Hi there! If you‘re trying to decide between the upcoming Ram 1500 Revolution or the new Rivian R1T electric truck, this comprehensive guide will help you select the better option. After closely comparing both vehicles based on the available details, I believe the Ram 1500 Revolution is shaping up to be the superior electric truck choice once it hits the market. Keep reading to see why.
Now let‘s take an in-depth look at how these two highly-anticipated electric pickup trucks compare across some key categories.
Powertrain and Performance
The powertrain is the heart of any truck. It determines how much you can tow, haul, and power over any terrain. Based on what we know so far, the Ram 1500 Revolution appears to have a slight performance edge.
Battery Range and Charging:
Range anxiety is a top concern for many prospective EV owners. But range estimates for both trucks should satisfy most drivers:
- Rivian R1T: 314 miles per charge
- Ram 1500 Revolution: Unknown, but Ram trucks exceed 400 mile range
When it comes to charging, the Ram 1500 Revolution could be a game changer. Its 350 kW rapid charging system can add 100 miles in just 10 minutes according to Ram. The Rivian R1T tops out at 200 kW charging, which adds 140 miles in 20 minutes.
For comparison, a 2022 study found the average EV added just 60-80 miles from a 10 minute charge session. The 1500 Revolution‘s charging stats suggest it will dramatically outpace other trucks when you need to quickly recharge on the go.
Horsepower and Off-Road Capability:
No one will scoff at the R1T‘s 835 horsepower! But Ram states the 1500 Revolution will deliver "remarkable power" which indicates it can compete with Rivian‘s quad-motor setup.
Both automakers tout their trucks‘ off-road credentials as well. The R1T offers excellent off-road technology, but we don‘t yet know what capabilities Ram will bake into the 1500 Revolution. Don‘t be surprised if it also excels away from paved roads when properly equipped.
Towing and Payload:
Got a heavy trailer, equipment or cargo to haul? Electric trucks need to prove they can handle the load.
The Rivian R1T maxes out at a tow rating of 11,000 pounds. Impressive for an EV! Comparably, Ram‘s gas-powered 1500 model can tow up to 12,750 pounds.
Ram has not announced towing specs for their electric 1500 Revolution yet. But we can reasonably expect a competitive tow rating of 10,000 pounds or more based on the brand‘s truck engineering expertise.
Design and Interior Technology
Electric pickups still need to effectively balance utility, cabin space, and technology. This area presents a closer race between the two contenders:
Digital User Experience:
Rivian packs the R1T with a highly modern and driver-focused digital user experience. The R1T‘s displays and interfaces emphasize ease of use for drivers.
Ram is promising to deliver an equally immersive and personalized user experience with the 1500 Revolution. They highlight the truck‘s use of cameras, sensors and augmented reality to create a seamless digital ecosystem.
Both companies clearly recognize the importance of user-friendly tech. But we‘ll have to wait for more details from Ram to see how their systems compare to Rivian‘s.
Interior Space and Storage:
Truck owners require ample passenger and cargo space. The R1T seats 5 passengers, while Ram says the 1500 Revolution can fit 6 inside.
Ram also claims the Revolution will have expanded cab space over other trucks. That additional room would be a major selling point for buyers needing maximum interior passenger and storage utility.
The R1T still has an edge when it comes to cargo storage space. It comes equipped with a lockable front trunk ("frunk") and a rear cargo area ("gear tunnel"), adding extra storage over a typical truck bed.
Cost Considerations
For many buyers, real-world costs can make or break the decision between two vehicles. Based on available information, the 1500 Revolution may have a pricing advantage:
Base Price:
The R1T carries a higher $73,000 starting price. Comparably, the Ram 1500 (gas model) starts around $38,000. The 1500 Revolution will certainly command a premium over that base price, but likely not as high at the R1T‘s buy-in point.
Operating Costs:
Electric trucks enjoy lower "fuel" costs, as electricity is cheaper than gas. The R1T costs around $700 in electricity for 10,000 miles driven based on U.S. residential power rates. The 1500 Revolution operating costs should align closely with that.
Maintenance savings will also be substantial for both electric trucks compared to gas-powered models. Fewer mechanical components and fluids to service reduce lifetime maintenance costs. Rivian includes 3 years/36,000 miles of included maintenance with new purchases – a perk Ram could choose to match.
Between lower "fuel" and maintenance costs, the 1500 Revolution and R1T should cost thousands less to own over their lifespan compared to gas trucks.
Availability
The Rivian R1T retains one absolutely massive advantage over the Ram 1500 Revolution today: you can actually buy it!
Rivian is currently ramping up production and delivering the R1T to eagerly awaiting customers. Real-world sightings of the Rivian electric truck are rapidly increasing as deliveries continue.
Meanwhile, the 1500 Revolution is still a concept not expected to enter production until 2024. You can‘t head to a Ram dealership to check it out let alone drive one home today.
For buyers who need to purchase a new electric truck immediately, the Rivian R1T remains the only viable option available right now. The Ram 1500 Revolution, as intriguing as it seems, is still at least a year away from reaching customer garages.
But if you can wait, the 1500 Revolution could very well be worth the additional time. Ram appears poised to leapfrog Rivian and other automakers with segment-leading rapid charging, upgraded interior space, and advanced technology. Only time will tell once full details emerge!
The Outlook for These Electric Trucks
What will the future hold for these two electrified pickup contenders? Both Rivian and Ram should continue pushing the boundaries of EV innovation with each successive model year:
Expanded AV/Smart Home Integration
Expect your electric truck to seamlessly network with your other smart devices and home automation in the near future. You‘ll be able to control home settings, monitor energy usage, and more straight from your truck‘s digital interfaces.
Enhanced Driver Assist and Self-Driving Capabilities
Autonomous driving technology will continue expanding rapidly. Your electric truck will take on more of the driving workload thanks to cameras, sensors, AI, and other advances. Imagine relaxing during long highway drives while your truck handles the monotony of cruising down the open road.
Battery and Charging Improvements
500+ mile ranges could become standard within 5 years as battery tech evolves. We‘ll also see 800-volt charging systems that can add 200+ miles of range in 15 minutes. Those developments will help alleviate any remaining range anxiety.
Both the R1T and 1500 Revolution are just the first of many electric trucks we‘ll see in the coming decade. They represent an exciting future where electric pickups offer equal or even superior utility compared to diesel and gas models.
I hope this detailed electric truck comparison has helped highlight the key strengths and differences between the Rivian R1T and Ram 1500 Revolution based on what we know today. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to chat more about these impressive EV pickups and provide my insights as an experienced technology industry analyst.
