Ram 1500 REV Extended-Range Electric Pickup Set for U.S. Debut Later This Year

The Ram 1500 REV is an extended-range electric vehicle, or EREV, scheduled to debut in the United States later this year. This pickup truck includes a gasoline engine that activates to recharge the battery when range decreases, allowing continued driving without frequent charging stops.

The battery provides about 150 miles of electric-only driving, and the full system enables nearly 700 miles of total range.

Extended-range electric vehicles differ from traditional hybrids. In an EREV, the gasoline engine generates power solely to replenish the battery and does not directly drive the wheels. This setup contrasts with plug-in hybrids, which offer around 30 miles of electric driving for daily use before switching to gasoline.

Addressing Range Concerns in Electric Vehicles Electric vehicle sales in the United States grew slowly but declined in the past six months, according to reports from Cox Automotive.

Factors include high prices and delays in new models from automakers. In response, companies have adjusted plans, such as Honda halting development of three new EVs and Volvo discontinuing its affordable electric SUV due to market conditions. The Ram 1500 REV aims to reduce range anxiety for drivers on long trips.

Jeremy Michalek, director of the Vehicle Electrification Group at Carnegie Mellon University, stated that the design allows adding liquid fuel to extend travel distances. This approach provides an alternative for users hesitant about fully electric vehicles.

Industry Shifts Toward Hybrid Options Originally, the Ram 1500 REV was planned as a fully electric truck, but the model now incorporates a gasoline engine.

Ford canceled its electric F-150 pickup and plans to reintroduce it as an EREV. Of the 16 EREVs expected in the market within the next three years, all are trucks or SUVs. Pickup truck drivers have shown resistance to fully electric options due to the vehicles' size and weight, which require large batteries for performance.

Towing reduces battery range in electric versions. Joseph Yoon, a consumer-insights analyst at Edmunds, noted that EREVs may better meet demands for utility in large trucks. Scout Motors, a Volkswagen-owned brand, has received 150,000 reservations for its electric trucks and SUVs as of January.

Ryan Decker, vice president of strategy and brand at Scout Motors, said 85 percent of customers selected the EREV version over the battery-only model. The company shifted from an all-electric focus based on customer feedback for extended range.

Trade-Offs in Extended-Range Design EREVs maintain a large battery alongside a gasoline engine, contributing to higher costs.

Estimates from Car and Driver place the Ram 1500 REV price at least at $60,000, compared to $42,000 for the gas-powered Ram 1500. The design also involves more maintenance due to additional mechanical components. New electric vehicles now offer 300 to 400 miles per charge, sufficient for many road trips without extra stops.

Charging infrastructure has expanded, with Tesla operating more than 3,000 Supercharger stations in the United States. Competitors like IONNA and EVgo have increased installation of fast chargers. These developments occur amid broader challenges in the electric vehicle market, including canceled projects and adjustments by automakers.

EREVs represent one strategy to broaden appeal, particularly for truck owners. Future models may influence adoption rates depending on pricing and performance.