Stellantis Axes Ram 1500 REV Amid Slowing Electric Truck Demand
▼ Summary
– Stellantis is discontinuing its Ram 1500 REV electric truck due to slowing sales of heavy-duty electric trucks.
– The Ram 1500 REV name will continue on the Ramcharger pickup, which is a range-extended electric vehicle.
– Both the Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger were delayed, with the REV now expected in 2026 after a prior 2024 target.
– Stellantis’ decision follows CEO Carlos Tavares’ resignation amid sales declines and criticism over brand management.
– Automakers are delaying or canceling EV plans as federal incentives disappear, and heavy electric trucks face challenges like high costs and reduced range when towing.
In a significant shift reflecting broader market trends, Stellantis has officially discontinued the fully electric Ram 1500 REV, pointing to cooling demand within the electric truck segment. The decision underscores the challenges automakers face as consumer enthusiasm for high-cost electric pickups wanes, particularly in the absence of strong federal incentives.
Rather than abandoning the REV name entirely, Stellantis will repurpose it for the upcoming Ramcharger, a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) that combines a gasoline engine with electric propulsion. Company representatives emphasized that this model will “set a new benchmark in the half-ton segment,” promising exceptional range, towing capability, and payload performance.
Originally unveiled at the 2023 New York Auto Show, the all-electric Ram 1500 REV was initially slated for a 2024 release. However, Stellantis postponed its launch to 2026, choosing instead to prioritize the Ramcharger, which also experienced delays. This strategic pivot occurred amid leadership changes, including the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares, following a notable slump in the company’s sales. Critics have accused Stellantis of neglecting its U.S. brands and failing to introduce more affordable vehicle options.
Both the Ramcharger and the now-canceled REV were designed to use the STLA Frame platform, a flexible architecture supporting electric, hybrid, gasoline, and hydrogen powertrains. This engineering allows the Ramcharger to achieve an impressive 690 miles of combined range on a full battery and gas tank, addressing a key concern among truck buyers: range anxiety during heavy use.
Stellantis joins a growing list of automakers scaling back electric vehicle ambitions as federal tax credits phase out and buyer demand softens. The electric truck segment faces unique hurdles, including the need for larger, more expensive batteries and reduced efficiency when towing or carrying heavy loads. Models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck have all seen slower-than-anticipated sales, suggesting that many consumers remain hesitant to switch from conventional powertrains for demanding truck applications.
(Source: The Verge)
