I think the concept looks pretty goofy, but I expect the production version will be a bit better. None of that would matter to a purchase decision for me, though.

As Ford has demonstrated over the last year, price is an important factor. I love the Lightning, but will probably never own one at the rate they’re going. I’m very curious to see the final form Ram takes with their first truck, as well as how they price it. I hope to be out of the market for the next four or five years though, and I expect there will be plenty of options by then.

The competition is coming, and I think it’s glorious. Would be great if we saw a genuine price war in a few years. 😎

 

I'm of the opposite feeling on the look, over the years of all the Concept vehicles I've seen, I've always wondered why more of them didn't go straight into production as it was shown. Most of the time they all had a futuristic styling to them.

Spot on the way I feel about the rest of what you said, the competition is more than welcome as it will drive prices down and hopefully get them in the price range I'll be ready for in about 5 years. The only thing that spooks me about the Ram aka Dodge, they've not been known for reliable electrical systems as long as I can remember. I had 2 Dodge trucks back in the day and both of them left me redoing what they screwed up at the factory.

Haven't bought another since.

 

I try not to judge entire brands as a whole. I had several issues with the Chrysler Pacifica I had a few years ago, and the reliability of those vans was awful. But the Ram trucks were much better in comparison. Likewise, the ‘14 Escape that I had suffered several warranty failures, but none of my F-series pickups were that bad. And the reliability data suggested this was common for both.

EVs are mostly ground-up redesigns, and with rare exception everyone seems to do a solid job with their early offerings. Even if they’re not, the competitive influence on the reliable brands will be felt by everyone.

 

Some bullet points that may or may not be on the production model that peaked my interest.

• Cabin is 4" longer than a standard crew cab with A LOT of space allowing for seating for up to 7 people or 2 and big dogs.
• 5.5' standard bed with a midgate and tie down options.
• Pass through to front from rear of vehicle allowing for an 18' item to be stored.
• Four wheel steering.
• 800v architecture.
• 2 motor design with "AWD/4x4".
• Up to 500 mile range if original figures are adhered to.
• Available in a "few" months which could mean 3 months or a year or more.
• Rearward opening rear doors with no B pillar.
• Cargo tie down system in frunk.
• Somewhat hidden/out of the way storage in doors and other locations.
• Barn door and standard tailgate with folding racks.

 

Good summary, but this is just a concept truck. We get to see the production version in a few months; it won't be available until the end of '24 at best. Because it's a concept in its current form, many of the above may not make it to the production version.

I think it looks fantastic. Each brand's strategy seems to be playing out like they said it would. Ford is first to market by leveraging their existing platform, and it suffers from 400v architecture and some of the limitations of the longstanding ICE platform. GM is up next, and it's going to lack some of the slick features that Ram is contemplating. I think the final piece of the puzzle is going to be pricing. If Ram and GM can deliver these trucks at or below Lightning's pricing, they'll blow Ford out of the water.

 

Yes sir... Which is why I stated the following as the opening sentence for my post.
I have been an automobile enthusiast since as far back as I can remember and though I would like to see some concepts make it to production, 99% of them do not. I remember seeing the Porsche Carrera GT in Birmingham England way back when it was a concept vehicle. Turns out that one made it to production mostly intact from the concept.

To this day, that is still a stunning car even when it is standing still.

Regarding the big three and their pickup offerings. I am like you and think that price will be the biggest factor, but following closely behind will be range and functionality. Creature comforts and "options" are nice to have, but people just want a reliable, fast charging and long range vehicle.

 

Make up your mind already, which is it? LOL

 

Goofy. Decidedly goofy.

I was mainly talking about the technology and features they’re talking about building in. I didn’t phrase that well at all.

 

 

When they have a production version, and have made and sold at least 1, then that's something "real" where it's worth reading the feature list.

 

I thought I read a while ago that Stelantis was going to have some major new technology over Ford and GM EV trucks. Sure didn't see anything earth shattering here!

 

Nothing earth-shattering, but they had some unique ideas.

Apparently, the truck will be available with a gas range extender, but there aren’t any more details than that. They also are planning on a charging Roomba to plug the truck in for you. Kind of a silly idea, but they seem to be reaching for ways to differentiate themselves in the market. At least it’s not a fake exhaust like the Daytona.

 

Yes the gas range extender is what caught my attention months ago. This could be a big improvement.