The RAM 1500 REV EV ute has been killed off on the eve of its launch over slowing demand for battery-electric full-size pick-ups in North America.
Thought to have been just weeks away from its debut, the Stellantis-owned truck-maker is understood to have been monitoring sales of the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning and the controversy-courting Tesla Cybertruck before making a last-minute decision to pull the plug on the EV version.
It also reflects a wider move away from battery electric commitments within Stellantis with Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Maserati all slowing their transition to EVs.
At the same time new group boss Antonio Filosa is reintrducing the iconic Hemi V8 fare and wide across the line-up.
First unveiled at the 2023 New York motor show, the zero-emission pick-up was originally scheduled to be on sale by late 2024.
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Even just a few months ago, RAM CEO Tim Kuniskis confirmed the 1500 REV EV was still on track for a launch.
The decision to cull it is understood to have been made at the very last minute, in the wake of waning demand and the collapse of the Tesla Cybertruck sales.
Originally, the RAM 1500 REV EV was supposed to launch with either a massive 168kWh or even bigger 229kWh battery packs, the latter offering a range of more than 805km on a single charge.
Top of the range versions of the 1500 REV EV were set to come with a dual-motor powertrain that would produce 448kW and 840Nm for a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint of just 4.4 seconds.
The RAM 1500 Ramcharger range-extender hybrid will now switch to the ‘1500 REV’ nameplate, with the US brand refocusing all its resources to ensure the remaining plug-in is a success when it launches in 2026.
When it arrives the new range-extender-powered 1500 will bag dual-motors and all-wheel drive, with total power and torque capped at 482kW and 826Nm of torque, for a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) claimed at just 4.5 seconds.
Total range, with a full charge and a brimmed tank of fuel is claimed to be more than 1100km.
RAM has yet to announce the full EV range for 1500 REV hybrid but it’s thought it could exceed 200km.
Despite never launching in the US, the RAM 1500 REV had already been confirmed for a conversion and local launch Down Under. There’s no word yet if there are any plans to import the range-extender version in its place.
