Ram, late to the EV truck game, unveils the 1500 REV

Ram unveiled its first all-electric production truck, the 2025 Ram 1500 REV, Wednesday at the 2023 New York International Auto Show. During the global debut, Stellantis executives touted its long range (up to 805 kilometres), towing capacity (up to 14,000 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 2,700 pounds) and quick DC fast-charging times (177 kilometres of range in 10 minutes) as its strong selling points.

The problem is with the Ford F-150 Lightning already on the roads and the Chevrolet Silverado EV set to be available in Canada in early 2024, Ram is late to the electric truck party.

Built on a new body-on-frame architecture designed specifically for full-size electric vehicles, the electric Ram 1500 REV will be available in two versions: a standard 168 kilowatt-hour battery pack with an electric range of up to 563 kilometres and a more powerful, optional 229 kilowatt-hour large battery pack with a targeted range of up to 805 kilometres. Other impressive stats include a dash to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.4 seconds, 654 horsepower, 620 lb-ft of torque and up to 24 inches of water fording capabilities to take on off-roading truck leaders like the GMC Hummer.

And like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the RAM 1500 REV will have vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid charging so it’ll be able to charge other Stellantis EVs or provide power back to the grid. The truck will also be able to send power to a home during a power outrage or provide power at the campsite or construction site. An on-board power panel in the bed can provide up to 7.2 kilowatts while an available on-board power panel in the frunk provides up to 3.6.

When the Ram electric concept truck debuted it was more daring and futuristic in its design. This production version isn’t as flashy and in-your-face. The design is scaled back, resembling more of its RAM gas-powered siblings than a bold, new electric truck.

Still, the Ram 1500 REV is attractive - big and bold with neat lighting details around its body, muscular lines and a newly designed hood that hides a one-touch power frunk beneath with 425 litres of storage space – which is significant for an EV. The charge port is on the driver’s side front quarter panel and when plugged in is illuminated by blinking LED lights. A lockable bed storage includes a RamBox with a 115-volt outlet. The RamBox is illuminated, weatherproof, lockable and includes drain plugs on the bottom of the storage bins.

The inside is tech-savvy and modern with multiple screens including a new 14.5-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch passenger screen to keep front passengers entertained. Carbon fibre, metal and leather elements appear throughout the cabin for a premium look and feel. There’s a redesigned starter button with an illuminated power symbol, a push-button trailer steering knob, an e-shifter and new buttons for eco mode, hill-descent control and to access the frunk and regenerative buttons for normal or one-pedal driving with maximum regeneration. It also has a colour head-up display and functionality that allows drivers to use their smartphone as a key – no key fob is required.

The 2025 Ram 1500 REV is part of Stellantis’ bold electrification strategy called “Dare Forward 2030,″ which sees the company investing more than $45-billion through 2025 in electrification and software. The 2025 Ram 1500 REV will be available in five trims. Stellantis didn’t say how much the truck would cost or when it would be available. Perhaps by the time we see it on Canadian roads, the Ford F-150 Lightning will be on its second generation.

Shopping for a new car? Check out the Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.