Ram Abandons Plans for All-Electric Pickup Truck, Shifts Focus to Extended-Range Model
In a surprise move, Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, announced on Friday that it will no longer develop a battery-electric full-size pickup truck. The decision comes as demand for full-size battery-electric trucks slows in North America.
According to a statement sent to TechCrunch and posted on its website, Stellantis cited low demand for full-size battery-electric trucks as the primary reason for abandoning plans for an all-electric Ram 1500 REV pickup truck. The company will instead pursue an extended-range truck that combines a battery with a gas generator, offering an estimated 690 miles of range.
"We're reassessing our product strategy in light of changing market conditions," said a spokesperson for Stellantis. "We believe there's still a strong demand for trucks with exceptional range and towing capability, but we need to adapt to the current market reality."
The decision marks a significant shift in Ram's electric vehicle plans, which had previously focused on developing an all-electric pickup truck. The company will now rename its REEV-powered pickup to Ram 1500 REV (formerly Ramcharger), emphasizing its extended-range capabilities.
Industry experts point out that Stellantis' move is not entirely unexpected, given the slow adoption rate of full-size battery-electric trucks in North America. "While there's been significant interest in electric vehicles, the market for full-size BEVs has been slower to develop," said a senior analyst at a leading automotive research firm.
The shift towards extended-range trucks may seem counterintuitive, but it reflects a growing trend in the industry. Many manufacturers are now exploring hybrid and plug-in hybrid options as a way to balance range anxiety with environmental concerns.
Stellantis' decision is likely to have significant implications for the electric vehicle market, particularly in North America. As demand for full-size battery-electric trucks slows, other manufacturers may follow suit, opting for extended-range or hybrid models instead.
The Ram 1500 REV will continue to be developed and marketed as an extended-range pickup truck, with a focus on its exceptional range, towing capability, and payload performance. While the name change may cause some confusion among consumers, it reflects the company's commitment to adapting to changing market conditions.
As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, Stellantis' decision serves as a reminder that manufacturers must be agile and responsive to shifting consumer preferences and market trends. With its extended-range Ram 1500 REV, the company is poised to capitalize on growing demand for trucks with exceptional range and capabilities.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
