In a move that sends a clear signal about the state of the electric vehicle market, Ram has officially announced the cancellation of its all-electric pickup truck, the Ram 1500 REV. Citing slowing demand for battery-electric pickups in North America, Ram’s parent company, Stellantis, is pivoting its strategy to focus on a more pragmatic solution: a range-extended electric truck.
The decision comes after a series of delays and a scaling back of the Ram 1500 REV’s initial ambitious specs. The fully electric truck, which was first announced with a targeted 500-mile range and a massive 229-kWh battery, had its long-range version scrapped earlier this year. Now, the entire project has been shelved.
Instead, Stellantis is putting all its chips on the truck formerly known as the Ramcharger, which will now take on the “REV” name. This range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) combines a gas-powered V6 engine with a battery pack. The engine acts solely as a generator, charging the battery, which in turn powers the wheels. This setup offers the benefits of electric driving—like instant torque and a quiet ride—while eliminating the “range anxiety” that plagues many potential truck buyers. The new Ram 1500 REV (the REEV version) promises a best-in-class total driving range of up to 690 miles.
This strategic shift highlights a growing realism in the automotive industry. While other automakers like Ford and General Motors have launched their own electric pickups, they have faced challenges with production and sales. Ram’s move is a clear acknowledgment that the market for a pure battery-electric truck is not as robust as once anticipated, especially for a vehicle segment where towing, payload, and long-distance travel are paramount.
For Ram, this is a calculated bet. By focusing on a technology that bridges the gap between traditional and all-electric powertrains, the company believes it can win over a wider customer base. It’s a pragmatic approach that offers the best of both worlds, potentially sidestepping the issues of charging infrastructure and cold-weather performance that have been a concern for BEV trucks.
While some might see this as a retreat from electrification, it’s more accurately a recalibration. Stellantis’s broader electrification goals remain in place, but the path to achieving them is now more flexible and responsive to consumer needs. The new Ram 1500 REV, with its range-extending capabilities, could be the perfect solution for truck buyers who are curious about electric power but aren’t ready to fully commit.
