Ram Is Playing Coy About the New All-Electric ProMaster

The new Ram ProMaster EV is the first entry into the electric work van world for the brand. This new van will be launched during the second half of the year.

To date, Ram has been extremely coy about any performance features of this new work van, but we might have an idea of what it should bring. With a short video that hints at what this new van will be, it’s easy to see that the new van will be a full-size delivery dynamo when it launches into the real world.

Work vans are the heart of delivery services

One of the most often overlooked areas of the automotive market is the work van class. These vans are typically configured as either cargo vans or passenger vehicles. Professionals use cargo vans to deliver goods, bring materials for projects, and transport tools necessary to get the job done. Of course, some of us can think of these vans as those vehicles used for surveillance in movies and television shows, but that’s a bit of an unrealistic use of these cargo vans. A cargo van generally only has two seats up front and a massive cargo area behind to be configured for many different uses.

The passenger versions of these vans are outfitted with seats in the cargo bay and are typically used as large taxis, airport shuttle services, hotel event transportation, or as small buses for churches. Some large families look to these passenger vans to carry their brood. Some of these work vans can be fitted with up to 15 seats for these big groups. These passenger-focused vans aren’t usually the most comfortable, but they do have plenty of room for everyone in the group and their cargo.

Will this new Ram be different?

The Ram work van that we’re most used to is the ProMaster. The current model uses an internal combustion engine to offer the desired levels of capability and power for the drive. The new electric version of this Ram doesn’t appear to change the styling much at all. The lack of styling changes makes perfect sense considering the large, boxy shape enables these vans to enjoy maximum cargo or passenger space inside. The expected styling differences will likely appear mostly in the grille and badges, which should be enough to differentiate the electric van from the rest of the lineup.

Amazon Gets the first batch

Ram claims strong customer demand is bringing this electric work van to the market. The first batch of Ram ProMaster EV models will go to Amazon, which will have a fleet of thousands of these vans delivering packages all across the United States. This new fleet of vans will be the start of a new wave of local delivery services using these electric Ram work vans. It’s pretty easy to imagine nearly all delivery services using these vans to bring products to our doorsteps around the country while also being used for shuttle services.

Where will this new Ram electric van be produced?

Because the new ProMaster EV will utilize much of the same build and platform as what we see in the current gas-powered model, the electric version will be built at the same plant in Mexico. The Saltillo Van Assembly Plant in Mexico is already being fitted with the EV assembly line, which is the product of a $200 million investment. This factory expansion is expected to be completed in 2024, but the new electric Ram work van will begin deliveries before the end of 2023.

Expected power and performance

The new Ram ProMaster EV should use the same powertrains and platform as the Fiat all-electric work van that’s been in production since 2021. This Fiat van uses either a three-module 47-kWh or five-module 79-kWh battery pack to deliver a driving range of up to 170 miles. This could be the perfect driving range for a vehicle making deliveries around a large city. The battery pack mates to an electric powertrain that delivers 120 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. The Fiat van is only setup with FWD and has a cargo capacity between 350 and 600 cubic feet and a payload of 4,300 pounds.

Companies that need this van to last for more than 170 miles can enjoy the fast charging that pushes the battery pack to 80 percent of its full charge in only 25 minutes. This means the van will enjoy an additional 136 miles of range during that delivery day.

Rivals are already in the market

Other electric delivery vans are already in the market, taking packages and deliveries to various locations every day. When the new Ram EV hits the market, it will take on the Ford e-Transit, Rivian’s Amazon Van, and the Bollinger B-series chassis cab vans. Eventually, Mercedes-Benz will also offer a new delivery van, but that new van has been delayed until at least 2028.

The Ford e-Transit is the largest domestic challenger to the Ram

The electric Ford delivery van comes in eight different versions with three roof heights, which is similar to the gasoline-powered version of the Ford Transit. The Ford van has an onboard circuit for power tools, and its first major commercial customer is Wal-Mart. When the Ram ProMaster EV arrives, it will have a longer driving range than the Ford. Currently, the e-Transit brings a 126-mile driving range in the low-roof version.

The larger battery gives the Ram more driving range; we hope

If the new Ram electric van follows the Fiat E-Ducato with the same powertrain, the larger 79-kWh battery package delivers a driving range of up to 229 miles. As long as the driving distance for this new Ram is within the driving range or one additional range with a recharged battery, it seems the Ram will have the advantage over the Ford when it hits the market. We’ll get to know more about this impressive new delivery van as the Ram comes closer to being the van that brings all of your Amazon packages to your front door.