Ram has announced further delays for its highly anticipated electric truck models, including the Ramcharger and the Ram 1500 REV. Originally slated to arrive sooner, these vehicles are now expected to launch later than initially projected. According to a report by Crain’s Detroit Business, the innovative Ramcharger is now scheduled to debut in early 2026, while the all-electric Ram 1500 REV will follow in the summer of 2027. This marks another shift in the production timeline for the REV, which was initially planned for a late 2024 release after being unveiled in 2023.
Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, Jeep, and Chrysler, attributes the delay of the Ram 1500 REV to slowing demand for full-size electric pickups. This rationale echoes a previous announcement in December, where the automaker shifted the REV’s production from early 2025 to 2026. The company is extending the quality validation period for the Ramcharger, pushing its launch to early 2026. These adjustments reflect the evolving landscape of the electric vehicle market and the challenges automakers face in meeting consumer expectations and market demands.
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is poised to be a distinctive entry in the truck market as America’s first extended-range electric truck. This innovative vehicle combines a battery-powered system with a gasoline engine that acts as a range extender. The Ramcharger promises to deliver the benefits of both electric and gas-powered trucks, offering an appealing solution for drivers seeking electric capabilities without the range limitations typically associated with EVs.
The Ramcharger is designed to travel approximately 140 miles on electric power alone. Once the battery is depleted, a V6 gasoline generator kicks in to extend the total range by an additional 550 miles. It’s important to note that the gasoline engine does not directly drive the wheels; instead, it generates electricity to power the truck’s battery pack. This setup allows for extended journeys while still providing the option for emission-free driving during shorter trips. The actual market reception and the ultimate cost of the Ramcharger will be critical factors in determining its success.
Stellantis is among several automakers adjusting their EV strategies due to slower-than-expected growth in the electric vehicle market. The potential reduction of pro-EV policies, such as federal clean-car tax credits and tailpipe emissions regulations, could further influence this trend. The market for electric pickup trucks, in particular, has not developed as rapidly as anticipated.
Ford’s experience with the F-150 Lightning illustrates this point. Despite ambitious production targets of 150,000 units annually set in 2022, Ford sold approximately 33,000 F-150 Lightnings last year. Several factors contribute to this slower adoption rate, including the higher cost of electric pickups compared to their gasoline counterparts, primarily due to expensive battery packs. Additionally, electric trucks often have limitations in towing capacity over long distances, and there is limited overlap between traditional truck buyers and EV enthusiasts, who are often concentrated in coastal urban areas.
