In a dramatic shift in its electric vehicle strategy, Stellantis has announced the cancellation of the all-electric Ram 1500 REV pickup truck, pivoting instead towards an extended-range version known as the Ram 1500 REV (previously branded as the Ramcharger). This decision is attributed primarily to waning demand for full-size battery-electric trucks in North America, prompting the company to reassess and modify its product approach.
Stellantis unveiled this change in a statement, acknowledging the slowed market interest in large electric trucks while expressing a commitment to innovation nonetheless. The new Ram 1500 REV, which will utilize a combination of a battery and a gas generator, aims to achieve an impressive range of approximately 690 miles. This forecast indicates a notable shift in strategy from a purely electric solution to one that offers extended-range capabilities, merging traditional fuel systems with electric technology.
The Ram 1500’s journey has been tumultuous. Initially part of Stellantis’ ambitious goal to launch over 25 new battery-electric vehicles by the end of the decade, the all-electric variant underwent several delays. After an eye-catching launch at CES 2023, Stellantis’s plans began to falter, with the manufacturing timeline pushed from a projected start in 2024 to an uncertain 2026. Key features that were to distinguish the truck, including advanced tech integrations and spacious designs, have been shelved as part of this reassessment.
Despite the shift away from a battery-electric design, Stellantis is not abandoning the electric vehicle landscape entirely. A representative confirmed that the automaker is still on track to begin production of the new extended-range Ram 1500 in 2026, suggesting an evolution rather than a total retreat from electrification.
As this sector continues to evolve rapidly, the future of electric trucks remains a complex interplay of consumer demand and technological feasibility, with Stellantis now attempting to carve out its niche in a changing marketplace.
