Stellantis Halts All-Electric Ram Pickup Amid Shifting EV Demand
The automaker will instead prioritize a range-extended hybrid model, raising questions about its competitive footing in the electric truck market.
Stellantis is hitting the brakes on its all-electric Ram 1500 pickup truck, a significant strategy shift that reflects a broader cooling in the North American market for battery-powered trucks. The company confirmed it will not move forward with the previously announced all-electric model, pivoting instead to focus on a range-extended plug-in hybrid version in a move that raises fresh questions about its electric vehicle ambitions.
The decision comes as automakers grapple with , with competitors like Ford and Rivian also facing challenges in meeting ambitious sales targets. Consumers have shown hesitancy to embrace expensive electric pickups, citing concerns over towing capacity, range, and a lack of robust charging infrastructure. Stellantis's move is a direct response to this market reality, as the company opts for a more cautious approach to electrification.
In place of the fully electric truck, Stellantis will push forward with the Ram 1500 REV, a model previously known as the Ramcharger. This vehicle features a 92 kWh battery paired with a V6 gasoline engine that functions as a generator, offering a combined range of up to 690 miles. This strategy aims to bridge the gap for truck owners who want electric driving capabilities without the range anxiety associated with pure BEVs. Production of the range-extended model is slated to begin in early 2026.
This pivot is a defining feature of new CEO Antonio Filosa's strategy, which appears to prioritize meeting immediate consumer demand for hybrid and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to combat a sales decline in North America. In a further nod to traditional buyers, the company is also .
Analysts have reacted with caution to the automaker's shifting strategy. Wall Street sentiment is largely a "hold" as investors weigh the company's financial health against a challenging automotive market. , including high dealer inventory in North America and stringent CO2 regulations in Europe. While this strategic adjustment may align with current market sentiment, it places Stellantis in a difficult position as it risks falling behind rivals in the long-term race to dominate the fully electric vehicle space.