After receiving a much more handsome-looking front-end redesign for the 2023 model year, the Ram ProMaster is gearing up for the next chapter with the upcoming 2024 Ram ProMaster battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Ram’s full-size all-electric commercial van will offer customers an alternative to the market’s gasoline and diesel options. Using technology first introduced on the Fiat E-Ducato commercial van (the ProMaster’s direct sibling), we know what the ProMaster BEV will be capable of.
The 2022 Fiat E-Ducato can achieve the equivalent performance to its diesel counterparts, thanks to an electric motor with a maximum power delivery of 280 Nm (207 ft.-lbs.) of torque and 90 kW of power (or 122 horsepower). This means that the E-Ducato can achieve a 0 to 50 km/h (31 mph) time in about 5 seconds. While that might not seem like some of the incredible performance numbers of most BEVs, the E-Ducato isn’t tuned for performance as it is for efficiency.
The E-Ducato is also fitted out with a series of modular solutions, starting from two different battery blocks. There is a 47 kWh and a 79 kWh, best-in-class for installed electrical capacity, and four types of charging modes. We believe that the Ram ProMaster BEV should be equipped with the 79 kWh pack, if not bigger once it hits the market.
With a 79-kWh battery, the E-Ducato can travel up to 280 kilometers (174 miles) in the Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, equivalent to 370 kilometers (230 miles) in the urban cycle. It takes no longer than half an hour to charge up enough to drive 100 kilometers (62 miles). It is worth mentioning that Stellantis offer a warranty for 10 years or 220,000 kilometers (136,700 miles) on the 79-kWh battery packs.
In terms of flexibility, to meet such a wide and diverse range of needs, the E-Ducato also offers a Drive Mode Selector. In its “Normal” position, it ensures the ideal balance between performance and costs, or it can be set to “Eco” mode to save energy. When a really heavy load needs to be carried or the vehicle is facing a demanding ascent, the right choice is “Power” mode. E-Ducato has another two features to provide its drivers with peace of mind –
- “Turtle Mode” – similar to the battery saver function on a cellphone. It is activated automatically when the battery is low and limits vehicle performance, to make the battery last 8 to 10% longer.
- “Recovery Mode” – If one battery module does not work, the other takes its place to make sure it can keep going.
And thanks to its original, uncompromising front-wheel-drive architecture, the Ram ProMaster BEV (like the Fiat E-Ducato) has been modeled around customers’ requirements. With no bulk at the bottom of the chassis and ample distance between the side rails, the batteries are optimally placed under the floor, leaving intact the load capacity, and almost 2 tons of weight. Other obvious advantages are the optimal distribution of weight and lowering of the center of gravity, to improve the vehicle’s handling under all load conditions.
For 2023, a new, available, “Super High Roof” configuration on the 13-foot cargo van adds 10 inches of headroom when compared to the next configuration and best-in-class cargo volume and cargo height. A roll-up door is also available on the back of the vehicle and enables easier parcel handling for those whose job focuses on final mile delivery. This combination will be paramount with the recent agreement with Amazon to provide emissions-free vans for the online shopping company’s fleet.
