Electric Cars

Stellantis has announced the discontinuation of its fully electric Ram 1500 pickup truck, citing a decrease in demand for battery-powered vehicles in the North American market. This decision comes after multiple delays for the electric truck, which was initially envisioned as a direct rival to models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Meanwhile, the Ramcharger, a variant that combines a gasoline engine with electric power for extended range, will proceed to market next year under the rebranded name Ram 1500 REV, creating a potentially confusing nomenclature for consumers.

The journey of the all-electric Ram 1500 REV has been fraught with postponements. First introduced as a concept in early 2023, its market introduction was initially pushed back to 2025, then again to early 2026, and finally to mid-2027, before its ultimate cancellation. This series of delays underscores the difficulties Stellantis has encountered in bringing its battery-electric pickup vision to fruition amidst a fluctuating market for electric vehicles.

Stellantis officials explained that the cancellation stems from a reassessment of their product strategy in response to the decelerating demand for large battery-electric trucks. The company stated its intention to enhance market competitiveness and growth, maintaining pricing power through a diverse portfolio of products, services, and electrified offerings.

Despite this setback, Ram is not entirely abandoning its commitment to electrified vehicles. The focus will now shift to the range-extended Ramcharger, which employs a V6 gasoline engine to charge its battery, effectively extending its operational range. This model is slated for release next year and will, somewhat counter-intuitively, inherit the 'Ram 1500 REV' designation previously intended for the all-electric version.

Ram executives expressed confidence in the renamed Ramcharger, asserting that the vehicle is poised to establish new performance benchmarks within the half-ton truck segment. They highlighted its anticipated exceptional range, formidable towing capabilities, and impressive payload performance as key attributes that will appeal to customers.

This strategic shift represents another hurdle for Stellantis, which has faced ongoing challenges with its electrification strategy and the financial pressures associated with its Ram and Jeep brands. The company's electric Dodge and Jeep models have reportedly struggled with market reception, often criticized for their suboptimal range and charging specifications. The electric pickup sector itself presents a complex landscape, marked by high battery costs and the inherent difficulties in meeting the robust towing and hauling requirements of the American truck market with purely electric powertrains.

The decision to halt the production of the all-electric Ram 1500 REV and reallocate its name to the range-extended Ramcharger signals a significant adjustment in Stellantis's approach to electrification. This move reflects the current market realities and the ongoing evolution of strategies within the automotive industry as manufacturers navigate the transition to more sustainable vehicle options while balancing consumer demand and economic viability.

Toyota is making a strategic move towards electrifying its vehicle lineup by initiating the production of two new electric SUVs, inspired by its well-known RAV4 and Land Cruiser models, directly within the United States. This development underscores the Japanese automaker's commitment to the evolving electric vehicle market and signifies a crucial expansion of its manufacturing footprint in North America. These forthcoming models are anticipated to leverage Toyota's dedicated EV platform, e-TNGA, ensuring they are designed from the ground up as electric vehicles, rather than adaptations of their gasoline-powered predecessors. This initiative reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry towards localized production and electric mobility.

Details of Toyota's American EV Production Plan

In a significant announcement, Toyota confirmed that its first battery-electric vehicles produced in the United States will roll off the assembly lines at its Kentucky facility. This plant, which currently manufactures the Lexus ES sedan, is undergoing a transition, as the production of the next-generation Lexus ES will be relocated to Japan. This rearrangement is intended to create the necessary capacity for the new electric SUV models. One of these electric SUVs will draw inspiration from the robust Land Cruiser, while the other will be based on the versatile RAV4. While specific details about the RAV4 EV remain under wraps, the Land Cruiser Se concept, showcased in 2023, hinted at a more urban-oriented design, diverging from its traditional off-road heritage. Both electric SUVs are projected to be three-row vehicles, catering to the growing demand for family-friendly electric options. Production is scheduled to commence sometime in the upcoming year.

This move by Toyota demonstrates a growing acknowledgment of the importance of an all-electric future, despite its historical emphasis on a diverse powertrain portfolio including hybrids and plug-in hybrids. While Toyota has been perceived by some as a latecomer to the full EV race, with models like the bZ4X currently available, the impending introduction of these new American-made electric SUVs, alongside other upcoming EV models like the updated bZ and the smaller C-HR, signals a rapid acceleration in its electrification strategy. This strategic pivot highlights the company's adaptability and commitment to meeting future market demands and environmental goals. It will be fascinating to observe how these new models integrate into Toyota's global lineup and their impact on the competitive EV landscape.