Electric Ram 1500 REV dead on arrival
Slowing demand for Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning has seen electric Ram culled, range-extender hybrid still on targetThe News
The battery-electric Ram 1500 REV ute launch has been cancelled just weeks out from its expected arrival, with execs pulling the plug on Ram’s answer to the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning, following slow sales of full-size electric utes in North America. Ram will now launch a range-extender version of the 1500 that will inherit the 'REV' nameplate from the former EV.
The Key Details
- Battery-powered Ram 1500 REV culled before launch
- Weak demand blamed for death of full-size electric ute
- US truck-maker to refocus effort and launch range-extender version instead
- Original EV was supposed to launch with 229kWh battery to deliver 805km range
The Finer Details
The Ram 1500 REV electric truck was originally unwrapped at the 2023 New York motor show with the US truck-maker announcing that its zero-emission pick-up would be on sale by late 2024.
Even just a few months ago, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed that the 1500 REV was still on track for launch, with the decision to cull it thought to have been made at the very last minute, in the wake of waning demand and the collapse of Tesla Cybertruck sales.
Originally, the Ram 1500 REV EV was supposed to launch with either a huge 168kWh or even larger 229kWh battery pack, with the latter offering a range of more than 805km on a single charge.
Range-topping versions were set to come with a 448kW/840Nm dual-motor powertrain for a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint of just 4.4 seconds.
In its place, the inbound Ram 1500 Ramcharger will likely be rebranded as the 1500 REV, with an expected 2026 launch.
When it lands, the new range-extender-powered 1500 will also come with dual-motors and all-wheel drive, with total power and torque capped at 482kW/826Nm, for a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) claimed at just 4.5 secs.
Total range, with a full charge and brimmed tank of fuel is claimed to be 1100km.
There's no word yet on how far the new 1500 REV hybrid will travel on EV power alone.
The Road Ahead
The battery-electric Ram 1500 REV full-size ute was originally confirmed for both a local conversion and release in Australia so it's highly likely the US truck-maker will switch the EV for range-extender while keeping the name.
If it does, the Ram 1500 REV could herald genuine savings when it comes to running costs, without any of the range anxiety associated with full-size utes, especially when towing.
Related: 2024 Ram 1500 REV specs announced
Related: Ram 1500 EV confirmed for Australia
Related: Ram 1500 V8 returns but only in the US
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