NewCars-Data.com- In a significant shift of strategy, Ram has announced a delay in the release of its highly anticipated electric pickup truck, the Ram 1500 REV. Originally set to hit the market sometime in the first half of 2025, the REV will now be pushed back to 2026.
The delay comes as the automaker has decided to prioritize the launch of its first plug-in hybrid pickup, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which will now take the production slot initially reserved for the all-electric REV. This decision reflects changing consumer preferences, concerns about electric vehicle (EV) limitations, and Ram’s response to evolving market demands.
Why the Change in Strategy?
Ram’s decision to prioritize the Ram 1500 Ramcharger over the electric REV marks a notable shift in the company’s electrification strategy. A primary reason for the delay of the REV is the decreasing demand for all-electric trucks, which, despite growing interest in EVs, has not yet reached the levels expected by some automakers. Although electric trucks have gained traction in recent years, challenges such as limited range, long charging times, and concerns about towing capacity continue to hinder widespread adoption.
In particular, the Ram 1500 REV, which is expected to offer up to 500 miles of range on a single charge with its larger 229.0-kWh battery, still faces skepticism from potential buyers about how practical it is for long trips, especially in regions where charging infrastructure remains sparse.
The shift in focus to the Ram 1500 Ramcharger also stems from the hybrid’s unique appeal in addressing one of the biggest challenges with EVs—range anxiety. Unlike electric trucks, which require charging stations, the Ramcharger features a gas engine that helps charge the battery, offering a seamless solution for drivers worried about running out of power during long drives.
With this plug-in hybrid approach, the Ramcharger ensures that owners can enjoy some of the benefits of electric driving without the fear of being stranded due to a dead battery. This flexibility is expected to appeal to a broader audience, including those who are not ready to fully commit to an electric vehicle due to concerns about range or the availability of charging stations.
Another key factor influencing Ram’s decision is customer interest. According to the automaker, there has been significantly higher demand for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which blends the best of both worlds—a powerful internal combustion engine paired with an electric motor.
The hybrid’s ability to offer a traditional refueling experience while providing some of the benefits of electrification has resonated with buyers who are looking for a bridge between the past and the future of automotive technology.
The Ramcharger, with its lower price point and reduced reliance on charging infrastructure, is expected to attract a wide range of truck buyers, particularly those who need a reliable vehicle for work or long-distance travel.
The Ram 1500 REV: What’s Changed?
Despite the delay, the Ram 1500 REV remains a crucial part of the automaker’s long-term vision for electrification. The truck is expected to make a big splash when it finally hits the market in 2026, with a number of advanced features that will set it apart from the competition.
The REV is expected to offer a driving range of up to 500 miles on a single charge when equipped with its larger 229.0-kWh battery, which is a significant leap in range compared to current electric trucks on the market. For comparison, the Ford F-150 Lightning, one of the main competitors in the electric pickup segment, offers a maximum range of around 300 miles.
To address the challenge of charging times, the Ram 1500 REV will come equipped with a 350-kW fast-charging connection, which is expected to add up to 110 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging. While this is certainly an improvement over the current charging times for electric vehicles, it’s worth noting that for some truck buyers, the convenience of a gas-powered engine remains unmatched.
Skeptics point out that it still takes less time to refuel a traditional gas-powered truck than to wait for an electric vehicle to charge, and this remains a major hurdle in convincing some drivers to switch to EVs.
Additionally, the Ram 1500 REV is expected to come with several high-tech features, including an advanced infotainment system, over-the-air software updates, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies. These features are designed to enhance the driving experience and offer convenience, safety, and performance that aligns with the growing trend of connected, smart vehicles.
However, it remains to be seen how much the Ram 1500 REV will cost, with some analysts predicting that the fully electric truck will carry a higher price tag than the Ramcharger due to the cost of its battery technology and other advanced features. Buyers will also need to factor in the potential costs of installing home charging stations and paying for public charging, which may add to the overall expense of owning an electric truck.
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger: A Plug-in Hybrid for the Masses
On the other hand, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger offers a more immediate and practical solution for consumers looking for a hybrid truck that combines the power and range of a traditional gas-powered engine with the efficiency and environmental benefits of an electric motor.
The plug-in hybrid system used in the Ramcharger eliminates the range anxiety associated with electric trucks by offering a gasoline engine that can charge the battery, ensuring that drivers are never left without power. This system also helps overcome the challenges of towing with an electric truck, as the Ramcharger is expected to deliver better towing capabilities than its fully electric counterpart.
The Ramcharger will be available for pre-order in the first half of 2025, with deliveries expected to begin soon after. Built alongside the rest of Ram’s half-ton lineup at the automaker’s Sterling Heights, Michigan plant, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is expected to be a versatile and reliable option for buyers who need a workhorse vehicle that can handle both daily driving and demanding tasks like towing and hauling.
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Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ram?
Ram’s decision to delay the REV in favor of the Ramcharger signals a shift in the way automakers are approaching the future of trucks. While the REV promises to be a game-changer for the electric vehicle market, it is clear that Ram recognizes the continued appeal of hybrid and gas-powered trucks.
With a growing number of truck buyers looking for flexibility, reliability, and convenience, the Ramcharger appears to be a well-timed addition to the market, offering a bridge between traditional vehicles and the fully electrified future.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these electrified trucks will fare in the competitive market. The Ram 1500 REV will likely be a strong contender when it finally launches in 2026, but for now, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is taking center stage as the automaker’s most exciting new release. Both trucks will be produced at Ram’s Sterling Heights plant in Michigan, ensuring that the brand continues to be a key player in the rapidly changing world of pickup trucks.
News Source: Automotive News, Car and Driver.
