bowl is based on a concept shown last year but with a few additions and deletions.

A hybrid variant is also said to be in the pipeline but unconfirmed at the moment. 

The big ute features four-wheel steering, all-wheel-drive capability, two electric drive modules and rides on new STLA body-on-frame architecture for full-size vehicles that will be used elsewhere by Ram parent company Stellantis.

Using an 800-volt DC fast charger, the Ram 1500 Rev can add up to 160km of range in 10 minutes.

A dual-motor array with up to 500kW is expected from launch but speculation about the Ram 1500 Rev’s powertrain includes potential for a quad motor set-up with 750kW (1000hp).

Ram has not issued much detail about the new 1500 Rev but Ram CEO Mike Koval confirmed the existence of a hybrid ‘range extender’ model in response to customer interest, to be launched alongside the battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Overseas speculation suggests the hybrid might utilise a petrol-electric powertrain in an unknown configuration. The hybrid is thought to be in response to concerns about an underdeveloped US charging network and the fact that towing using a BEV can consume copious amounts of electricity.

The production Ram 1500 Rev takes styling cues from the concept vehicle with changes to the grille that features an illuminated Ram badge for a ‘bold new look’.

Ram paid particular attention to storage for the Rev as the electric architecture opened opportunities for additional load and luggage space.

In response to clever functional features from its competitors, the 1500 Rev is said to combine the Rivian R1T’s gear tunnel, the Ford Lightning’s enormous frunk and the Chevy Silverado’s mid-gate system that provides a movable division between the cab and load bed.

Like increasing numbers of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the 1500 Rev will be equipped with V2L capability that can provide back-up power in an emergency, for worksite use or when camping.

It is unclear if the production 1500 Rev will get features from the concept like 3D-printed side-view mirrors and a voice activated “Shadow Mode” where the truck can follow owners as they walk ahead.  The concept also featured two- or three-row reconfigurable seating.

The concept vehicle also had Level 3+ semi-autonomous driving capabilities with a fold-away steering wheel. However its inclusion on the production model is speculative at the moment given recent adverse legal developments in the US regarding autonomous vehicles.

More likely to make it to the production version are the concept vehicle’s screen-rich interior with removable tablet in the centre console that can be pressed into service in the rear passenger area or outside and around the vehicle.