Ram ProMaster EV electric van takes on Ford and Rivian

Ram is finally entering the electric vehicle market in the United States with the launch of its first all-electric offering. No, it is not the Ram 1500 REV - this one is coming later, much later. In a move aimed at rivaling industry giants like Ford and newcomer Rivian, Ram wants to make a significant impact in the rapidly growing commercial EV segment with the ProMaster - an electric van.

For our European readers, Ram ProMaster is just a good-looking Fiat E-Ducato. It may as well be the Opel, Citroen, or Peugeot in fact - all these brands belong to Stellantis and all share the tried and tested formula for a large delivery van, this time powered by electricity. So it happens that our North American readers get the better-looking cousin.

Ram's CEO, Tim Kuniskis, has hailed the ProMaster EV as a "game-changer." Now, that is probably the most over-used phrase in the industry, with every new EV launched - passenger or commercial - promising to turn the world upside down. But, with a market shift towards EVs following a record-breaking 1.2 million EV sales in the US last year, Ram is undoubtedly stepping into a new era of automotive change.

The introduction of the Ram ProMaster EV is part of Stellantis' Dare Forward 2030 strategy, which includes achieving 100% EV sales in the European Union and 50% in the US by the end of the decade. Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, encompasses a diverse portfolio of brands in the US, such as Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, and Maserati. Ram wants to be seen as offering the best value proposition with the lowest total cost of ownership across its lineup, and the ProMaster EV is expected to continue this trend.

The Ram ProMaster EV is coming in two versions: a delivery model already on the market and a cargo variant set to arrive later. The cargo version will offer two different sizes, including a 143.7 inches cargo length and an extended 155.91 inches variant.

One of the key highlights of the ProMaster EV is its impressive payload capacity - 3,020 lb for the cargo version payload, and 2,030 lb for the delivery van. The 200 kW electric motor provides 268 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque, making it well-suited for the demands of commercial use.

With a standard 110 kWh battery pack, the ProMaster EV targets a city driving range of up to 162 miles. The battery pack sits under the floor at the back, creating a flat cargo space for efficient loading and unloading. The vehicle offers a range of fast charging options, including 50 kW, 85 kW, 125 kW, and 150 kW DC fast charging, along with a level 2 (11 kW) wall box charger.

Ram has left no stone unturned in addressing the needs of fleet management. The ProMaster EV includes features like a rear roll-up door for effortless cargo handling and a standard pocket door for convenient access. Fleet managers can also benefit from Ram Telematics, a service that provides valuable insights to enhance efficiency, real-time vehicle diagnostics, and vehicle location data.

For those looking to get their ProMaster EV to meet specific requirements, Ram offers a variety of options. The delivery model, with a 159 inch wheelbase and a "super-high-roof," boasts creature comforts like a heated steering wheel and heated windshield. Eventually, it will be available in five configurations, offering two roof heights, two cargo lengths, and two body styles with cargo lengths of up to 155.91 inches.

Inside, the ProMaster EV provides a cavernous 524.1 ft³ of cargo space, with an 86 inch height, and a low floor for easy loading. The technology-savvy interior features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s Alexa In-Vehicle Assistant, and the ability to store up to five user profiles for different drivers.

The vehicle comes equipped with front and rear Park Sense with a full stop, along with various backup alarms. Additionally, the ProMaster EV inherits all the safety features of Ram's full-size commercial van. Notably, the new front-end design incorporates standard LED headlights and fog lights, which offer 70% more brightness and 50% more range compared to the headlights available with the gas-powered model. Ram has included a standard high-resolution backup camera, along with an optional 360-degree camera system. These should make maneuvering it a little bit easier and safer.

Finally, for added convenience, the Ram ProMaster EV features a Charging Station Locator and EV Dynamic Trip Prediction, making route planning less stressful for electric van drivers.

Ram ProMaster EV is set to go against Rivian EDV and Ford E-Transit. With electric vans gaining a foothold in the US market, Ram's first foray into the world of EVs promises to be a decent contender. The company is keeping the price under wraps for now but with the competitors hovering around $5,000 higher than their gas-powered counterparts, we can expect the ProMaster EV to come with a $52,000 tag.

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