Range-extended Ram Ramcharger steals the spotlight from its BEV sibling

In a surprising move, Stellantis has announced it will delay the launch of its highly anticipated all-electric pickup truck, the Ram 1500 REV. Instead, the automaker is going ahead with the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, a range-extended electric vehicle with impressive capabilities and a potential solution for range anxiety.

Originally scheduled for a 2025 release, the Ram 1500 REV has now been pushed back to 2026. Stellantis blames a combination of factors for this decision, including strong consumer interest in range-extended technology, a desire to maintain a competitive edge, and a perceived slowdown in demand for fully electric pickups.

The Ram 1500 Ramcharger will be ready for orders in the first half of 2025. The truck is a unique proposition for drivers wanting to benefit from electric power, but without the limitations of a purely battery-powered vehicle. Equipped with a 92 kWh battery pack and a 130 kW onboard generator, the Ramcharger targets an impressive range of up to 690 miles.

Performance figures for the Ramcharger are equally compelling. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, 663 horsepower, and over 615 lb-ft of torque, the Ramcharger promises exhilarating acceleration and robust towing capacity. The vehicle can tow up to 14,000 lb with a class 5 hitch and has a maximum payload capacity of 2,625 lb.

The Ramcharger also incorporates advanced features such as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home bi-directional charging, allowing it to charge other electric vehicles or provide power back to the grid.

The delay of the Ram 1500 REV comes at a time when Stellantis faces challenges on multiple fronts. The company recently announced the departure of CEO Carlos Tavares following a series of missteps, including bloated inventories and declining market share in North America. While the Ramcharger sounds like a compelling alternative for range-conscious buyers, it's hard to tell if it will be enough to put Stellantis at the forefront of the EV race.

Source