Ram 1500 Revolution electric pickup to launch with Shadow Mode that follows a walking driver
After fleshing out a number of its planned electric trucks, the Stellantis conglomerate behind the Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge brands in the US now got to its RAM trucks electrification plans, and just introduced the concept 1500 Revolution pickup EV during the ongoing CES 2023 expo in Las Vegas. The Ram 1500 Revolution concept should make it to the prototype stage and may be available for preorder at a sub-US$60,000 starting price as soon as this year with a release slated for 2024.
Its AWD system sports a dual-motor configuration capable of towing more than 10,000 pounds of load. The battery capacity will be good for the whopping 500 miles of range on a charge, while the 800V top-up system seems borrowed directly from the Hummer EV with up to 350 kW DC fast-charging rate support.
While those specs are par for the course for the company's heavier electric trucks, with a stated goal to hit 75 different battery-powered models by 2030, it is the added value in terms of design and features that will differentiate them from Ford, Rivian, or Tesla's electric pickup offerings.
For the Ram 1500 Revolution electric pickup, the automaker envisions some far-out options like a retracting steering wheel and console that will open cabin space during autonomous driving sessions while the armrests become a veritable desk. The concept sports side and rear steps, as well as barn-style tailgate doors that can enlarge the pickup's bed for larger loads. These are followed by more common EV design intents such as illuminated sequences across the truck's exterior, including a giant LED logo at the front, or flush door handles.
Perhaps the most out-there feature that Ram plans to fit the 1500 Revolution pickup truck with, however, will be the so-called Shadow Mode. It will make the truck actually follow the driver while they are walking at slow speed around their job site. Needless to say, the voice-activated Ram 1500 Revolution Shadow Mode would be a sight to behold if and when it makes it into the 2024 production vehicle.
In order to fulfil all those electric truck ambitions, Stellantis has signed up battery factory contracts with both LG and Samsung, with LG in particular planning a dedicated US$4 billion battery plant with capacity expected to reach 45 GWh in 2026.
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