Stellantis has officially postponed the launch of its highly anticipated all-electric Ram 1500 REV until 2026. This marks yet another delay for the EV pickup, which was initially set to hit the market in late 2024. The decision comes amid what Stellantis describes as “slowing industry demand” for electric trucks in the U.S. market.
Meanwhile, the automaker is accelerating the release timeline for an alternative: the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, a range-extending hybrid truck. This model is now scheduled to debut in the first half of 2025, offering consumers a practical bridge to full electrification.
Why the Delay?
Stellantis acknowledges that the decision to postpone the Ram 1500 REV comes down to market realities. Despite increasing interest in EVs globally, consumer demand for fully electric pickups has been tepid, with buyers proving hesitant to transition away from gasoline-powered models.
Instead, the company is prioritizing the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which features a gasoline-powered generator paired with an electric battery. According to Stellantis, this decision was driven by factors such as a preference for extended range, inadequate charging infrastructure, and the imperative to maintain technological competitiveness in the segment.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger: A Game-Changing Hybrid
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger aims to cater to customers who desire EV capabilities without entirely depending on charging stations. This range-extender truck combines a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a 92 kWh battery pack. The innovative system delivers a range of 690 miles (1,110 km), far surpassing the 500-mile (805 km) range of the fully electric Ram 1500 REV.
As for performance, the Ramcharger boasts 663 horsepower (494 kW/672 PS), which gives it a slight edge over the Ram 1500 REV’s 654 horsepower (448 kW/663 PS). Both vehicles are set to be manufactured at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan, where traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks are also built.
Prototype of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, highlighting its rugged design and hybrid capabilities.
Leadership Shifts and Strategic Adjustments
The new direction for the Ram brand coincides with recent leadership changes at Stellantis. Tim Kuniskis, known for spearheading Dodge’s Hellcat program, has taken over as CEO of the Ram division. This move followed the departure of former CEO Chris Feuell and a broader executive shake-up at Stellantis.
Kuniskis’ leadership comes at a pivotal time when the automaker must address the challenge of balancing its ambitious electrification goals with the practical realities of current market dynamics. His experience is expected to guide the brand as it navigates consumer preferences for hybrid solutions over all-electric options.
The upcoming Ram 1500 REV, which has been delayed to 2026, aligns with Stellantis’ electrification strategy despite market constraints.
Key Specifications Comparison
Feature |
Ram 1500 REV |
Ram 1500 Ramcharger |
|---|---|---|
Powertrain |
Fully Electric |
Range-Extender Hybrid |
Battery Capacity |
92 kWh |
92 kWh |
Engine |
N/A |
3.6L V6 as Generator |
Range |
500 miles (805 km) |
690 miles (1,110 km) |
Horsepower |
654 hp (448 kW) |
663 hp (494 kW) |
Launch Date |
2026 |
2025 |
As EV producers like Ford and Tesla continue to face challenges scaling their electric trucks, Stellantis’ pivot toward hybrid technology might offer a more realistic solution for current market needs. While the delay of the Ram 1500 REV may disappoint some, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger positions Stellantis to remain competitive and adaptable during this transitional phase of automotive electrification.
