Electric Ram truck with deployable rear step that also serves as a diffuser?

Sterantis may be planning new technology for future electric pickup trucks that will improve both aerodynamic efficiency and utility.

The automaker's U.S. division has filed a patent for a deployable rear step that doubles as an active diffuser. The patent is specific to vehicles with body-on-frame construction, such as those sold by the Ram brand of Sterantis. The patent also includes drawings showing a rear tailgate for a pickup truck.

The design is similar to the tailgate of Ram's 1500 Revolution BEV concept shown at the 2023 CES consumer technology trade show. Since aerodynamic efficiency is critical to range, it makes sense that this system would be for an electric truck.

The idea of an active diffuser is not new, but there has never been one that also serves as a step. Honda and Porsche have applied for patents for active diffusers, and Opel, also under the Sterantis brand, just last year introduced an electric crossover concept with an active diffuser.

When deployed, the diffuser generates an upward flow of air from the bottom of the vehicle that balances the downward flow of air spilling from the top, helping to reduce drag as well as increase downforce. Unlike conventional diffusers, they are stowed away when not needed, so the vehicle does not have an attachment coming out of the rear bumper.

The 1500 Revolution BEV concept, while not production-ready, serves as a preview of potential design ideas for future Ram electric trucks. Another feature of the concept that might be produced is a third-row jump seat. Another patent application for foldable seats has also surfaced recently.