Stellantis recently held a first drive meeting for the Ram ProMaster EV at its headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. While the highlight was the ability to experience the vehicle firsthand, an overview of everything that Ram Professional has to offer was also discussed.
Ram Professional (as Stellantis, or Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, or Ram, or Chrysler) have been serving the commercial vehicle space since 1917, offering vehicles, upfits, financing, connected services, maintenance, and charging infrastructure.
“With Ram Professional, our commercial vehicle customers will benefit from a simplified and all-encompassing business solution with products and services that feature best-in-class performance, capability, advanced technology and value to best fit their business needs,” says Ken Kayser, vice president, Ram Professional. “We know our customers depend on us day-in and day-out, and Ram Professional is committed to delivering the best commercial vehicle lineup and serving our customers with the most important tools of their trade.”
With the commercial van space gaining more electric variants by the day, the ProMaster EV is the latest to join the fray. Ram looks to have used the blueprint of its existing internal combustion engine variant as the basis for the EV.
UNDER THE HOOD
Two models of the new ProMaster EV are available, an EV only delivery van version (open for order now), and the traditional cargo van version (available in 2025). The Delivery van version offers a walk-in pocket side door, rear roll-up door, and front and rear parksense with full top. It is available in one size, 112” high, 251” long, 159” extended wheelbase, and 524 cubic-feet of cargo volume.
The Cargo van version is available in four sizes (gas models offer seven), including the Delivery van sizing, plus two heights 104” or 112” in 159” wheelbase with 236” length, and 159” extended wheelbase with a 251” length. Cargo volume ranges from 420 cu-ft to 524 cu-ft. The ProMaster has max towing of 6,910 lbs, and max payload of 4,680 lbs.
“The introduction of the Ram ProMaster EV represents another major milestone on our electrification journey as we continue to evolve without sacrificing capability,” says Chris Feuell, CEO, Ram and Chrysler brands.. “Ram’s first available electric vehicle is a game-changer, offering commercial customers, large and small, the ultimate van in zero-emissions performance, commercial capability, and advanced technology.”
ELECTRIC SPECIFICATIONS
The ProMaster EV uses a 200-kW e-motor with 268 horsepower and 302 foot/pounds of torque with a 110-kWh lithium-ion battery mated to a front wheel drive drivetrain. It offers a range of up to 164 miles on the Cargo van (162 miles on Delivery van). Keep in mind that this number is with a half payload.
Level 3 fast charging is available up to 150 kW (50, 85, 125, and 150 kW), for charging from 20 to 80 per cent in under 55 minutes. Level 2 charging, 20 to 100 per cent is achieved in under eight hours. A wallbox is available that charges up to 11 kW.
SAFETY
Always top of mind, standard safety features available are forward collision warning with pedestrian/cyclist detection, drowsiness detection, and traffic sign information. Available features include digital rear view mirror, blind spot monitoring with cross path detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
TECHNOLOGY
EV specific technologies on the ProMaster EV are plentiful—including, what has become an almost standard features among all EVs, one-pedal driving, which allows acceleration and braking by using one pedal. Also included are EV energy trip prediction; charging station locator; charge settings, schedules and driving history; a smartphone app (that shows charge status, charge scheduling, lock/unlock, vehicle health, and locate); and a PowerFlow infographic.
Other technology features come standard, including keyless entry, 10.1” Uconnect 5 color touchscreen display, 7” colour instrument cluster, as well as available wireless phone charging and heated steering wheel and windshield.
ACCOLADES
It is important to note that although the EV version is brand new, it has already been awarded as the 2024 Commercial Green Car of the Year at the 2024 Green Car Awards presented by Green Car Journal.
The Ram ProMaster EV has also been selected to be a part of the Battery Workforce Challenge, a North American collegiate engineering competition.
“The new Ram ProMaster EV is designed specifically for electrification and provides the students with a great proving ground to push the boundaries of technology,” says Micky Bly, senior vice president and head of global propulsion systems, Stellantis. “We look forward to seeing the students’ creative solutions for incorporating a Stellantis battery pack into the vehicle and how their work will help shape the future of mobility.”
About the Author
Mario Cywinski is the editor of Modern WorkTruck Solutions and has worked in the automotive industry for 20 years, both as an automotive journalist and working for a local dealership. He is a member of the Automobile Journalist Association of Canada and has been a judge for the Canadian Truck King Challenge. He can be reached at mario@mwsmag.com.
