Ram Shifts Electric Truck Strategy: Focuses on Extended-Range REV Model

Stellantis Changes Course on All-Electric Ram 1500 Development

In a recent announcement, Stellantis, the automotive conglomerate overseeing prominent American brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Trucks, confirmed its decision to indefinitely halt the development and market introduction of the all-electric Ram 1500 pickup truck. The company attributed this strategic pivot to a noticeable decline in demand for fully battery-electric trucks within the North American market. As a consequence of this revised strategy, the range-extended Ram 1500, previously recognized as the Ramcharger, will undergo a rebranding and assume the name Ram 1500 REV, signaling its new role as the flagship model for Ram's electrified vehicle initiatives.

The Challenges Faced by the All-Electric Ram 1500's Rollout

Initially slated for a launch in the first half of 2025, the all-electric Ram 1500 encountered multiple obstacles that ultimately compromised its market viability. These challenges included a downturn in the overall electric pickup truck market and significant corporate restructuring within Stellantis. Furthermore, a December 2024 statement from Stellantis indicated an acceleration of the range-extended model's launch ahead of the pure EV, driven by substantial consumer enthusiasm for the former, the imperative to maintain a technological edge, and a general deceleration in industry demand for half-ton battery-electric pickups.

Introduction and Promising Specifications of the Initial Electric Ram Concept

Following earlier preliminary announcements, the initial concept for the all-electric Ram 1500 BEV, then referred to as the Ram 1500 REV, was unveiled at the 2023 New York International Auto Show. It was positioned as a cornerstone vehicle within Stellantis's ambitious Dare Forward 2030 electrification strategy, a comprehensive plan that also led to the revamped Dodge Charger EV. Designed upon the company's adaptable STLA Frame body-on-frame architecture, this electric truck was intended to compete directly with domestic rivals such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevy Silverado EV. At its debut, Ram outlined a diverse range of configurations, including a standard 168 kWh battery providing an estimated range of up to 350 miles and a larger 229 kWh variant targeting up to 500 miles. The company also highlighted impressive payload and towing capabilities, reaching up to 2,700 lbs and 14,000 lbs, respectively, alongside premium features like a 23-speaker Klipsch audio system in its top-tier Tungsten trim.

The Ascent of the Ram 1500 REV (Formerly Ramcharger)

By November 2023, Ram's direction for its electrified offerings began to clarify with the introduction of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, now recognized as the Ram 1500 REV. This model is an extended-range electric vehicle that ingeniously combines a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with an EV battery pack. Operating akin to a diesel-hybrid locomotive, the Pentastar engine's sole function is to generate power for the batteries, engaging only when charging is required, rather than directly propelling the wheels. Consequently, the REV largely mirrors the operational feel of a gasoline-powered truck while retaining the option for conventional plug-in charging. Ram claims this extended-range model can achieve an impressive total range of up to 690 miles when both its fuel tank and battery are depleted.

Outlook and Broader Industry Trends in Vehicle Electrification

As of now, Ram's official website indicates a "projected availability" for the Ram 1500 REV (the rebranded Ramcharger) in 2026. Data from Ford Authority suggests that in Q2 2025, the Ford F-150 Lightning surpassed the sales figures of its electric counterparts, including the Tesla Cybertruck, Chevy Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV. However, these sales metrics do not necessarily indicate a booming electric pickup truck market, especially with federal tax incentives scheduled to expire by the end of September 2025. In this evolving landscape, it is becoming increasingly commonplace for automotive manufacturers to adopt a more measured approach to electrification or even consider powertrain downsizing, particularly in light of recent shifts in emissions policies and fluctuating consumer preferences. Stellantis and Ram's decision to reinstate the Hemi engine for the 2026 Ram 1500 serves as a prime example of this trend, a move that alone reportedly sparked considerable buyer interest, akin to the excitement surrounding a new iPhone release.