Ram Abandons All-Electric Pickup Plans, Shifts to Extended-Range Model

Ram Abandons Plans for All-Electric Pickup Truck, Shifts Focus to Extended-Range Model In a surprise move, Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, has canceled plans to develop an all-electric full-size pickup truck. Instead, the company will focus on creating an extended-range model that combines a battery with a gas generator, offering an estimated 690 miles of range. According to a statement sent to TechCrunch and posted on Stellantis' website, low demand for full-size battery-electric trucks in North America was cited as the primary reason for abandoning the all-electric pickup truck plans. "As demand for full-size battery-electric trucks slows in North America, we are reassessing our product strategy," the statement reads. The decision marks a significant shift in Ram's electric vehicle (EV) strategy, which had previously been focused on developing an all-electric pickup truck. The company has now renamed its REEV-powered pickup to the Ram 1500 REV, formerly known as the Ramcharger. "We are committed to delivering exceptional range, towing capability, and payload performance," said a Stellantis spokesperson. "Our extended-range model will set a new benchmark in the half-ton segment." The move is seen as a pragmatic response to changing market conditions. While battery-electric trucks have gained popularity in recent years, demand has slowed in North America due to factors such as range anxiety and high upfront costs. Industry analysts point out that combining a battery with a gas generator is not an unheard-of approach. "This technology has been around for a while," said Michael Ramsey, an automotive analyst at Gartner. "It's a way to extend the range of electric vehicles without sacrificing performance." The Ram 1500 REV will be built on the same platform as its all-electric predecessor but with significant upgrades to its powertrain and battery system. The extended-range model is expected to debut in the coming years, although an exact timeline has not been announced. Stellantis' decision to abandon plans for an all-electric pickup truck raises questions about the future of EVs in the automotive industry. However, analysts say that the move is a necessary response to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. "The shift towards extended-range models is a sign that automakers are adapting to the needs of their customers," said Ramsey. "It's a forward-thinking approach that will help them stay competitive in the market." As the automotive industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Ram's decision to abandon plans for an all-electric pickup truck marks a significant turning point in the company's electric vehicle strategy. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*