Stellantis has officially abandoned its plans to launch its Ram 1500 REV all-electric pickup truck, as the automaker says that consumer demand for large battery-electric trucks has not materialized as expected.
The move comes after an unexpected decision to scrap the long-range version of the Ram 1500 REV earlier this year.
In a statement, Stellantis explained, “As demand for full-size battery electric trucks slows in North America, Stellantis is reassessing its product strategy and will discontinue development of a full-size BEV pickup.” (via Automotive News)
Instead, Stellantis is putting its resources into its upcoming plug-in hybrid pickup that combines a 92 kWh battery with a gasoline V6 engine acting as a generator, offering 141 miles (226 km) of all-electric range and a total driving distance of up to 690 miles (1,110 km).
This hybrid was originally going to be called the Ramcharger, but with the cancelation of the Ram 1500 REV, Stellantis is now giving that name to the Ramcharger – not confusing at all.
When Ram first unveiled the 1500 REV, the company set its sights high. The long-range variant was designed to boast a massive 229-kilowatt-hour battery pack and an EPA-estimated driving range of 500 miles (804 kilometers).
Other planned features included 800-volt architecture with up to 350 kW DC fast charging, bi-directional power transfer for home or job site use, 14,000 pounds of towing capacity, and a cavernous 15-cubic-foot front trunk.
These specifications positioned the Ram 1500 REV as a direct rival to the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, and ahead of Ford’s F-150 Lightning in key performance categories. However, Stellantis abruptly canceled the long-range version earlier this year, instructing suppliers to halt development.
At the time, the company said it would focus on delivering a standard model with a 168 kWh battery and an estimated 350-mile (563 km) range. Now, even that plan has been shelved.
