Image by Eugene Kucheruk on Unsplash
Ram has officially pumped the brakes on its fully electric pickup truck dreams — and if you’re scratching your head about what happens next, you’re not alone.
Here’s the short version: Stellantis, the parent company behind Ram, just announced that it’s canceling plans for a battery-electric version of its full-size pickup, the Ram 1500 REV. Instead, the company is moving forward with something it believes drivers actually want — a gas-powered range extender.
So what’s replacing the all-electric Ram 1500?
Glad you asked. The company is reshuffling its lineup and will now focus on developing what used to be called the Ramcharger — now renamed (somewhat confusingly) to the Ram 1500 REV. But don’t let the similar name fool you. This isn’t the same battery-only truck they teased at CES 2023 and elsewhere.
This new version will use a battery-electric setup paired with a gas generator. It’s a more flexible hybrid approach that gives you the benefits of electric driving but with the long-haul convenience of a gas engine. According to Stellantis, this extended-range setup could give the truck up to 690 miles of range — which is huge, especially for pickup drivers who need their vehicles for serious work, travel, or towing.
Image by Haberdoedas on Unsplash
Why is Stellantis changing course?
It all comes down to demand — or rather, the lack of it.
In a statement shared on their website and with media outlets, Stellantis pointed to “slowing demand” for full-size battery electric trucks in North America. Apparently, they’re not seeing enough interest in big, fully electric pickups right now to justify moving forward.
So instead of pushing ahead with the original electric-only Ram 1500 (which had already been delayed to 2025 and then 2026), Stellantis is cutting its losses early and pivoting to what it sees as a more practical option in the current market.
Wait — weren’t they planning to sell 25+ new EVs?
Yes. The all-electric Ram truck was supposed to be part of a much bigger goal from Stellantis to launch over 25 new battery-electric vehicles in the U.S. by the end of the decade. But this latest move signals that they’re willing to be flexible — maybe even a little conservative — especially in segments like full-size pickups where EV adoption has been slower.
Let’s not forget, the original electric Ram had some wild promises: massive battery packs, high-tech features, jump seats, and bold design elements. But those plans were quietly delayed, then delayed again… now, they’re officially shelved.
What happens next?
According to Stellantis, production of the newly rebranded hybrid/extended-range Ram 1500 REV is now expected to begin in 2026. That gives the automaker some time to rethink, tweak, and hopefully deliver something that genuinely works for tech-savvy drivers who still need the flexibility of gasoline.
Here’s what we’re watching:
- How Ram actually markets the hybrid REV to drivers
- Whether the shift helps them gain ground where other EV trucks stalled
- If this strategy affects Stellantis’ larger EV goals
It’s a bold — and kind of surprising — move in a time when most headlines are about going full electric. But for pickup buyers who prioritize range, performance, and towing capacity, this may end up being a much more realistic option.
We’ll keep an eye on it.
Image by Daniel on Unsplash
Keywords: Ram pickup truck, Stellantis, hybrid truck, electric vehicle, Ram 1500 REV, Ramcharger
