Ram’s electric pickup strategy has taken an unexpected turn as the automaker accelerates production of its range-extended model ahead of schedule. After discontinuing development of a fully battery-electric Ram 1500 earlier this year, Stellantis shifted its focus entirely to the Ram 1500 REV, which combines electric power with a gas generator for extended range capability.
The Ram 1500 REV is now entering production in the second half of 2026 as a 2027 model, making Ram the first American automaker to bring an extended-range electric pickup to market. The production-ready truck made a quiet debut at the Detroit Auto Show, signaling that the long-awaited model is finally moving from concept to reality at Stellantis’ Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan.
This shift reflects broader market dynamics where buyers remain hesitant about full electric trucks but show strong interest in vehicles that blend electric driving with gas-powered backup. The range-extended approach addresses concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety while still delivering the electric performance and torque that truck buyers want for towing and hauling.
Ram’s Electric Pickup Production Surge and Soaring Demand
Ram’s electric truck program has faced multiple production delays, with the Ramcharger now scheduled for Q1 2026 and the fully electric 1500 REV pushed to summer 2027. Despite these setbacks, Stellantis is banking on the range-extended hybrid approach to capture market interest ahead of the battery-only variant.
Latest Production Timelines and Updates
The Ram Ramcharger has been delayed to the first quarter of 2026, moving back from its original late 2025 target. The automaker cited the need for extended quality validation to ensure successful deployment of what they’re calling “segment exclusive REEV technology.”
The Ram 1500 REV is facing an even longer wait. Production won’t begin until summer 2027, making it likely a 2028 model year vehicle when it finally reaches dealerships.
Stellantis released a statement acknowledging these timeline shifts, pointing to slowing consumer demand for half-ton BEV pickups as a factor in reassessing strategy. The company is prioritizing the Ramcharger’s launch over the fully electric REV, betting that buyers will be more receptive to a plug-in hybrid with a gas generator backup.
What’s Fueling Stronger-Than-Expected Consumer Interest
The market for electric pickup trucks has cooled somewhat, but Ram’s range-extended approach is generating interest. The Ramcharger offers a reported 690-mile total range by combining battery power with its onboard 3.6-liter Pentastar generator.
This setup addresses the main concerns holding buyers back from full EVs: range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations. Truck buyers can operate in pure electric mode for daily driving while having gasoline backup for towing or long hauls.
The competitive landscape is also playing into Ram’s hands. By the time the Ram 1500 REV arrives in 2027, the Ford F-150 Lightning will likely be on its second generation, and the Chevy Silverado EV will be approaching mid-cycle updates.
Key Features Setting the Ramcharger and 1500 REV Apart
The Ramcharger’s range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) technology is its standout feature. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, the gas engine never directly powers the wheels—it only generates electricity for the battery.
The Ram 1500 REV is expected to feature a 229-kilowatt-hour battery pack with an estimated 500-mile driving range on battery power alone. That’s among the highest capacity batteries planned for any production truck.
Ram has positioned both trucks to compete in the off-road and customized segments, which represent the fastest-growing areas of the pickup market. The brand is leveraging its performance truck expertise to differentiate these electric offerings from competitors in the half-ton segment.
Core Performance, Capability, and Electric Technology
The 2026 Ram 1500 REV delivers 647 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque through a dual-motor setup, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds while targeting up to 690 miles of total range. The truck combines a 92-kWh battery with an onboard generator system that eliminates range anxiety without requiring public charging infrastructure.
Extended Range and Powertrain Innovations
The Ram 1500 REV uses a 92-kWh liquid-cooled battery paired with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that functions exclusively as a 130-kW generator. Power flows from the engine to the generator, converting mechanical energy into electricity that either charges the battery or sends power directly to the electric drive modules.
The truck features a 250-kW front motor and a 248-kW rear motor, with no mechanical connection between the engine and wheels. The front motor includes an automatic wheel-end disconnect that allows the wheels to spin freely under certain conditions to maximize efficiency. This range-extended setup gives the truck up to 690 miles of range, far exceeding typical electric vehicle capabilities.
The system can operate in multiple modes, using battery power alone for around 145 miles of electric-only driving before the generator kicks in. Drivers can choose to preserve battery charge or let the generator maintain battery levels during longer trips.
Towing, Payload, and Real-World Truck Performance
Ram designed the 1500 REV to handle serious work with a best-in-class 14,000-pound towing capacity using a class 5 hitch. The truck also offers a maximum payload capacity of 2,625 pounds, positioning it among the most capable electric pickups announced to date.
The vehicle uses the STLA Frame platform specifically engineered for full-size electric trucks with a body-on-frame design. The high-strength steel frame incorporates advanced materials to reduce weight while maintaining stiffness and durability. The platform is wider in the middle to accommodate the battery pack while keeping protection from the frame rails.
A multi-link independent rear suspension comes standard with active-level four-corner air suspension. The adjustable system enables five modes: entry/exit, aero, normal, off-road 1, and off-road 2.
Charging Capabilities and Bi-Directional Power
The Ram 1500 REV supports 400-volt DC fast charging at up to 175 kW, adding approximately 5 miles of range per minute of charging. The charge port sits on the driver’s side front quarter panel, with Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging on top and DC fast charging on the bottom.
Bi-directional charging capabilities allow the truck to function as a mobile power source. The vehicle can charge another electric vehicle, send power back to a home during outages, or run equipment at job sites and campsites. An onboard power panel in the bed provides up to 7.2 kW of output.
The RamBox storage system includes a 115-volt outlet within the lockable, weatherproof compartments. This feature gives owners additional power access points beyond the bed panel.
Leadership, Strategic Decisions, and Market Impact
Ram brand CEO Tim Kuniskis described the truck as “the pinnacle of the light-duty pickup truck segment.” He emphasized the combination of 647 horsepower, 615 lb.-ft. of torque, 4-second 0-60 mph performance, and 14,000 pounds of towing without needing public chargers.
The company originally planned the truck as a 2025 model but pushed production to 2026 citing slower demand in the full-size electric truck segment. The delay allowed Ram to refine the range-extended technology and adjust to changing market conditions. Stellantis invested over €30 billion through 2025 in electrification and software development as part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategy.
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