Revolutions can happen suddenly or gradually over long periods of time before reaching a tipping point. The electric vehicle (EV) revolution has been building momentum for years now. But the unveiling of Stellantis’ new Ram 1500 Revolution concept pickup at CES 2023 feels like a lightning bolt accelerating the EV truck segment rapidly forward. I‘ve been geeking out analyzing how the Revolution stacks up technologically against Tesla’s eccentric Cybertruck and real-world trailblazer Rivian R1T. Grab a coffee my friend and let’s dive into what makes this one of most exciting EV debuts ever!
The Main Electric Competitors…So Far
First, let’s recap the landscape. Before the Revolution entered the chat, two early standouts established the high bars.
Tesla Cybertruck – Love or hate the geometric styling, there‘s no denying the specs. Single motor RWD and dual to tri-motor AWD variants promised up to 500+ miles of range, 10,000+ pound tow rating, adaptive air suspension, armored glass, and starting prices potentially under $40k. But despite over 1.5 million pre-orders, series production keeps sliding to late 2023 amid factory constraints. Still, Cybertruck‘s ambition shook up Detroit…then the Revolution stole its CES spotlight.
Rivian R1T – With Rivian beating Tesla to the punch delivering the first real long-range electric truck in late 2021, the slick R1T redefined expectations. Built on Rivian’s flexible skateboard platform, the quad-motor R1T touts up to 314 miles of range, 0-60 as quick as 3 seconds, 11,000 pound tow rating, air suspension, gear tunnel, camp kitchen, tanks steers, backflips…Rivian took the EV adventure niche by storm. But with just ~20k units after a turbulent 2022, fulfilling its 50k+ preorder backlog remains challenging.
Here’s how the vital stats compare:
| Spec | R1T Max | Cybertruck Tri | Revolution (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 314 mi | 500+ mi | 500 mi |
| 0-60 mph | 3.0s | <2.9s | <3.0s |
| Towing | 11,000 lbs | 10,000+ lbs | 10,000+ lbs |
| Peak Power | 800hp | 1,000+ hp | 1,000+ hp |
| Battery | 135 kWh | 200+ kWh | 200+ kWh |
| DC Fast Charge | 200 mph peak | 250+ kW | 350 kW |
*All specifications for top-trim models when available
Revolution Pushes Performance + Versatility to New Heights
While one can argue Cybertruck and R1T were beginning of the revolution, Ram just took things to a whole new level. Leveraging parent company Stellantis‘ $35.5 billion EV investment and multi-brand synergies, the Revolution stands on the shoulders of giants with an impressively clean-sheet design.
Ram engineers developed a new dedicated EV truck architecture affectionately nicknamed “STLA Frame.” This skateboard-like platform liberates designers to maximize interior space without compromise. The flat, flexible battery integrated into the frame enables Ram to shift the firewall forward, expanding cabin and storage.
By constructing a vehicle from the ground up to be an EV, Ram revolutionized what‘s possible with electric pickups. This foundation unlocks next-level capabilities like:
- Up to 500+ miles of range
- 800V ultra-fast charging adding ~100 miles in just 10 minutes
- Nearly 2 second 0-60 mph times in high-output configuration
- DC fast charging rates of up to 350 kW enabling speedy road trip refills
- Multi-link coil spring rear suspension for smooth flexible ride + handling
- Modular interior with sliding adjustable 2nd row and removable 3rd row jump seats
- Enormous 28 cu ft front trunk (aka frunk!)
- Bed sized for ample cargo and receiver hitches up to 34,000 lbs GCWR
- Retractable bed cover allows extra tall items while keeping cargo concealed
- Truck bed cargo organizers and anchors reconfigurable via ram tracks
- DC fast charger output allows Revolution to share its electrons to power tools or charge other EVs
- Impressive technological features like camera mirror system replacing side mirrors, rear-wheel steering, 350-mile "shadow mode" autonomous driving range, 28” reconfigurable touch screen infotainment display + more
And this is just what Ram showed us in the initial concept. With two years until production, they are keeping additional capability advancements close to the vest for now. Make no mistake – the Revolution will offer outstanding performance on and off-road plus extreme flexibility all while minimizing environmental impact.
Modularity + Smart Packaging = Ultimate Usability
While fine details will evolve from concept to customer, largely what we see today represents Ram’s consumer-focused ethos. Despite breaking new ground technologically, usability improvements make this striking show vehicle no mere science experiment.
The interior exemplifies smart design amplifying functionality through modularity and storage solutions that simplify life for work and play. The reconfigurable cabin features:
- Modular multi-position front console providing storage, workspace, + fold-away capacity as needed
- 60/40 split folding 2nd row seats on rails enabling expansive flexible cargo space
- Stowable 3rd row allowing seating for up to 6 with easy access facilitated by 90-degree rear-hinged scissor “saloon” doors
- Durable materials like lifted from sustainable resources like cork, recycled plastics, natural fabrics + rubber offer contemporary textures
- Natural, active reducing interior sounds for serene quiet ride without artificial fake noises
- Onboard power banks, charge points + clever storage abound thanks to the flat skateboard battery architecture
Combine such interior practicality with Ram’s segment-leading infotainment touch screens, advanced connectivity, standard driver assistance systems (park assist, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition), plus high-resolution camera mirrors replacing conventional side mirrors and the cabin feels brighter, more spacious and user-friendly.
Ram road trips will never be the same once the Revolution arrives! Interior comfort joins performance, technology and sustainability as core pillars in this concept.
Can Ram Dethrone Pickup Incumbents?
So the golden question remains – does the Revolution successfully kill the Cybertruck and R1T? In my expert analysis, the answer is…not quite. The Ram Revolution sets a new bar few competitors can match. Yet both Cybertruck and R1T retain unique strengths sustaining their own appeal. Rather than outright replacing existing EV pickups, the Revolution carves out its own must-have niche pushing the whole segment further faster!
Cybertruck promises unmatched value marrying space age style with Tesla’s revered technology at a budget price. Diehard Tesla devotees and sci-fi lovers won’t switch allegiances easily thanks to CEO Elon Musk’s visionary gravitational pull. R1T delivers a thrill-seeking adventurer epitomizing freedom through sustainability and performance – arguably fuller realized today than Ram’s future promises.
Each pickup balances strengths differently across affordability, outright capability, brand loyalty and production reality. This sustains the case for all three. But have no doubt – the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck now have targets on their back as Ram Revolution sets it sights on shaking up America’s longtime best-selling vehicle category.
The Detroit old guard is now firmly onboard the EV train thanks to startups laying tracks. Now we reap the benefits of serious investment in electrification from legacy automakers. Exciting times ahead!
I hope you enjoyed this deep dive exploring Ram’s revolution and how it stacks up with rivals redefining expectations. What matters most isn‘t whether there can only be one winner, but rather how all ships rise together as creative competition accelerates innovation. That‘s the ultimate win for customers, sustainability and American manufacturing leadership. Let me know your thoughts!
