The concept that’s set to be shown next month may result in a production model to replace the discontinued Dakota
February 13, 2023 at 20:19
by Stephen Rivers
This article includes speculative Carscoops illustrations that are not affiliated with or endorsed by RAM
RAM has been often seen as a little late to the electric pickup truck party. The RAM 1500 REV is finally just around the corner but the automaker is also working on a new midsize electrified truck too. Now, a new report says that dealers will get a sneak peek at the concept in March.
Stellantis seemed to stand idly by while Ford launched the F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet dropped the curtain on the Silverado EV, and who can forget Rivian smoking everybody to the market with the R1T? If this report is true, it means that RAM might end up being one of the first to market with an electrified midsize pickup truck.
Smaller trucks are slowly but surely making a comeback in the American market but only the Ford Maverick features any form of electrification. Evidently, RAM dealers get a look at whatever the brand is cooking up next month. “We can clinic it to see if it is the right truck,” says RAM boss Mike Koval Jr according to Motortrend.
More: Production 2024 Ram 1500 REV Electric Truck Unveiled, Lacks Concept’s Drama
There’s no word on if the truck will be a plug-in hybrid of some sort or a fully electric vehicle. We expect the brand to leverage both technologies over the next few years. Adding a small combustion engine to eliminate range anxiety would certainly remedy some of the concerns it brought up in its Premature Electrification Superbowl commercial.
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It’s possible that RAM aims at a hardcore work-focused pickup but more likely is something similar to the Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz. Regardless, we expect it to ride on some form of the brand’s STLA architecture. Filling this space could be a game-changer for RAM.
After the Dakota left production in 2011, it struggled to find a replacement despite the fact that multiple rivals offer just such a truck. Nissan’s Frontier, Toyota’s Tacoma, and GMs Canyon and Colorado twins all manage consistent sales that RAM would love to take a bite out of. Adding an electrified midsize pickup would also lend well to the brand’s plan to phase out combustion engines by 2030.
