The Ram 1500 REV: A New Direction for Stellantis’ Pickup Lineup
The all-electric Ram 1500 REV pickup truck is dead. Long live the extended-range Ram 1500 REV (once called the Ramcharger).
Stellantis Shifts Focus Amid Low Demand
In a surprising turn of events, Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, announced on Friday that it will discontinue the development of a battery-electric full-size pickup truck. Citing low consumer demand for full-size battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in North America, the company is reassessing its product strategy, according to a statement released to TechCrunch and posted on their website.
Rethinking the Ram 1500 REV
“As demand for full-size battery-electric trucks slows in North America, Stellantis is reassessing its product strategy and will discontinue development of a full-size BEV pickup,” the statement reads. In light of this shift, Ram is rebranding its extended-range pickup to the Ram 1500 REV (formerly known as the Ramcharger). This vehicle is being touted to set a new benchmark in the half-ton segment, boasting exceptional range, towing capacity, and payload performance.
The New Concept: Extended-Range Engine
The name change may raise eyebrows, but it reflects a strategic pivot. Stellantis has scrapped plans for a fully electric pickup to instead focus on an extended-range model that is expected to deliver an impressive 690 miles of total range. This will be achieved using a unique combination of a battery alongside a gas generator—an approach not entirely unfamiliar in the automotive industry.
Background on the Ram 1500’s Development
Originally, the fully electric Ram 1500 was a significant part of Stellantis’ U.S. product offensive, with ambitions to release over 25 all-new BEVs by the end of the decade. However, the future of the all-electric model had been uncertain for several months following an initial grand reveal at CES 2023.
Delays and Revisions in Production Plans
Stellantis projected the electric vehicle to start production in 2024, but that date quickly shifted to 2025 as the automaker faced challenges. By late 2024, plans for the hefty pickup—initially loaded with advanced technology features, spacious cabin layouts including third-row jump seats, and sizable battery options—were further postponed to 2026.
Looking Ahead: Extended-Range Model Coming Soon
Despite the ups and downs of the electric truck landscape, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that production of the extended-range Ram 1500 is still set to begin in 2026. This new model aims to capture a market that continues to evolve in response to consumer preferences and technological advancements.
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Image Credit: techcrunch.com
