Ram’s electric 1500 pickup truck is unlikely to achieve the previously promised range of 500 miles.
This information was initially reported on January 15 by Mopar Insiders. A representative from Stellantis indicated that Ram has opted to prioritize launching the Ramcharger plug-in hybrid pickup first, reflecting changing consumer preferences.
The electric version of the 1500, named the 1500 REV, was first introduced in early 2023. Although its release was anticipated for 2024, Ram announced last month that the launch will now occur sometime in 2026.
The 1500 REV was initially set to feature a standard 168-kwh battery, aimed at achieving 350 miles of range, along with an optional 229-kwh battery designed for 500 miles.
The projected range of 350 miles with the 168-kwh battery is noticeably lower than what electric trucks already on the market can provide. This represents an efficiency of less than 2.1 miles per kwh, which is below the 2.4 miles per kwh efficiency of the competing Ford F-150 Lightning, which utilizes a platform initially designed for gas-powered models.
With the 1500 REV now postponed until 2026, Ram will concentrate on the 1500 Ramcharger series plug-in hybrid first, with orders expected to open in the first half of 2025. The 1500 Ramcharger is projected to offer 690 miles of range, combining a 92-kwh battery with a gas V-6 that acts as a range extender.
The spokesperson noted that the choice to emphasize the 1500 Ramcharger was influenced by “consumer interest and maintaining a competitive advantage in the segment.”
The Volkswagen Group’s new Scout brand is also set to provide a plug-in hybrid variant for its Terra electric truck. During last week’s CES 2025 event in Las Vegas, Scout’s CEO disclosed that most current reservations have been for the hybrid model, attributing this to the limitations in charging infrastructure rather than a reluctance to adopt EV technology.
The anticipated 500-mile range for the 1500 REV is not the only electric vehicle development delayed or shelved by a Stellantis brand following CEO Carlos Tavares’ departure in December; Chrysler has also confirmed the cancellation of an electric midsize crossover that was initially slated for 2025.
Image Source: ramtrucks.com
