The anticipated launch of the all-electric Ram 1500 has officially been scrapped as Ram shifts its focus towards a new range-extended pickup truck, officially branded as the Ram 1500 REV. This decision appears to be a strategic pivot in response to dwindling demand for fully electric pickup trucks in North America.
Initially branded as the Ram 1500 REV and scheduled to hit the market in 2024, the electric pickup faced multiple delays, ultimately pushed to a 2027 release date before the complete discontinuation was announced on September 12. “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 automaker stated.
The new Ram 1500 REV has been repositioned to incorporate a range-extended powertrain, which combines an internal combustion engine with a battery pack. Unlike traditional hybrid models, this setup allows the vehicle to operate primarily on electric power while utilizing the gasoline engine to recharge the battery on-the-go. This means the battery does not necessarily need to be plugged into an external source for charging, although that remains an option. The vehicle is projected to achieve an impressive 690 miles on a full tank, coupled with 647 horsepower.
The recent announcement fits into a broader shift in strategy across Stellantis brands, including Ram, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Fiat. The company has been reevaluating its commitment to electrification—an initiative that was part of its “Dare Forward 2030” plan introduced in March 2022. That plan had initially focused heavily on sustainability and transitioning to electric vehicles. However, recent statements from Stellantis indicate that external market dynamics and regulatory pressures are making some of those goals increasingly challenging to meet.
At a recent economic conference in Paris, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa discussed the company’s performance dip over the last five years and the impact of phasing out key nameplates. He emphasized that the absence of popular models like the Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Challenger, and others resulted in a loss of market share and significant profit. The revival of these nameplates is seen as crucial to driving business growth.
Filosa promoted the range-extended Ram 1500 REV as a groundbreaking vehicle, hailing it as the first large pickup truck in the U.S. market to feature a range-extended powertrain. The company aims to set new benchmarks in the half-ton segment regarding range, towing capability, and payload performance with this new offering.
As automakers navigate the evolving landscape of consumer preferences and regulatory challenges, the shift back to traditional internal combustion engines, even within the context of electrification, reflects a significant recalibration for the company and its product offerings.
