“`html

Ram 1500 REV: Stellantis Adjusts EV Pickup Strategy

Stellantis is refining its strategy for electric pickup trucks, pausing development of a battery-electric full-size Ram 1500 while continuing to move forward with the Ram 1500 REV, an extended-range electric pickup formerly known as the Ramcharger. This shift reflects a broader industry trend of adjusting EV plans in response to market demand adn economic factors.

Shifting Focus to Range Extenders

Initially, Stellantis had planned for both a battery-electric version of the Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 REV. However, the company has decided to concentrate its resources on the REV model, which utilizes a range-extending technology. This technology combines a battery-electric powertrain with a gasoline-powered generator to provide a longer driving range, addressing a key concern for many potential EV truck buyers. the decision comes amid slowing EV demand and a more cautious approach to electrification across the automotive industry.

What is the Ram 1500 REV?

The Ram 1500 REV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that offers the benefits of electric driving with the flexibility of a gasoline engine. It features:

• Dual Motor System: Providing all-wheel drive capability.
• Large Battery Pack: Offering a considerable all-electric range. Ram estimates an all-electric range of up to 140 miles.
• Range Extender: A gasoline engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery, extending the overall driving range considerably.

The REV is positioned as a solution for customers who want to experience the benefits of electric driving but are hesitant to commit to a fully electric vehicle due to range anxiety or charging infrastructure limitations.

Why the Change in Strategy?

Several factors contributed to Stellantis’s decision to pause the development of the fully electric Ram 1500:

• Market Demand: Demand for fully electric trucks has been slower than initially anticipated.
• Infrastructure Concerns: The availability of public charging infrastructure remains a challenge for many potential EV buyers.
• Cost Considerations: Developing and producing a fully electric truck is expensive, and Stellantis believes focusing on the REV model is a more financially prudent approach.
• Consumer Preferences: Early feedback suggests that many truck buyers are more interested in the flexibility of a range-extended EV than a purely battery-electric option.

This strategic adjustment aligns with a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are reassessing their EV plans in light of changing market conditions. Reuters reported on this shift in February 2024.

Ram 1500 REV Release Date and Pricing

The Ram 1500 REV is expected to begin arriving in dealerships in late 2024, with the first deliveries anticipated in the fourth quarter. Car and Driver provides details on the expected release timeline. Pricing starts at $69,995 for the REV and $74,995 for the REV tungsten trim.

Key Takeaways

• Stellantis is pausing development of a fully electric Ram 1500 pickup.
• The company is focusing on the Ram 1500 REV, a plug-in hybrid with a range extender.
• The REV offers a balance between electric driving and the flexibility of a gasoline engine.
• The decision reflects changing market conditions and consumer preferences.
• The Ram 1500 REV is expected to launch in late 2024.

Stellantis’s revised strategy demonstrates a pragmatic approach to the electrification of its pickup truck lineup. By prioritizing the Ram 1500 REV, the company aims to offer a compelling EV option that addresses the needs and concerns of a wider range of truck