The RAM 1500 Revolution Is Coming, But It's Not Here Yet
RAM has announced plans to build a fully electric version of the 1500 pickup truck, but as of now, no production model exists for purchase. The company has shown concept vehicles and released specifications for what the electric 1500 will do — towing capacity around 14,000 pounds, an estimated range between 350 and 500 miles depending on battery size, and a starting price expected in the mid-$50,000 range — but the actual truck has not rolled off an assembly line.
RAM originally targeted 2024 for the electric 1500's arrival, but that timeline has shifted. The company is now working toward a launch sometime in 2025 or later, though no firm date has been announced. This matters because if you're shopping for an electric pickup today, the RAM 1500 Revolution (the official name for the electric version) is not an option you can order or drive home.
What you can do right now is understand how the electric 1500 will work, what it will cost, how it compares to trucks already on the market, and whether waiting for it makes sense for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- The RAM 1500 Revolution is a future truck with no confirmed release date; you cannot buy one today, and the original 2024 timeline has been pushed back.
- The electric 1500 will use a large battery pack with two motor options, offering either rear-wheel or dual-motor all-wheel drive, with towing capacity expected around 14,000 pounds.
- RAM plans multiple battery sizes to hit different price points and range targets, with the base model starting near $50,000 and larger batteries pushing the price higher.
- Existing electric pickup options include the Ford F-150 Lightning (available now), Chevrolet Silverado EV (coming 2025), and Tesla Cybertruck, each with different towing, range, and price profiles.
- Charging infrastructure, home charging setup costs, and your local electricity rates will affect the real cost of ownership once the truck arrives.
How the Electric 1500 Will Be Built and Powered
The RAM 1500 Revolution will sit on a dedicated electric platform, not a modified version of the gas truck's frame. This matters because it means the battery pack sits low in the chassis, which improves handling and lowers the center of gravity — something RAM engineers have emphasized in early presentations.
RAM will offer two motor configurations. The base model will use a single rear motor for rear-wheel drive, while higher trims will add a front motor for all-wheel drive. The company has not released exact horsepower figures for the final production version, but concept materials suggest the dual-motor setup will deliver over 600 horsepower. The single-motor version will be less powerful but more efficient, trading acceleration for range.
Battery options will likely include at least two sizes — a standard pack for base models and a larger pack for extended range. RAM has hinted at a 350-mile minimum range for the standard battery and up to 500 miles for the larger option, though these are estimates and real-world range will depend on driving conditions, temperature, and how much weight you're towing.
Towing, Payload, and What the Numbers Actually Mean
RAM has stated the electric 1500 will tow around 14,000 pounds, which is less than the gas 1500's maximum of 14,000 to 16,000 pounds depending on engine choice. That gap matters if you regularly pull a large trailer, because towing drains battery faster than highway driving. A 14,000-pound capacity is still substantial — it covers most boat trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, and mid-size travel trailers — but it's not the headline-grabbing number RAM uses for gas trucks.
Payload capacity (what you can carry in the bed) has not been officially released, but early estimates suggest it will be lower than gas models, likely in the 1,500-pound range. This is typical for electric trucks because the battery adds weight, and manufacturers have to balance that against suspension and frame limits.
The real constraint for towing with an electric truck is range loss. If you're pulling a trailer, your range will drop significantly — sometimes by 30 to 50 percent depending on trailer aerodynamics and weight. This means a 400-mile range truck might only go 200 to 280 miles while towing, which changes trip planning and charging strategy.
Price, Trim Levels, and What's Included
RAM has indicated the electric 1500 will start around $50,000 to $55,000 before incentives, positioning it as a premium option compared to the gas 1500 but in line with other electric pickups. The Ford F-150 Lightning starts around $55,000, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV is expected to start in a similar range when it arrives in 2025.
The final price will depend on which battery you choose, which motor configuration, and which trim level. RAM typically offers multiple trim levels (Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Limited, and Rebel are common names), and each will likely add cost. Larger batteries will cost more, and the all-wheel-drive dual-motor setup will cost more than rear-wheel drive.
Federal tax credits may reduce the price you pay out of pocket. The current federal electric vehicle tax credit is up to $7,500 for new vehicles, though the rules change based on where the vehicle is assembled, the battery's mineral sourcing, and your income level. Some states offer additional credits or rebates. By the time the RAM 1500 Revolution launches, these incentive rules may have changed, so the net cost to you could be different from the sticker price.
Charging at Home and on the Road
Charging an electric pickup at home requires either a standard 120-volt outlet (which is slow and impractical for daily use) or a dedicated 240-volt charger. Installing a Level 2 charger (240 volts) typically costs $500 to $2,500 depending on your home's electrical panel and how far the charger is from the main service. This is a one-time cost, but it's a real one that doesn't show up in the truck's price tag.
A Level 2 charger will add roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging, meaning a full charge from empty takes 10 to 16 hours. That's fine for overnight charging but not for road trips. For longer drives, you'll use public DC fast chargers, which can add 200 miles in 30 to 45 minutes. The availability and cost of these chargers varies by region — some are free, some charge by the minute, and some charge by the kilowatt-hour.
RAM has not yet announced which charging networks the 1500 Revolution will be compatible with, though most new electric vehicles support multiple standards. This will matter for road trips, because the charging network you can access affects how long stops take and what they cost.
How the RAM 1500 Revolution Compares to Trucks You Can Buy Now
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the closest competitor and the only electric full-size pickup currently in production. It starts around $55,000, offers up to 580 horsepower in dual-motor form, and has an EPA-estimated range of 240 to 320 miles depending on battery size. It can tow up to 14,000 pounds and has been on the market since 2022, so there's real-world data on reliability and owner satisfaction.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is coming in 2025 and will compete directly with both the RAM and the Ford. Chevrolet has announced it will start around $50,000 and offer a range of up to 450 miles, with towing capacity around 10,000 pounds. It will use General Motors' Ultium battery platform, which is also used in the Cadillac Lyriq and GMC Hummer EV.
The Tesla Cybertruck is a different category — it starts higher in price, has a polarizing design, and offers extreme performance specs. It's not a direct competitor for buyers looking for a traditional pickup truck shape and feel.
The gas RAM 1500 remains the baseline for comparison. It costs less upfront, has no charging infrastructure dependency, and offers higher towing capacity. The trade-off is fuel cost, maintenance, and emissions. Whether the electric version makes financial sense depends on your electricity rates, how much you drive, and how long you plan to keep the truck.
What Happens When the RAM 1500 Revolution Finally Arrives
When RAM begins production, the ordering process will likely work like this: you'll configure your truck on RAM's website or through a dealer, choose your battery size and motor configuration, and place a reservation or order. RAM will then assign you a build slot, and the truck will be manufactured at one of RAM's plants (location not yet confirmed). Delivery typically takes 8 to 16 weeks after the order is placed, depending on demand and production capacity.
You'll need to arrange financing or lease terms before delivery. Many banks and credit unions offer loans for electric vehicles, and some offer special rates. RAM will likely offer lease options as well, which can be attractive because battery technology is improving rapidly and lease terms typically cover the battery's warranty period.
Before you take delivery, you should have a home charging setup in place or a plan for how you'll charge regularly. Waiting until the truck arrives to figure out charging is a common mistake that leaves owners frustrated in the first weeks of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a RAM 1500 Revolution right now?
No. RAM has not opened orders for the electric 1500. The company is still in development and testing phases. You can sign up on RAM's website to receive updates about availability, but you cannot place a binding order or reservation at this time.
Will the electric 1500 be cheaper than the gas version?
The electric 1500 will likely cost more upfront than a comparable gas 1500, but the total cost of ownership over five to seven years may be lower depending on fuel prices, electricity rates in your area, and maintenance costs. Electric trucks have fewer moving parts and no oil changes, which reduces maintenance expense.
How long does it take to charge the battery from empty?
At home with a Level 2 charger, a full charge takes 10 to 16 hours. At a public DC fast charger, you can add 200 miles in 30 to 45 minutes. RAM has not confirmed which fast-charging networks the truck will support, so charging time and cost on road trips will depend on the network you use.
What if I need to tow a heavy trailer regularly?
The electric 1500 will tow 14,000 pounds, but towing significantly reduces range — often by 30 to 50 percent. If you regularly pull heavy loads long distances, you'll need to plan charging stops. The gas 1500 may be more practical for your use case, or you may need to size up to a larger battery to maintain acceptable range while towing.
Will there be federal tax credits when the RAM 1500 Revolution launches?
Federal tax credits currently exist for new electric vehicles, but the rules and amounts change. By the time the RAM 1500 Revolution is available, the credit rules may be different. Check the IRS website or consult a tax professional closer to the truck's launch date to understand what credits you may be able to claim.