- A leaked email reveals Ram is focusing resources on the Ramcharger, not the REV.
- The decision aligns with current trends favoring range-extended trucks over pure EVs.
- The shift means that we won’t get a long-range version of the pure electric 1500.
The tides are shifting at Stellantis, and no, it’s not just because they’ve finally figured out how to expand their woefully inadequate lineup in North America. A new report says that the Ram REV Long Range has run out of juice. It won’t make it to production after all. Instead, Ram will focus its energy on its range-extended pickup, the Ramcharger. Here’s what we’re hearing, why this move might make sense, and what we’re losing out on in the process.
Ram Rev: A Truck That Never Was
Ford was the first of the big three to the market with an electric truck. Chevrolet managed to come in second, and Ram still hasn’t managed the feat. That said, it was supposed to finally break down that wall this year with the Ram Rev. In fact, it planned to introduce two versions. The first uses a 168 kWh battery pack and the second, dubbed the XL or long range, was going to use a 229 kWh pack.
Read: Stellantis Delays Electric Ram To 2026, Range-Extended Truck To Launch First
According to an email notice sent to suppliers and obtained by MoparInsiders, the XL has been officially chopped off of the family tree. The report states that Ram recently informed suppliers of the decision. Additionally, it claims that ‘reliable sources’ have confirmed the cancellation of the Ram REV XL production plan. Evidently, a Ram official further explained, “This decision was related to the recent move that created an opportunity to lead with Ramcharger technology.'”
Ram VS Ram
The Ramcharger, for those of you just tuning in, isn’t some ‘70s muscle car revival. It’s the name given to Ram’s new range-extended electric truck. It’ll carry a gas-burning engine onboard to supply power to electric motors when the battery runs out of juice. In theory, it could go 690 miles (1,110km) between fill-ups and it’s not exactly a weak fuel-sipping eco-truck either. Ram says it’ll make 663 hp (494 kW) and 615 lb-ft (832 Nm) of torque, which is more than any gas-burning 1500 truck it makes right now.
Why the Ram REV Long Range Wasn’t Meant to Be
In reality, focusing on the Ramcharger makes sense given the segment right now. Even with the original 229 kWh battery Ram planned, the Ram REV Long Range would’ve likely been less efficient than rivals. In addition, Scout Motors just announced huge interest in its range-extended truck and SUV. That interest no doubt comes in part due to the flexibility of the technology.
Those who want a pure EV truck can still use the vehicle in exactly that way. In emergencies or when wanting to tow or drive exceedingly far, they can put some fuel in the gas-burning engine and not have to worry about charging infrastructure. It’s a win-win for many consumers. A different Ram spokesperson tells MotorAuthority that this shift in priority is driven by “consumer interest and maintaining a competitive advantage in the segment.”
All in all, this doesn’t sound like too bad of a deal for electrified truck lovers. Sure, a longer-range Ram REV would’ve been nice but the reality is that the Ramcharger offers much of the same appeal without some of the drawbacks. Stellantis tells Carscoops that “it has made the decision to pull launch timing of its range-extended Ram 1500 Ramcharger ahead of Ram 1500 REV,”
It did not address whether or not the long-range Ram REV will make it to production or not. It did confirm that the Ram REV won’t arrive in any form until 2026. That’s plenty of time for it to change form in one way or another.
