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Ram unveiled its EV concept truck at CES 2023, marking a bold leap forward in electric pickup design. Branded as the Ram Revolution, this prototype signals Stellantis’ intent to redefine what a truck can be in the EV era. It’s not just an electrified version of a legacy model. Instead, it introduces radical interior flexibility, next-gen UX technologies, and sustainable materials. Together, these elements reimagine the utility, comfort, and visual language of the modern American pickup.
Automotive engineers, EV enthusiasts, and tech investors will all find something compelling in this concept truck. It offers a clear glimpse into the next generation of Ram 1500 vehicles. More importantly, it hints at a broader design shift across the entire Stellantis lineup.
A Spacious Vision: Opera Doors and Modular Interiors
One of the concept’s most visually arresting features is its use of “opera doors” — saloon-style, rear-hinged doors that open up a cavernous space. This design eliminates the traditional B-pillar, offering unobstructed cabin access. It’s a clear play to maximize interior volume and user flexibility, enabled by the flat floor architecture of a ground-up EV platform.
Ram’s design team emphasized how electric powertrains offer more than just emissions-free driving — they allow designers to rethink packaging from scratch. Without a transmission tunnel or engine bay to constrain layout, the interior transforms into a configurable platform.
Ram mounted the seats on a flexible track system. You can slide them forward, reverse them, or remove them entirely. A built-in third-row jump seat adds extra passenger capacity. Every seat offers near full recline. This setup prioritizes adaptability. One moment, the truck hauls cargo — the next, it transforms into a mobile office or social lounge.
Design Inspired by Aviation and Ergonomics
From material choice to functional form, the interior design draws cues from sectors like aviation and industrial design. A webbed seat construction — reminiscent of ergonomic office chairs and aircraft seating — offers superior long-haul comfort across a range of body types.
Durability also plays a key role. Traditional carpet is replaced with rugged, washable flooring that extends from the front of the cabin to the bed. This addresses a common complaint from truck owners: why outfit a utility vehicle with materials that degrade under use?
Even the steering wheel takes a futuristic turn. Featuring a yoke-style shape and designed with drive-by-wire functionality in mind, it reduces visual obstruction and reflects a growing industry trend toward AR-integrated dashboards. In fact, the Ram EV concept removes the traditional instrument cluster entirely, replacing it with a full augmented reality head-up display (HUD).
Sustainability in Material and Manufacturing
Beyond form and function, the Ram EV concept truck embraces sustainability. The upper cabin surfaces use “Apple leather,” a byproduct of the fruit industry that replicates the tactile feel of real leather without animal sourcing. Carbon fiber is infused into structural components using innovative composite manufacturing techniques, and the use of recycled and durable materials is evident throughout the cabin and cargo areas.
This aligns with a broader Stellantis initiative to promote environmental responsibility in both product design and lifecycle sustainability.
Next-Gen Tech and UX Flexibility
Technology integration is another defining trait of the concept. The center console functions like a Swiss Army knife — modular, movable, and fully removable. The main UX interface includes a split-screen tablet system with the ability to slide, fold, and flatten depending on user need. This minimizes visual clutter and supports future software upgrades with ease.
Other digital enhancements include:
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Digital side and rearview mirrors
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Overhead digital controls
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Flexible AR windshield integration
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Modular center-stack screens
These innovations contribute to a cleaner interface, reduced wiring, and long-term adaptability — aligning with lean design and serviceability principles.
Exterior Highlights: Lighting, Proportions, and Function
On the outside, Ram’s designers depart from the traditional “big rig” styling in favor of what they call the “tuning fork” lighting signature — a bold LED arrangement wrapping around a redesigned R-A-M badge. Fender flares remain muscular, preserving brand DNA, but the overall silhouette adopts a more aerodynamic, coke-bottle-inspired waistline.
Attention was also paid to practical features. The multi-function tailgate offers both traditional dump-down and 50/50 barn-door-style openings. Combined with the fold-flat midgate and rear pass-through, the truck boasts up to 18 feet of enclosed cargo length — ideal for long boards or oversized gear.
Additionally, the integrated running boards automatically deploy when the doors open, aiding ingress and egress. This reinforces a user-first approach that blends styling with everyday usability.
Advanced Power and Utility Capabilities
Although many drivetrain specifics remain conceptual, several performance features were confirmed or teased:
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Bidirectional charging: 220V front and rear outlets suggest future compatibility for home backup power, tool operation, or recreational charging.
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Air suspension system: While not confirmed, design cues and chassis configurations imply that air ride may return — a hint especially appreciated by those in construction or off-road sectors.
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Frunk design: The front trunk (frunk) is dry, easy to access, and purpose-built for practical hauling. Height and reach have been tested for optimal ergonomics, with a nod toward benchmarks like the F-150 Lightning.
These features, coupled with potential solid-state battery integration hinted at by the battery mock-up, indicate a serious push toward both performance and utility.
Charging Innovation: Inductive Simplicity
One of the more future-forward concepts included in the display was an inductive charging system — a Roomba-like pad that eliminates the need for cables entirely. The idea is simple: drive over the pad, and charging begins automatically.
This solves a key UX pain point for many EV owners, particularly those frustrated by bulky or non-intuitive plug-in systems. Though not yet ready for prime time, the inclusion of such a system underscores Stellantis’ willingness to explore convenience-driven innovations.
Final Thoughts: Revolutionary or Just a Tease?
While it’s clear that many of the features shown — especially the saloon-style doors and modular interiors — may not make it into production as-is, the Ram EV concept truck still delivers tremendous value as a design study. It reflects how electrification offers more than just a new drivetrain — it provides a canvas for rethinking what a pickup can and should be.
For engineers, the concept presents opportunities to experiment with new materials, packaging layouts, and modular componentry. For EV enthusiasts, it shows that utility and style can coexist. And for investors, it offers clues into Stellantis’ design language and technology roadmap for upcoming electric platforms.
Explore More from Munro
For deeper EV teardown reviews, expert cost breakdowns, and lean manufacturing insights, visit Munro & Associates or subscribe to Munro Live. Whether you’re an engineer or an enthusiast, there’s always more to discover behind the scenes of next-gen automotive innovation.