Stellantis Shifts Focus to Ramcharger as Market Moves to REEVs
Ramcharger to Lead, REV Delayed Amid Shift to REEVs...
Last month, we discussed that Stellantis would be pushing back its launch of its all-electric Ram 1500 REV. However, yesterday, Stellantis confirmed a strategic pivot in its electrified Ram Truck lineup, prioritizing the launch of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV). Consumer orders for the Ramcharger will open in early 2025, with production starting by summer.
Meanwhile, the Ram 1500 REV will now debut in 2026, marking a shift driven by growing interest in REEVs and a cooling demand for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the half-ton truck segment.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Performance and Range –
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is engineered to address consumer concerns about range anxiety while delivering exceptional performance and versatility. It features a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack paired with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that acts as an onboard generator. With a total system output of 663 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque, the Ramcharger accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The vehicle targets a range of up to 690 miles, making it an ideal choice for long hauls and worksite needs.
Impressive towing capabilities are also a key feature of the Ramcharger, which can tow up to 14,000 lbs and carry a payload of 2,625 lbs. Additionally, the truck boasts advanced bi-directional charging, enabling it to supply power to homes, job sites, or other vehicles.
The Ramcharger’s electric drive modules (EDMs) are central to its engineering, providing all-wheel-drive capability. A 250 kW EDM powers the front axle with an automatic wheel-end disconnect to enhance efficiency, while a 238 kW EDM at the rear features an available electronic-locking differential. The truck’s 92 kWh battery supports 400-volt DC fast charging at up to 175 kW, enabling a five-mile range boost in just one minute.
Ram 1500 REV: The All-Electric Future –
Set to debut in 2026, the all-electric Ram 1500 REV is designed for groundbreaking performance with dual 250 kW EDMs and all-wheel drive. The REV will come with a standard 168 kWh battery pack offering a range of up to 350 miles or an optional 229 kWh pack extending the range to 500 miles. However, the larger battery option will not be available until late 2026.
The REV’s towing capacity matches that of the Ramcharger at 14,000 lbs, and it has a slightly higher payload capacity of 2,700 lbs. Like the Ramcharger, the REV will feature bi-directional charging capabilities and onboard power panels, enabling up to 7.2 kW from the bed and 3.6 kW from the front trunk.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger vs. Ram 1500 REV: A Comparison –
Feature | Ram 1500 Ramcharger | Ram 1500 REV |
---|---|---|
Powertrain | REEV with 92 kWh Battery | BEV with 168/229 kWh Battery |
Range | Up to 690 miles | 350-500 miles |
Horsepower | 663 HP | 654 HP |
Torque | 615 lb.-ft. | 620 lb.-ft. |
Towing Capacity | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
Payload Capacity | 2,625 lbs | 2,700 lbs |
Charging Features | Bi-directional Charging | Bi-directional Charging |
Production Date | Mid-2025 | 2026 |
The Future of Ram’s Electrified Lineup is REEV –
Last month, former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares pointed to the significant workload of managing multiple high-profile vehicle launches as a primary reason for the delay of the REV. “We are just facing a very significant amount of workload, and we want to be very prudent in the way we validate the products,” Tavares explained during a media event. “It’s better to take a few weeks more to validate properly than to rush and then make mistakes in terms of quality.”
However, yesterday’s announcement seemed to move away from Tavares’ statement and focus more on a market shift away from all-electric pickups in favor of REEV offerings. In recent weeks, Volkswagen’s Scout Motors brand showed off its intentions to bring REEV offerings of its upcoming electric Traveler SUV and Terra pickup with their new Harvester™ extended-range system.
The REEV setup offers the benefits of an electric powertrain, such as reduced emissions and enhanced fuel efficiency, without the range anxiety often associated with fully electric vehicles. With the ability to refill at a traditional gas station, the Ramcharger will provide the best of both worlds: all the power, towing, and cargo capacity of an electric pickup without the hassle of finding an EV charging station and waiting for long recharge times.
Both the Ram 1500 Ramcharger and the REV are scheduled to be produced at the company’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan.