The 2025 Ram Dakota Hybrid is the 675Nm ute ready to strike fear into the heart of the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and BYD's new dual-cab

If you think that, in the wake of a New Vehicle Emissions Standard and a looming diesel downfall, that now is the perfect time to launch a petrol-powered plug-in ute, you're not alone, with those creatives over at Digimods Design willing a Ram Dakota PHEV into existence through new renders.

The Dakota, we know, is coming, though nobody is sure exactly when. The ute was confirmed by former Ram boss Mike Koval, who told CarsGuide in 2023 that his team had been working on it, and presumably continues to do so in his absence (he has now taken a new role in the company).

"I will say this - we've been talking about it forever. This is the Ram leadership team that is going to execute. We will be the team that delivers it," he told us at the New York Auto Show in 2023.

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Mr Koval went on to promise it would be offered with both ICE and electric powertrains.

“I would be doing the team a disservice if I didn’t (offer ICE). I want to be able to sell it in every market around the world," he said.

The Dakota - although that name is yet to be confirmed - was to form a key plank in Ram’s new mid-size strategy.

And that could include producing the Dakota in left- and right-hand drive from the factory, foregoing the need for the successful remanufacturing process that currently takes place through Ram Trucks Australia and Walkinshaw in Melbourne.

Asked if the Dakota would be offered in left- and right-hand drive from the factory, Mr Koval replied: “It would always be the idea”.

Since then nothing, but we have our fingers firmly crossed the Dakota is nearing. The timing couldn't be better to launch a petrol-electric ute in Australia, following the lead of BYD with its incoming tray back.

The brand wouldn't have to look far for a suitable powertrain, either. Just down the corridor lurks the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors, the bigger of which provides extra driving power and EV mode. All up, Jeep says you’ll get 280kW and 675Nm combined when working in hybrid mode.

The 4xe’s 400-volt, 17kWh battery delivers a useable 40km driving range, and in terms of off-road credibility, the Trailhawk version would deliver better approach and departure angles than its predecessor, around 278mm of ground clearance, 610mm of water-fording ability, and a 47.4:1 crawl ratio, while towing is limited to 2720kg braked.

All of which sounds pretty good for a ute, right? For now, though, it is but wishful thinking. But watch this space.