If you’ve ever stepped foot in a new or used Ram dealership, you’ve likely been impressed with the trucks composing their brand and the potency and prowess they exhibit every single year. When Dodge and Ram separated from one another in 2009, it was a move that allowed both brands to focus on their individual talents—and the results have certainly spoken for themselves. Dodge has demonstrated its skill at providing performance-oriented vehicles and SUVs, while Ram has been exclusively a truck-based brand. Aside from being a symbol of productivity and power, Ram has utilized a short amount of time to help develop some of the most interesting technological innovations the industry has ever witnessed. Today, we’ll explore them and how they’ve quite literally changed how the game is played.
eTorque
The concept of combining electric motors and gasoline-fueled engines has been at the forefront of the industry for several years. With the entire industry doing its part to lower emissions and the carbon footprint generated every year, many innovations have been developed around the potential of hybrid technology. Always one to go against the grain of convention and forge new paths, Ram introduced what’s known as eTorque in 2019. Instead of using an alternator, Ram has replaced the device with a combination of motor and generator, which is used in the Ram 1500’s 3.6L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8. Similar to the regenerative braking that other hybrid vehicles use, the eTorque’s generator operates when the throttle is disengaged, feeds it back to that battery, and assists in downshifting. This not only gives the powertrain a boost in the amount of lb-ft of torque that is generated but also puts less stress on the engine and improves fuel economy.
EcoDiesel
The diesel-fueled engine has had somewhat of a renaissance in recent years. Once thought of as an outdated concept well past its prime, the utilization of diesel has been met with enthusiasm from the truck-buying public. And while many are quick to consider GM and their Duramax Diesel engines as the most popular choice, Ram’s Ecodiesel powertrains have been proven to be more effective. Competing against similar offerings—from not only GM but Ford, too—Ram found a way to outclass its competitors and develop a superior powertrain that possessed prowess and innovation. Generating 480 lb-ft of torque and pushing towing capacity to well over 9,000 lbs, Ram’s water-cooled Diesel engine proved that not only could you reinvent the wheel but you could improve it with remarkable results.
Ram Connect
Of course, Ram’s penchant for development and innovation extends far beyond powertrains, and one of the most comprehensive aspects of the brand is what’s known as Ram Connect. This comprehensive suite of technological innovation is meant to provide oversight and assurance. As part of the Uconnect family, this is where the latest and greatest innovations are placed at the customers’ fingertips to enhance the driving experience fully. With the power of smartphone integration, you’ll be able to make emergency calls in the event of a breakdown or theft, and the device can even assist with recovering a stolen vehicle.
Not only will you have assistance in the event of an emergency, but several other services are included with Ram Connect to benefit you when you’re on the road. Amazon Alexa brings voice-command technology to the forefront, as you’ll be able to start your vehicle simply by talking. Navigation is also taken to its fullest capabilities with the addition of available services from TomTom GPS. This new hands-free technology is not only on the cutting edge of innovation but it also allows drivers to access the features they need without breaking their concentration from the road. Driver alerts allow parents to set limits for their younger drivers and have oversight through the mobile app—an added bonus that is streets-ahead of the similar service offered by GM called Teen Driver.
Ram 1500 REV
Of course, it would be a great disservice if we didn’t mention quite possibly the most advanced leap forward in Ram technology to come about since they separated from Dodge. The release of the Ford F-150 Lightning and the expected arrival of the Chevy Silverado 1500 EV have certainly proved to the world that the pickup truck can be powered with electricity alone and still provide consumers with the dependability they expect—and Ram has stepped up to this playing field with the recent announcement of the Ram 1500 REV.
Ram, who has always thought outside the box in terms of development, is not simply producing an EV but rather what they’re referring to as a REV (Revolutionary Electric Vehicle). Not only will this truck have such advantages as voice activation and semi-autonomous capabilities, but its powertrain will also be fully electrified. It’s believed this vehicle will have the capability to tow 10,000 lbs and possess all of the off-roading and performance attributes of its gasoline-powered counterparts.
New Innovations for 2023
Few things generate more excitement among automotive enthusiasts than the arrival of a new model year. And, as is to be expected, Ram brings a host of new innovations bound to generate a considerable amount of enthusiasm. For 2023, Ram put its best efforts forward for the benefit of the millions of drivers who rely upon the brand on a regular basis.
Ram has introduced a brand new Digital Cluster that spans 12 inches and provides full-color 3D graphics to illuminate the info you need while you’re on the road. Visibility and oversight of the entirety of your truck are more vivid and up-to-date than ever before, with stats that keep you in the know regarding your destination and the shape of your vehicle. The temperatures of your transmission, coolant, and the current voltage of your battery are all monitored to ensure that you have no surprises during your travels.
The brand-new 12-inch infotainment screen has better connectivity and complete compatibility with several services, e.g. Amazon Alexa. The screen allows you to multitask between different features, with navigation, entertainment, and the various apps that you wish to utilize. With complete integration over a variety of services, Ram is pushing the boundaries of what technology can do in terms of assisting and providing oversight over every aspect of the drive ahead.
A Final Thought on Ram and The Future of the Industry
Keeping up with the various changes occurring within the automotive industry on an annual basis can prove to be quite a task. Everything we’ve seen today—from the intuitive interfaces, hybrid devices, a future EV, and a more capable diesel-fueled powertrain—all speak to the level of dedication that Ram possesses for giving their customers the very best.
The innovations we focused on here are not limited to one area, as they relate to every possible part of Ram’s vehicles. In such a short time, Ram has single-handedly shifted the paradigm of what a truck can do—and, in an industry that thrives on trends, the future for the pickup truck has never looked brighter. The innovations we can expect from Ram in the coming years will likely only impress us even further, and we can’t wait to see what else they have up their sleeve.
