2024 Ram ProMaster EV Review: A Competitor in the Electric Cargo Van Market
The 2024 Ram ProMaster EV enters the electric cargo van segment, offering a battery-powered alternative to its gas-guzzling counterpart. The ProMaster EV shares its platform with the Fiat E-Ducato sold in Europe, but boasts a larger battery pack. While offering a decent range and a range of features, the ProMaster EV faces stiff competition in a rapidly evolving market.
What’s new for 2024?
The ProMaster EV is a completely new model for the Ram brand, launching as a 2024 vehicle.
Pricing and Trims
- High Roof: $69,000 (estimated)
- Super High Roof: $79,990 (estimated)
Like the gasoline-powered ProMaster, the EV version will be offered in high-roof and super-high-roof configurations. Initially, only the super-high-roof model is available, including a special “Delivery” specification. Ram plans to expand the lineup with additional variants in the future.
Performance and Driving
EV Motor and Power
The ProMaster EV employs a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 268 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. During initial test drives, the electric van exhibited more responsive acceleration compared to the gas-powered version. The light steering makes it maneuverable, although it feels noticeably heavier. While adjustable regenerative braking will be available eventually, it wasn’t incorporated in the early models tested.
Driving Experience
The ProMaster EV offers an improved driving experience over its gasoline counterpart. However, it feels less refined than key rivals like the Ford E-Transit and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter. A notable differentiator is its front-wheel-drive configuration, as competitors typically use rear-wheel drive.
Towing and Payload
Ram does not recommend towing with the ProMaster EV. The Delivery version has a payload capacity limited to 2,030 pounds, but other configurations can handle up to 3,020 pounds.
Range and Charging
The electric van utilizes a substantial 97.0-kWh battery pack, positioned beneath the floor. Ram estimates a driving range of 162 miles on a single charge. It also supports 150-kW DC fast charging, enabling quicker recharges.
Interior and Tech
Interior and Comfort
The ProMaster EV provides an expansive view of the road. The cabin design is more basic than competitors, but it still offers a reasonably appealing aesthetic. The interior materials focus on durable hard plastics.
Tech Features
The ProMaster EV includes a user-friendly infotainment system featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen. This system supports over-the-air updates and offers a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. It allows for simultaneous Bluetooth connections for two devices and is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Other tech includes a wireless smartphone charging pad and a USB-C connection port.
Safety and Warranty
Safety Features
The ProMaster EV offers standard and optional driver-assistance features. It can also be ordered with a digital rearview mirror. The key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
Warranty
The ProMaster EV’s warranty coverage is fairly standard. Ram doesn’t indicate any special warranty coverage for the battery components, unlike some rivals. The warranty includes:
- Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 60,000 miles
Conclusion
The 2024 Ram ProMaster EV provides a competitive option within the growing electric cargo van segment. Its acceleration and available features are appealing attributes. However, the van’s higher price point and lower payload capacity compared to competitors like the Ford E-Transit and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter may limit its appeal. It’s a strong contender, but buyers should carefully consider its strengths and weaknesses against the prevailing market conditions. The fact that this is the only front-wheel-drive configuration may be very interesting to some upfitters.
