- A leaked internal memo suggests the long-range trim of the Ram 1500 REV has been scrubbed
- That truck, the 1500 REV XL, would have had a 229-kWh battery and 800-plus-km range
- The remainder of Stellantis’ EV-truck program seems unaffected, though
There’s plenty of uncertainty in the auto industry as the calendar flips into 2025, not the least of which surrounds electric vehicles. Add in the state of flux at a certain pickup truck brand based in Auburn Hills, and you’ve the recipe for whiplash-grade decision-making.
After pushing back the entire launch of its Ram 1500 REV all-electric pickup in favour of the Ramcharger hybrid variant (which was probably a sensible idea, to be honest) it is being reported by the eagles at Mopar Insiders that Stellantis seems to have axed the long-range variant of that truck altogether. Originally slated to pack a gigantic 229-kWh battery pack, this option was expected to be good for an estimated driving range of over 800 kilometres. That would have all but erased any concerns about range anxiety, even when towing.
The rumours of this variant’s cancellation stems from a leaked internal memo, one which allegedly told suppliers to “immediately cease” all activities related to this particular truck. The note apparently goes on to say that work and expenditures on the regular-range trim should continue, and it’s only parts unique to the long-range trim which are being shelved. The standard-range truck will have a 168-kWh battery and estimated range of about 550 clicks.
None of this should be overly surprising. The hasty departure of ex-CEO Carlos Tavares combined with an incoming American administration that isn’t too keen on EVs together point to the roots of this decision, to say nothing of a Ram customer base which tends to like their V8 engines. Remember, it was allegedly at the behest of “Clueless Carlos” that the venerable Hemi was unceremoniously yanked from service; new-old boss Tim Kuniskis seems eager to plug it back into play.
Besides, this author (and many others) feel Ram has the right answer with its Ramcharger, an upcoming hybrid pickup truck which will fuse a familiar Pentastar V6 gasoline-burning engine with a decently sized battery and electric motors. For many shoppers, it’ll conveniently be the best of both worlds: EV power when ya want it, a tank of dead dinosaurs when ya don’t (or can’t).
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