Ram is updating its popular ProMaster 2500 for 2022 and promising an electric version in 2023. Why will the electric ProMaster 2500 beat the electric Ram 1500 to market?
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The Ram 1500 pickup won over a huge segment of the light duty truck market by upgrading the interior and exterior of the truck and holding the line on price. Ram is now upgrading its 2022 ProMaster 2500 to go after sales in the commercial van market, much the same way. Ram is improving the interior and technology on the 2022 ProMaster 2500 and 3500. Ram is also promising that Ram Commercial will introduce a battery-electric ProMaster in 2023. The electric Ram 1500 isn’t due until 2024.
What About the 2023 Electric ProMaster?
All Ram is saying at this point is that “Ram Commercial will introduce a battery-electric ProMaster in 2023 in response to customer demand. More information will be available at a later date.”
In April of this year, Reuters reported, out of Milan, that Stellantis “launched its first fully electric large van, the Fiat e-Ducato, as part of its bid to expand its range of battery electric and hybrid vehicles.” Stellantis has said it would offer electric versions of almost all of its line-up by 2025.
According to Reuters, “The e-Ducato, which has a range of around 370 km (230 miles) on a single charge, is already available for orders to clients and will be followed this year by other similar large vans produced by Stellantis under the Peugeot, Opel and Citroen brands.”
The Ram ProMaster and the Ducato vans share the same underpinnings and many of the same body panels. The Ram ProMaster is built in Mexico and it is conceivable that it could use the same electric architecture as the e-Ducato.
The 2024 Electric Ram 1500
During its EV Day, in July, Stellantis executives discussed the importance and development of the electric Ram 1500. The head of design Ralph Gilles described the platforms that will be used and outlined the new STLA Frame platform that will support the all-new Ram 1500 electric vehicle, which is promised for 2024. There are four STLA platforms, Frame will provide the underpinnings for the body on frame vehicles like large SUVs and the Ram trucks. STLA is pronounced Stella, and the different sizes correspond to the size of the batteries. The Frame size battery should be 159-200 kilowatt hours and provide up to 500 miles of range.
Gilles said that the battery will sit “nice and low” in the truck and the Electric Drive Modules or EDMs will be on toward the outside of the vehicle, allowing the designers greater versatility in creating “very-attractive designs”. Gilles said Ram will “Redefine what the full-size truck looks like and also how it works.”
The executives describe Ram’s electrification approach as “Ram – Built to Serve a Sustainable Planet”.
In a special video, Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer, stressed that everything the company does will be “Customer-First”. Koval said that Ram customers are “Open to electrification but not willing to sacrifice power, performance or capability.” Koval said that Ram will differentiate from the competitors and offer a full portfolio of eTechnology designed to provide the capability that Ram customers demand. Koval said that hauling or towing is a huge concern for their customers and that will play a large role in the company’s plans.
2022 Ram ProMaster Updates
Meanwhile, Ram is promising that its 2022 Ram ProMaster Commercial vans will be the most advanced ProMaster ever with new levels of safety, comfort, connectivity and efficiency. Ram claims the 2022 ProMaster will be the new benchmark for connectivity, interior comfort and safety. That’s a big promise in a segment that Ford and GM have played in for years.
“Ram ProMaster continues to evolve as we listen and respond to customer input, and delivers an unmatched combination of advanced connectivity, interior comfort, refinement and safety features,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “Ram Commercial continues to focus solely on building the best trucks and commercial vans that allow us to deliver confidence for hardworking people every day, no matter their line of work.”
The new safety features are impressive. Standard safety features include Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning, post collision braking, Drowsiness Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition, rear camera, push-button starter and an electric parking brake. Available driver-assist technologies include Active Driving Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Keep Assist, 360-degree Surround View camera, front parking sensors, auto high-beams and cornering function fog lamps.
The van comes with Uconnect 5 and a standard 3.5-inch driver’s screen and 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen. However, buyers can upgrade to a 7-inch driver’s screen, 10-inch Uconnect touchscreen and wireless phone charger.
Ram ProMaster now available in Crew Van configuration and is capable of carrying up to three passengers in the second row.
Ram ProMaster features the latest generation of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Ram ProMaster features up to 6,910 pounds of towing capability and a best-in-class 4,680 pounds of payload. The 2022 Ram ProMaster will be on dealer lots in the 4th quarter of 2021.
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I can't wait for specs and
I can't wait for specs and pricing on a 2023 EPro Van. Will it have a transmission? Regen braking? I'd like me a Black one with SWB & Low Roof . Need 250 mile range on 30 minute charge all for under 45k after tax breaks.. any chance??