Ram has officially dropped plans to bring a battery-electric version of its 1500 pickup after deciding demand for full-size EV utes in North America isn’t strong enough to support the project. Instead, Ram will carry forward the “REV” badge on the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger, now renamed the Ram 1500 REV.
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Pivot from EV to hybrid
Originally unveiled at the 2023 New York Auto Show, the Ram 1500 REV EV was meant to hit the market in 2024, before being delayed to 2026. But Ram has now cancelled development of the full EV version entirely, citing slowing demand for large electric pickups in its home market – the USA.
Instead, Ram is placing its bets on hybrid technology. The Ramcharger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain will now carry the “REV” name, aligning the brand’s future plans of stepping into the plug-in hybrid market.
Hemi V8 returns
The rebranding and shift away from a full EV pickup is part of wider adjustments at Ram and its parent company, Stellantis. Notably, Ram has confirmed the return of the Hemi V8 engine into its 1500 lineup–after previously signalling its phase-out due to popular demand. CEO Tim Kuniskis admitted that the earlier decision to remove the V8 engine “was a misstep.”
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What this means for the market
Ram’s decision highlights the broader shift underway in the automotive industry. With infrastructure challenges, high costs, and buyer hesitation continuing to affect EV uptake, manufacturers are reassessing how quickly they can transition to all-electric line-ups. By repositioning the 1500 REV as a hybrid and bringing back the V8, Ram is betting on a more flexible approach to keep pace with rivals like Ford and Chevrolet.
The coming years will show whether this strategy pays off—either by reassuring buyers wary of going fully electric, or by giving competitors an opportunity to dominate the EV pickup space.
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