The highly anticipated launch of the all-electric Ram 1500 REV pickup truck has been delayed, moving its release date into the first half of 2025. Originally expected to hit the market by the end of 2024, this shift means eager customers will have to wait a bit longer for Ram’s debut electric vehicle (EV) pickup.
The Ram 1500 REV, short for Revolution Battery-electric vehicle, first captured attention as a concept at CES 2023. Stellantis, Ram’s parent company, had previously indicated a late 2024 launch. CEO Carlos Tavares had even boldly claimed that the Ram EV pickup would “outperform all competitors” in critical areas such as driving range, payload capacity, towing capability, and charging speeds. However, recent announcements have adjusted these timelines.
Workload and Validation Drive Ram REV Delay
During the launch of Stellantis’ new STLA Frame platform, CEO Carlos Tavares confirmed the delay. Speaking to reporters, Tavares explained that the postponement is due to a “very significant amount of workload” the company is currently managing. He emphasized a commitment to prudence in the vehicle validation process, stating, “We are just facing a very significant amount of workload,” and the company wants to be “prudent” in the validation process. “So we take our time,” Tavares added, highlighting the company’s focus on ensuring a thorough and reliable rollout of their electric pickup.
This “peak workload” includes managing the debuts of several key EV models within the Stellantis group. Alongside the Ram 1500 REV, the company is preparing for the launches of the electric Dodge Charger Daytona and the Jeep Wagoneer S. These simultaneous, high-profile EV releases contribute to the workload pressures cited by Tavares.
STLA Frame Platform Underpins Ram’s Electric Ambitions
The Ram 1500 REV and other forthcoming EVs from Ram and Jeep are built upon the new STLA Frame platform. This dedicated EV architecture is designed to deliver impressive performance metrics. Tavares highlighted the platform’s potential for up to 500 miles of range in standard configurations and up to 690 miles for range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), such as a future Ram truck variant.
The initial Ram 1500 REV model is expected to boast a 168 kWh battery pack, targeting a range exceeding 350 miles. Furthermore, it aims to offer a substantial towing capacity of up to 14,000 lbs and a maximum payload of 2,700 lbs, positioning it as a strong contender in the electric truck market when it does arrive.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
Electrek analysts suggest that Stellantis, like other automakers, is navigating a complex market environment, potentially influenced by factors such as evolving US political landscapes and regulatory uncertainties surrounding EV adoption. Concerns about potential shifts in fuel economy regulations and EV tax credits under a new administration add layers of complexity to automakers’ strategic planning.
Stellantis is currently working to expand its EV footprint in the US market. As of late 2024, their fully electric passenger vehicle offering was limited to the Fiat 500e in the US. The arrival of electric models from Jeep, Dodge, and Ram in the coming year is crucial for the automaker to gain traction in the rapidly evolving EV market. Competitors like Hyundai and Kia have already made significant inroads with a range of long-range, fast-charging EV models readily available to consumers.
The delay of the Ram 1500 REV release date means Stellantis will need to navigate an increasingly competitive landscape. Rivals such as Tesla with the Cybertruck, Chevrolet with the Silverado EV, and Ford with the F-150 Lightning are already establishing their presence in the electric pickup segment. Successfully launching and scaling production of the Ram 1500 REV in 2025 will be vital for Stellantis to effectively compete and capture market share in the burgeoning electric truck market.
