Ram’s 2027 2500 ERV Is the First Pursuit-Ready Heavy Duty Pickup

Ram is stepping into new territory with the introduction of the 2027 Ram 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV), a purpose-built truck designed to meet the demands of law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency response teams. What makes this truck stand out isn’t just its Heavy Duty capability—it’s the fact that it’s the first ¾-ton truck engineered to handle pursuit scenarios while still delivering the towing and hauling strength Ram is known for.

This isn’t just a dressed-up fleet truck. The ERV builds on the Ram 2500 Special Service Vehicle (SSV) platform but adds a full suite of performance upgrades, durability enhancements, and upfit-ready features designed specifically for real-world emergency operations.

Built to Do More Than Just Tow

At its core, the ERV is powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI® BGE (Big Gas Engine) V8, delivering 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. That power is paired with a heavy-duty ZF-built 8-speed 8HP75-LCV TorqueFlite HD automatic transmission and a 4.10 axle ratio, giving the truck noticeably stronger acceleration compared to a standard Ram 2500 setup.

Ram didn’t just tune this truck for straight-line speed—it’s designed to perform under pressure. A selectable two-speed transfer case and anti-spin differential help put power to the ground efficiently, whether the truck is chasing suspects on pavement or navigating rough terrain in rural environments.

In testing, the ERV proved it could keep up with smaller vehicles. It hit 60 mph in 8.41 seconds, reached 80 mph in just over 13 seconds, and pushed to 100 mph in 20.5 seconds. For a heavy-duty truck, those are serious numbers, especially considering its size and capability.

Engineered for Real-World Emergency Duty

Performance is only part of the story. Ram engineers focused heavily on durability and long-term reliability, knowing these trucks will face some of the toughest duty cycles imaginable.

The ERV features a transfer-case skid plate for underbody protection and rides on 18-inch steel wheels designed to take abuse in harsh environments. Whether it’s high-speed highway work or off-road rescue situations, this truck is built to keep going.

Electrical capability is another major upgrade. Dual alternators rated at 400 amps provide the power needed for lights, radios, and other mission-critical equipment. Inside, Ram added a Vehicle System Interface Module, auxiliary switches, and dedicated wiring circuits, making it easier for agencies to install their own specialized gear.

The column-mounted shifter also frees up space in the cabin—something fleet operators will appreciate when outfitting the truck with communication systems and laptops.

Put to the Test in Michigan

To demonstrate its capabilities, the ERV underwent the same demanding evaluation process used by the Michigan State Police (MSP). That includes acceleration runs, repeated braking tests, and full-on track durability testing at Grattan Raceway.

The truck completed 32 laps of high-speed testing without major issues, showing it can handle sustained stress in pursuit conditions. The two-mile track, known for its tight corners, elevation changes, and long straightaways, pushed the ERV to its limits—and it delivered.

Interestingly, Ram’s Heavy Duty platform actually gave it an advantage in some areas. Its five-link coil-spring rear suspension helped maintain stability and control, even under extreme loads. That’s something you don’t typically associate with a ¾-ton truck, but it plays a big role in how the ERV performs during aggressive driving.

Expanding Stellantis’ Emergency Services Fleet Presence

The ERV isn’t arriving alone. It joins a growing lineup of Stellantis law enforcement vehicles, including the Dodge Durango Pursuit, Jeep® Grand Wagoneer Command Operations Vehicle (COV), and the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 SSVs. Together, these models cover a wide range of operational needs, from everyday patrol work to heavy-duty support roles.

The Ram 1500 SSV serves as a lighter-duty option for patrol and administrative use, while the 2500 and 3500 SSV models offer increased towing capacity, payload, and durability for more demanding applications. These trucks have become go-to solutions for agencies that need versatility—whether that’s hauling equipment, supporting rural patrol routes, or handling utility-style tasks.

What the Ram 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle does is fill a gap that didn’t previously exist in the market. It brings true pursuit-capable performance to the Heavy Duty segment, allowing agencies to run at speed when needed, without sacrificing the capability required for real-world work.

It’s also clear Stellantis isn’t done expanding its emergency services portfolio. In a recent conversation, Chrysler/Dodge CEO Matt McAlear confirmed to me that Dodge is actively working on a replacement for the Charger Pursuit, which will be based on the eighth-generation Charger platform. While details are still limited, it signals Dodge’s continued commitment to the pursuit-rated sedan segment—a category that has long been a cornerstone for law enforcement agencies across North America.

Taken together, the strategy is straightforward: give agencies the right tools for the job, whether that means a pursuit-rated SUV, a capable fleet truck, or now, a Heavy Duty pickup that can truly do both.

Kuniskis Says It Best

Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis summed up the purpose of the truck perfectly:

“When your job means running toward danger, not away from it, you don’t have time to second-guess your equipment. It has to be up to the task. That’s why we’re giving government agencies the first and only 3/4-ton pursuit-capable truck with the Ram 2500 Emergency Response Vehicle. The men and women who answer the call deserve a vehicle that can go anywhere, handle anything, and deliver when every second matters. That’s exactly what this truck is built to do.”

The 2027 Ram 2500 ERV is scheduled to arrive for fleet customers in the second half of 2026. It marks a major step forward for Ram’s commercial and government lineup—and sets a new benchmark for what a Heavy Duty truck can do in emergency service.