The anticipated launch of the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup has hit another snag, as Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, has announced the vehicle's debut will be pushed back to the first half of 2025. This delay marks a setback from initial expectations for its release by the end of 2024, following much excitement surrounding the vehicle's introduction at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares revealed during a recent virtual press event, "We are facing a very significant amount of workload and we want to be very prudent in the way we validate the products. So, we take our time." He emphasized the importance of proper validation over hasty production, stating, "It's much wiser to take extra time to validate properly than to rush and then risk making mistakes about quality."
The Ram 1500 REV will be the first all-electric pickup from Ram, carried on Stellantis's new STLA Frame platform, which is also set to support larger trucks and SUVs from the brand. Tavares pointed out the company is currently prioritizing the launch of other electric models, including the much-anticipated Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S EVs, before turning their full focus to the Ram 1500 REV. "We need to finish our current projects before we can proceed to this," he commented.
This decision reflects the company's caution and commitment to getting the blend of performance and utility right before launching the vehicle, which is set to be capable of impressive specifications. The Ram 1500 REV is projected to offer up to 500 miles of range on a single charge and will be able to tow up to 14,000 pounds, showcasing its capabilities as more than just another electric vehicle.
The excitement about the Ram 1500 REV stems from its impressive specifications, including options powered by up to 168 kWh battery packs. According to Stellantis, with the right configuration, drivers can expect extreme performance with a payload capacity reaching up to 2,700 pounds, alongside potential rapid charging capabilities.
Despite the delay, Tavares concedes the significance of rolling out the Ram 1500 REV correctly, reitering the company’s readiness to adapt to shifting market demands and regulations. He remarked, "It's not just about the current lineup but what we can offer down the road. We’re anticipating our product lineup and ensuring people are excited about what’s coming."
The market for electric pickups is heating up, with the Ram 1500 REV slated to compete against formidable entries such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla's Cybertruck, and Chevrolet's Silverado EV. Tavares acknowledged the competitive nature of the marketplace, stating, “We have to navigate these waters carefully. When we enter, we aim to do so as one of the leaders.”
This apprehension is not unwarranted, especially considering recent developments involving the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to reconsider some of the previous administration's electric vehicle (EV) initiatives, including tax credits. Reports also suggest Trump’s team may look to eliminate the $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicles, raising concerns about market viability for EVs as manufacturers gear up for competition.
Stellantis, feeling the pressure of these potential changes, continues to advocate for clarity and stability as they work toward launching their electric models. Tavares concluded, "Regardless of market shifts, we are committed to moving forward, adapting where necessary, and still aiming for our ambitious sustainability goals."
While the extended wait for the Ram 1500 REV brings disappointment to eager truck enthusiasts, it also presents Stellantis with the opportunity to fine-tune their offerings, ensuring they deliver not just performance but also the quality and innovation consumers expect.
This stance on thorough validation and production readiness is pivotal, as the automotive industry stands on the brink of significant transformation, shifting toward electrification at unprecedented speeds. Stellantis’s approach—emphasizing careful development and quality control—aims to carve out its space within this rapidly changing tide of vehicle electrification.
With the developments surrounding the Ram 1500 REV, consumers are left waiting, albeit with the promise of something truly competitive on the horizon. The industry is shifting, adapting to not just customer demands but broader regulatory landscapes, and the stakes have never been higher for established automotive players to deliver transformative products successfully.
