Ram Abandons Plans for Electric Pickup Truck, 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, 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 pickup truck. "As demand for full-size battery-electric trucks slows in North America, we are reassessing our product strategy," the statement reads. Ram will instead focus on developing an extended-range version of its 1500 REV pickup truck, which was previously known as the Ramcharger. This vehicle will combine a battery with a gas generator to achieve an estimated 690 miles of range. "This new approach will set a new benchmark in the half-ton segment, offering exceptional range, towing capability, and payload performance," said a spokesperson for Stellantis. The shift in strategy marks a significant departure from Ram's earlier plans to enter the electric pickup market with a battery-electric vehicle. Industry analysts had been closely watching the development of the all-electric Ram 1500, which was seen as a key player in the growing EV pickup segment. However, the decision to abandon plans for an all-electric pickup truck may be a sign that the market is not yet ready for such vehicles on a large scale. "While electric pickups are gaining traction, they still face significant challenges in terms of range and charging infrastructure," said Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. The extended-range Ram 1500 REV will likely appeal to customers who want the benefits of an electric vehicle without sacrificing range or towing capability. The new model is expected to hit the market in the near future, with pricing and availability details yet to be announced. In a statement, Stellantis emphasized its commitment to electrification and sustainability, saying that it remains "firmly committed to our goal of becoming a leader in electric vehicles." However, the company's decision to abandon plans for an all-electric pickup truck raises questions about its ability to meet this goal in the near term. As the automotive industry continues to evolve towards greater electrification, Stellantis' decision serves as a reminder that even the largest and most ambitious players can be forced to adapt to changing market conditions. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*