Battery Ram: New 1500 REV electric ute

With an 805km range and 6350kg towing capacity, Ram has officially confirmed that the 1500 REV is on its way to Australia towards the end of 2024, where it will be converted to right-hand drive.

Judging by the REV’s stats, as Ram brand CEO Mike Koval put it, “Electrification is not a limitation”.

Designed to exceed the needs of customers looking to switch to an electric ute, the 1500 BEV has many desirable features, such as the 424-litre front trunk (frunk) in place of the V8 engine, a Klipsch 23-speaker sound system, a digital rearview mirror, a full-colour head-up display, and a segment-first passenger touchscreen that remains invisible to the driver. 

The latter has three functions: navigation, entertainment, and the ability to view a feed from the vehicle’s external cameras.

Further tech includes the REV 1500’s Atlantis electrical architecture, a vehicle communications system that powers autonomous capabilities such as hands-free active driving assist, auto parking, and one-pedal driving.

A smartphone app can also be used to control charging times and as a digital key that can be shared with others while fully controlling access; a card key is also provided as backup.

Comfort and dynamics should be decent due to the multi-link independent rear suspension, active levelling, adaptive damping, and 22-inch aluminium wheels that wear Pirelli Scorpion all-season tyres. Aerodynamics have also been improved over the petrol 1500; a new belly pan reduces the drag coefficient from 0.36 on combustion versions to just 0.34 on the 1500 BEV.

Performance-wise, this electric ute boasts some class-leading drivetrain capabilities. At its heart are two 250kW electric drive modules (EDMs) that combine the motor, gearbox, and inverter to provide either permanent 4×4 or rear-wheel drive when the front EDM disconnects. It is also possible to electronically lock the rear differential for additional off-road traction.

The standard 168kWh battery pack has a range of 563km, while the larger 229kWh option has a range of 805km. Both packs can be charged to give 177km of range in just 10 minutes, with 800V DC fast charging at up to 350kW.

The 1500 REV is also capable of bi-directional charging, so appliances or tools to be powered without a generator. It can power a home or even charge another electric vehicle if needed. The onboard socket in the bed of the ute can supply 7.2kW of power, and the outlet in the front provides 3.6kW.

Acceleration-wise, the 1500 REV sprints to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, thanks to its twin motors that deliver a combined 487kW and 840Nm. These huge power reserves contribute to a 1224kg payload figure and 6350kg of trailer towing capacity, thanks in part to the REV’s high-strength steel frame.

“The all-electric Ram 1500 REV is a monumental milestone on our continued journey to offer the industry’s best electrified solutions and further fortifies our award-winning line-up,” continued Mr Koval.

“We believe in bringing the right range of powertrain solutions to our customers and will continue to redefine the pickup truck segment. Our all-new Ram 1500 REV pushes past the competition in areas customers care about most, including range, towing, payload, and charge time.”

The 1500 REV’s price has not yet been confirmed by Ram, but considering its huge battery and level of luxury, it is  easy to anticipate a hefty price tag of around A$200K when it goes on sale in Australia.