Stellantis has formally declared its decision to discontinue the development of the fully electric Ram 1500 REV pickup, a move it justified by pointing to diminishing sales figures across the broader category of heavy-duty electric trucks. This segment, once heralded as a future-defining cornerstone of electrification, has faced significant challenges as fluctuating consumer demand, high production costs, and limitations related to electrifying large, utility-focused vehicles slowed momentum. Yet, while the original all-electric REV will no longer come to market, Stellantis emphasized that the nameplate itself will not vanish. Instead, it will be repurposed and carried forward in a rebranded form.
What was previously announced as the Ramcharger—a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV)—will now assume the identity of the Ram 1500 REV. Stellantis described this strategic rebranding as an opportunity to retain the prestige and recognition associated with the REV label while redirecting it toward a product that the company believes better aligns with present consumer expectations. In its official announcement, Stellantis underscored that this latest iteration of the Ram 1500 REV is intended to set an entirely new benchmark for the half-ton truck category, boasting remarkable range, formidable towing capacity, and a competitive payload that will secure its place as both a capable workhorse and a technologically advanced vehicle.
The original, battery-only Ram 1500 REV prototype made its public debut at the 2023 New York Auto Show, where it initially generated significant attention. At that time, Stellantis indicated the model would arrive in dealerships in the first half of 2024. However, the automaker later revised its timeline, postponing the release until 2026. The company cited a deliberate prioritization of resources toward launching the gas-extended hybrid Ramcharger—an alternative electrified pickup—which itself faced scheduling delays. This restructuring of product launches suggests a recalibration of Stellantis’ electric strategy, as the company seeks to balance its ambitious architecture for the future with the pragmatic realities of current consumer demand and production challenges.
This entire shift also unfolded against a backdrop of internal corporate turbulence. The resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares, which followed sharp declines in Stellantis’ sales, highlighted a leadership crisis. Critics have voiced persistent concerns that Stellantis has neglected its U.S. market lineup, accusing the company of undermining the value of its American brands while failing to introduce vehicles that resonate strongly with consumers on the basis of affordability. This discontent underscores the pressures facing the company as it attempts to navigate an industry in flux.
Both the Ramcharger and the original Ram 1500 REV had been designed to be built on Stellantis’ flexible STLA Frame architecture. This body-on-frame platform supports a wide array of powertrains, ranging from fully electric setups to gasoline-powered, hybrid, and even hydrogen-fueled systems, giving Stellantis the ability to pivot quickly between propulsion technologies. The Ramcharger, equipped with a gasoline extender in addition to its electric drivetrain, was projected to achieve an impressive combined driving range of approximately 690 miles when operating with both a fully charged battery and a filled fuel tank—making it especially attractive to buyers who remain wary of the limited range often associated with purely electric vehicles.
In repositioning the Ram 1500 REV, Stellantis joins the growing ranks of automakers that have either delayed or outright canceled EV rollouts in 2024. These moves correspond with significant policy changes, including the U.S. federal government’s gradual rollback of tax credits and incentives that previously helped drive consumer adoption of electric vehicles. With the disappearance of these subsidies, many manufacturers anticipate reduced enthusiasm for EVs and are therefore adjusting production schedules accordingly.
The challenges are particularly acute in the large truck segment. Electrifying heavy-duty pickups introduces unique difficulties: the need for oversized, resource-intensive batteries greatly increases production costs and vehicle weight. For example, models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck—all highly publicized electric pickups—have collectively experienced slower-than-projected sales. Consumers have also demonstrated reluctance because trucks, when performing traditional tasks such as towing boats or hauling construction materials, often see their driving range reduced far below advertised levels. This discrepancy directly undermines the trucks’ core utility, making it much harder for manufacturers to persuade buyers to transition to all-electric options.
Ultimately, Stellantis’ decision to pivot away from a pure battery-electric truck toward a range-extended model illustrates the delicate balance automakers must achieve. On one hand, they are compelled to innovate and push electrification forward in response to legislative mandates and market expectations for environmental progress. On the other, they must confront real-world limitations, ranging from technological hurdles to economic viability and consumer skepticism, especially in demanding vehicle classes like the pickup truck. The rebranded Ram 1500 REV, essentially a continuation of the Ramcharger with a new badge, represents the automaker’s attempt to reconcile these competing pressures while preserving brand identity in an increasingly uncertain EV marketplace.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/777574/stellantis-cancels-ram-1500-ev-ramcharger
