New RAM 1500. Revolution in the field of van construction
The new RAM 1500 Revolution electric pickup is a real revolution in the field of van construction. It combines a high level of usability and the most advanced technologies. This workhorse has a three-row passenger compartment, a sliding body and a movie projector! The production version will enter the market in 2024, and you will have a chance to preorder it in the coming months. In the meantime, we will tell you about all the technical wonders of the revolutionary concept.
One of the main competitors of the RAM 1500 REV will be the long-awaited Tesla Cybertruck, which is finally planned to be put into production in mid-2023.
It should be noted that RAM is a little late, as its main competitors, Ford and General Motors, have already introduced their electric pickups: Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV. But the wait is probably worth it, because RAM plans to make a small revolution with its van. Presented at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, the Revolution concept car features the most daring design ideas.
Exterior
The exterior design is impressive: modern and dynamic, it is clearly different from all current RAM models, at least not as aggressive and ‘muscular’. The production model will definitely get a new ‘fused’ RAM logo and LED headlights resembling tuning forks. At the same time, it is still unclear whether the production version will have a passenger compartment without B-pillars, cameras instead of mirrors, a fully transparent roof integrated with the windshield with an electrochromic dimming system and wheels with fixed center caps, similar to those of the Rolls -Royce. The concept car has 24-inch wheels and 35-inch off-road tires. The production model will likely feature hinged tailgate doors and a retractable floor panel, which allow you to increase the length of the cargo area. Plus, there is a voluminous trunk-organizer with a deep central tunnel in front. If the production pickup gets all of these elements, it will surpass its competitors in terms of practicality.
Interior
The two-row passenger-compartment is almost 10 cm longer than the current model RAM 1500, while the length of the cargo area is the same for both models. All 4 seats are separate and attached to long rails for ease of movement. The armrests between the front seats are removable and can be transformed into a table. The interior is so roomy that it can even accommodate a third row of seats, something no other model has offered before. The third row comprises folding seats suitable for short-distance travel or storing luggage. The rear wall is foldable, thanks to which the cargo from the body can partially enter the cab.
The LED lighting of the front panel reproduces the shape of the tuning forks (continuing the theme of the headlights). The dashboard has been replaced with a head-up display with augmented reality. There is also an external projector under the windshield that allows you to have an ‘outdoor’ cinema, using, for example, the wall of the building. The central multimedia screen consists of two 14.2-inch parts: the position of the upper half can be adjusted, and the lower screen can be completely removed and used as a tablet anywhere: inside (for example, for games) or outside the vehicle (for controlling auxiliary systems).
‘Smart’ technologies
The revolutionary pickup uses a large number of ‘smart’ technologies: cameras instead of mirrors, voice control using Alexa or Siri, the ability to control the ‘smart home’ system directly from the vehicle, biometric identification. The voice recognition system has artificial intelligence that controls some functions when the driver is not only inside, but outside the vehicle. For example, you can tell the pickup to take a picture, open the windows, turn on the music, or even tell it to ‘follow you’. The ‘Shadow Mode’ will make the vehicle follow the driver walking outside. All this became possible thanks to a variety of sensors and cameras that will allow, among other things, to bypass obstacles on the way. A level 3 autopilot is also provided. It is unknown whether all this will remain in the production version.
Chassis and motors
The RAM 1500 Revolution is based on the STLA Frame electromobility frame platform announced by Stellantis in 2021. The platform offers a driving range of up to 800 km. It will form the basis of not only the new RAM 1500 electric pickup, but also Dodge, Jeep full-size SUVs and a number of other relatively light commercial vehicles.
In the case of the RAM 1500 Revolution, the chassis is based on an adaptive air suspension that regulates the ground clearance within different driving modes, including off-road. Naturally, there will be a twin-engine all-wheel drive powertrain and a fully controlled chassis with a rear thruster: the rear wheels can be rotated up to 15 degrees, which will significantly increase the maneuverability of the van in the city and, especially, when looking for a parking space. The 800-volt electrical system will provide a long range. In addition, it will allow you to charge your vehicle at a maximum power of up to 350 kW. According to the developers, you can recharge the battery capacity up to 160 km in just 10 minutes.
