What we know today as a rare apex predator in the bakkie world, was once a Dodge Ram D150. It should come as no surprise that Dodge and Ram used to be one company then, but in 2009, the two monikers cut ties and thus Ram trucks was birthed as its own independent brand. Since then, the American automaker has cemented its name in the industry and is a best-selling truck brand in North America.
The Ram Truck brand introduced a visionary road map at Consumer Electronic Show 2023, with its Ram 1500 Revolution Battery-electric Vehicle Concept which provides a glimpse into the future and demonstrates how an industry’s leading truck brand will once again redefine the bakkie segment. The leading-edge Ram 1500 Revolution BEV Concept showcases a truckload of innovative features that will be seen in future Ram trucks and in particular on Ram’s electrification journey.
The new concept features a bold and striking design that will turn heads, bringing to the table remarkable designs that we are yet to see in the bakkie world. We do have a few good-looking bakkies here in South Africa, the new Ford Ranger, Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota Hilux GR-Sport and the Navara 4X Pro are objectively chief on this list but the new RAM concept elevates the bar to a whole new level.
It is still early to do a complete powertrain breakdown and a total output of the vehicle but RAM has mentioned that the EV bakkie features all-wheel drive capability and is powered by two electric drive modules, which are positioned toward the front and rear of the vehicle, maximizing interior space and enabling the cavernous frunk.
At the dead centre of the grill, there is an illuminated ‘RAM’ logo that adorns the all-new face, a new design of LED lights has also been integrated on the front and on the tailgate. The 1500 Revolution BEV Concept features self-levelling capability and rides on 24-inch wheels with centre caps that light up and stay in place.
Looking inside the cabin, it seems like the company continued to offer a luxurious interior with quality materials, it certainly outpaces its competitors. The concept has smart adjustable seating and storage compartments that allow passengers to fully load the bakkie and still be comfortable. You will also find a very hard-to-miss 14,2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree camera with digital side view mirrors and a heads-up display, a full glass roof and adjustable mood lights throughout the interior.
“The Ram 1500 Revolution BEV concept is our clearest signal yet that we’re on the precipice of something extraordinary at Ram and points directly to where we’re going on our electrified journey,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO. “At Ram, we’ve redefined what pickup trucks can be, and we will do so again by pushing past what competitors are offering by delivering the best electric pickups on the market.”
