Ram announced today that it will not launch its long-planned Ram 1500 REV electric vehicle (EV) until the 2026 model year.
Instead, it will accelerate production of its planned Ramcharger, a so-called extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), in its place. “Ramcharger will be open for consumer orders in the first half of 2025, followed by the Ram 1500 REV launch in 2026,” the company says.
About the Ram 1500 REV
An all-electric pickup, the Ram 1500 REV has a projected range of up to 500 miles. It’s full of innovative storage solutions, like a folding midgate that allows owners to carry objects longer than the truck’s bed.
It will have a hands-free highway driving system like Ford’s BlueCruise or GM’s Super Cruise and offer up to 654 horsepower.
About the Ramcharger
The Ramcharger splits the difference between gas and electric trucks — it operates like an electric vehicle (EV) but has an onboard engine that serves as a generator to recharge its battery in the field.
That engine has no mechanical connection to the wheels, so it’s not a pure plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Owners can recharge it from a wall plug when not in use, treating it as an EV for trips up to 145 miles. However, the V6 under the hood can recharge the battery when charging isn’t practical, allowing owners to tow without stopping to recharge.
It boasts a similar 663 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque.
‘Overwhelming’ Demand and Underwhelming Response
The company cited “overwhelming consumer interest” in the Ramcharger for the decision. It did not publicly cite low demand for electric trucks. But it might as well have. Rivals Ford and General Motors have both seen softer-than-expected demand for their F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV.
Truck buyers have proven demanding customers for EVs. Both gas and electric-powered trucks lose significant range when towing. But refilling an EV’s battery can take upwards of an hour under the best of circumstances, which makes towing with one a challenge.
Full-size pickups also sell well in the middle of the country, where EV charging infrastructure is weakest.