American firm Ram has announced not one, but two electric pick-ups as part of Stellantis’ electric car presentation earlier today.
We’ve already covered the first of these; an electric version of the popular full-size 1500 which Stellantis says will be on the market in 2024. The second, though, is maybe even more interesting to keen ute-loving Kiwis.
On top of the 1500 EV, Ram also ended up confirming plans to debut an electric mid-size ‘ute’, similar in stature to the double-cab utes that dominate the New Zealand new-vehicle market.
The ute is said to be on the market between 2024 and 2026. Unlike the 1500 revealed earlier, it will instead make use of a monocoque ‘car’ platform, not unlike the Honda Ridgeline. The platform will be a shared one that Stellantis calls the STLA Large.
While specifics about the EV double-cab’s mechanicals are thin, Stellantis has confirmed that the STLA platform will feature numerous electric motor options, producing up to 660kW of power in Tesla-chasing flagship models.
The platform also allows for all manner of drivetrain formats, with front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive all being on the table. It’s also said that this new shared-platform’s cobalt-free battery packs will be capable of up to 800km of range per charge.
The mid-size ute’s dimensions were also alluded to in the Stellantis presentation. It’s tipped to be approximately 5400mm long and 2000mm wide, making it 50mm shorter than a Ford Ranger and 75mm longer than a Toyota Hilux.
To go with these announcements, a vague transparent illustration showing what the pick-up might look like was shown off at the presentation. It doesn’t offer much in the way of clues as to the model’s looks, however it does show a chunky set of tyres, and handsome looking creases in the bonnet and atop the guards.
While the full-size American pick-up segment is full of future electric options (including the Hummer, Ford F-150 Lightning, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, and Tesla Cybertruck), the mid-size segment hasn’t received nearly as much EV love — despite being more international.
So far only SsangYong, LDV, and Great Wall have announced plans to produce fully electric utes in this mid-size space. Ford’s European division has all but confirmed development of a Ranger hybrid, while rumours continue to circulate around Toyota’s plans for an electrified Hilux.
