Stellantis has announced the renaming of its Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) Ramcharger pickup to the Ram 1500 REV. The company claims this vehicle will establish a new standard in the half-ton pickup market, highlighting its range, towing capacity, and payload performance.
This decision follows the resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares, which occurred amidst a significant decline in the company’s sales. The automaker has faced criticism regarding its U.S. brand strategy and the lack of more affordable vehicle options in its lineup.
Both the Ramcharger and Ram 1500 REV are set to be constructed on Stellantis’ STLA Frame platform, designed to accommodate electric, gas, hybrid, and hydrogen powertrains. This platform is anticipated to enable the Ramcharger to achieve an extended range of up to 690 miles on a full charge and tank.
In the context of the evolving automotive market, Stellantis is among several companies to postpone or cancel electric vehicle plans this year. This shift comes as the U.S. government is eliminating tax credits and incentives that traditionally supported higher EV sales, prompting concerns among automakers about future production timelines and consumer demand for electric vehicles.
Additionally, the electrification of larger vehicles, such as trucks, presents unique challenges. These electric trucks often require larger and heavier batteries, which can significantly increase production costs. Current sales figures for popular electric trucks, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck, have not met initial expectations. Furthermore, electric trucks tend to experience diminished range when towing or carrying heavy loads, which poses a challenge for consumers who expect robust performance from such vehicles.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/777574/stellantis-cancels-ram-1500-ev-ramcharger