In a significant update from Stellantis, the launch of the all-electric Ram pickup has been postponed from 2025 to 2026. This decision stems from various factors, including slower than anticipated adoption rates of electric vehicles (EVs) and mounting challenges that competitors face in achieving profitability with electric truck models. As the automotive landscape shifts rapidly towards electrification, Stellantis is recalibrating its approach to better align with market realities and consumer preferences.
As part of the revised plan, Stellantis is emphasizing the launch of an electric range-extended model called the Ramcharger. This innovative vehicle combines traditional gasoline engine technology with electric features, aimed at striking a balance between practicality and sustainability. The Ramcharger will be available for customer orders in the first half of 2025, establishing it as a key product in the transition toward fuller electrification, while the fully electric Ram 1500 REV is anticipated to follow in 2026.
Stellantis articulated that the decision to prioritize the Ramcharger was influenced by market demand. Per their announcement, the Ramcharger’s appeal centers around its capacity to meet consumer needs for utility without fully committing to the limitations often associated with pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
This shift comes on the heels of significant leadership changes within the company, notably the return of Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis. The automotive industry is witnessing a turbulent period marked by both management revamps and sales trends that reveal decreased consumer interest in certain vehicle types. Ram’s brand has grappled with a 24% decline in sales through the third quarter of the year, a sign that immediate action was necessary to revive its fortunes.
During his return, Kuniskis expressed a commitment to transforming the brand, emphasizing a need for agility in responding to market conditions. His remarks hinted at upcoming changes designed to leverage consumer interest and technological advancements. He acknowledged slower sales linked to the delayed rollout of the redesigned Ram 1500 and the postponed release of heavy-duty models, indicating that remedial efforts are underway.
The Ramcharger is characterized as an “extended-range electric vehicle” (EREV), which porously bridges the gaps between traditional combustion engines and the rapidly evolving electric options on the market. This vehicle is engineered to run as a zero-emission EV until its battery capacity is depleted, at which point a gas-powered 3.6-liter V6 engine serves as an onboard generator to sustain operation. With estimated ranges soaring up to 690 miles, the Ramcharger could be a game-changer for consumers seeking a reliable and versatile solution in the electrifying automotive landscape.
The introduction of the Ramcharger reflects a broader strategic pivot that Stellantis is undertaking in response to both internal challenges and external market factors. For the company, the aim is twofold: to create compelling products that capture consumer interest while also navigating the delays and uncertainties that color the transition to electric mobility.
Stellantis’s decision to delay its all-electric Ram pickup and pivot toward the launch of the Ramcharger underscores the complexities of the current automotive market. By balancing traditional and electric technologies, the company aims to position itself favorably amidst an influx of consumer expectations and competitive pressures. As the industry evolves, Stellantis remains focused on innovation and responsiveness to ensure its continued relevance and success in the ever-changing landscape of electric vehicles.