FYI: Ram’s shift in battery strategy for its upcoming electric truck reflects evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Ram’s Revised Path for Its 1500 Electric Truck
In a significant strategic maneuver, Ram is recalibrating its plans for the electric version of its 1500 pickup truck, originally envisaged to feature a cutting-edge 229-kWh battery offering a 500-mile range. Now, Ram has scrapped these plans and is focusing exclusively on a 168-kWh battery option. This revised model is expected to promise a range of approximately 350 miles.
Why the Change?
This strategic adjustment was reported on January 15 by Mopar Insiders and later confirmed by a spokesperson for Stellantis, Ram’s parent company. The move is reportedly driven by shifting consumer interest and a desire to prioritize their forthcoming plug-in hybrid model over purely electric options.
Enter the Ramcharger
Instead, Ram will concentrate its initial efforts on the 1500 Ramcharger plug-in hybrid, anticipated to offer an impressive range of 690 miles. This range is achieved through a combination of a 92-kWh battery and a gasoline V-6 engine serving as a backup power source. Sales for the 1500 Ramcharger are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025.
Electric Efficiency Concerns
The 1500 REV’s reconsidered focus on a 350-mile range might concern some potential buyers, especially given competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning, which achieves approximately 2.4 miles per kWh using a platform originally designed for gas-powered vehicles. Ram’s electric truck struggles to meet these benchmarks.
Industry and Market Trends
This pivot in Ram’s strategy is reflective of broader industry trends, where consumer interest in hybrids remains strong amid concerns about electric vehicle infrastructure. Volkswagen’s new Scout brand further exemplifies this trend, as its Terra electric truck also emphasizes hybrid capability in response to customer demand.
Looking Ahead
Ram plans to debut the 1500 REV electric truck in 2026, a delay from its originally scheduled release in 2024. This postponement isn’t isolated; earlier this year, Stellantis announced the cancellation of a Chrysler electric crossover, initially set for a 2025 launch, all indicating a strategic pivot within the automotive giant’s electric vehicle offerings.
Conclusion
Ram’s recalibrated plan signals a strategic focus on catering to consumer demands while carefully evaluating the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. The 1500 Ramcharger aims to fill the gap with its hybrid efficiency, meeting long-range driving needs until infrastructure and technology for purely electric solutions mature.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
