Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis is expressing a strong desire to add another van to the brand’s lineup. Speaking with Automotive News, Kuniskis emphasized his interest in a passenger van, even as the market for minivans appears to be shrinking.
While Chrysler already offers the Pacifica and Voyager, Kuniskis has his eye on Ram’s past success with the now-discontinued Dodge Grand Caravan. The Grand Caravan was Dodge’s best-selling vehicle in 2018 and 2019. Before production ended in 2020, Dodge frequently sold over 120,000 Grand Caravans annually.
Kuniskis’ interest in bringing back a van aligns with Ram’s plans to reenter the small commercial van segment in the U.S. This market was left vacant after the discontinuation of the Ram ProMaster City in 2023. According to sources close to MoparInsiders, Ram is likely to fill this gap with a rebadged version of the Fiat E-Scudo, which could debut in late 2025 as the 2026 Ram ProMaster City.
What Is the Fiat E-Scudo? –
Currently sold in Europe, the Fiat E-Scudo is a versatile compact van built on Stellantis’ EMP2 platform. It has garnered praise for its efficiency and adaptability, offering two lithium-ion battery pack options: a 50-kWh version with a range of up to 143 miles (230 kilometers) and a 75-kWh version that can travel up to 205 miles (330 kilometers) on a single charge. According to our sources, the compact van that is set to join the Ram lineup in North America will feature the 75-kWh battery pack as standard equipment.
The E-Scudo is powered by a 100-kW (136 horsepower) electric motor that delivers 260 Nm (191 lb-ft) of torque, making it an excellent choice for urban logistics and short-distance deliveries. It boasts a maximum payload capacity of 2,200 pounds (1 ton) and a cargo volume of 233 cubic feet (6.6 cubic meters), providing a compact yet capable solution for small businesses. The van also supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, allowing the 50-kWh battery to reach 80% charge in just 30 minutes and the 75-kWh version to do so in 45 minutes.
In the U.S. market, our sources indicate that only the battery-electric (BEV) version of the E-Scudo will initially be offered. However, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis’ recent comments and evolving policies could potentially pave the way for the future introduction of an internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, depending on market demand and regulatory conditions.
Strategic Move to Boost Sales –
Ram’s renewed focus on vans could be a strategic response to the brand’s sales decline, which dropped 19% last year to 439,039 units. Ram’s commercial segment remains strong, with 80% of Stellantis’ North American commercial vehicle sales coming from Ram products.
Former Ram CEO Christine Feuell previously stated, “I can confirm that we have the products and services to establish a leadership position in the commercial vehicles segments and drive double-digit growth.”
This aligns with Stellantis’ broader goals as the company works to challenge Ford’s dominance in the commercial vehicle market. For instance, Ford’s commercial division, Ford Pro, generated $3 billion in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
Looking Ahead –
If the Fiat E-Scudo does indeed make its way to North America as the new Ram ProMaster City, it will mark a significant step forward for Ram in the compact commercial van segment. While official details are still under wraps, the Scudo (the traditional ICE model) and E-Scudo are currently on sale in both the European and South American markets.
