DETROIT βΒ StellantisΒ is delaying the launch of its Ram electric pickup trucks from this year until the first half of 2025, as the trans-Atlantic automaker continues testing the vehicles.
CEO Carlos Tavares on Tuesday declined to disclose details about what caused the delays or specific timing on the electric trucks, which include an all-electric βREVβ model and anΒ extended-range βRamchargerβΒ thatβs equipped with an electric generator and a gas engine.
βWe are just facing a very significant amount of workload, and we want to be very prudent in the way we validate the products, so we take our time, and we make sure that we manage the peak,β Tavares said during an online media event. βWe donβt want to rush. … Itβs better to take a few weeks more to validate properly than to rush and then to make mistakes in terms of quality. Thatβs what we are doing now.β
Tavares said work needs to be completed on theΒ Dodge Charger DaytonaΒ andΒ Jeep Wagoneer S EVs, which are expected to be released by the end of this year, before turning to the new trucks.
Stellantisβ upcoming electric pickups are the first that will be built on the companyβs new βSTLA Frame platformβ for its larger trucks andΒ Jeep SUVs.Β It is expected to be a βmulti-energy platformβ thatβs capable of internal combustion engines and hybrids, as well as electric models using batteries, fuel cells and range-extended electric propulsion systems.
Stellantis has said theΒ RamchargerΒ extended-range electric vehicle can operate as a zero-emissions EV until its battery dies and an electric onboard generator β powered by a 27-gallon, 3.6-liter V6 engine β kicks on to power the vehicle.
The automaker reconfirmed plans Tuesday for the REV to be capable of 500 miles on a single charge as well as the Ramchargerβs expected class-leading range of up to 690 miles.
βWe are managing the peak between the products that we have ahead of us,β Tavares said. β(Thereβs a) huge product blitz coming to the U.S. market in the next few months.β
Stellantisβ U.S. EV offensive is set to begin at an inopportune time for the automaker, as President-electΒ Donald TrumpΒ has vowed toΒ lower or repeal many Biden administration goals and funding for all-electric vehicles.
Last weekΒ it was reportedΒ that Trumpβs transition team is planning to kill the $7,500 consumer tax credit for EV purchases as part of broader tax reform legislation. Doing so would deliver on Trumpβs campaign comments about removing such incentives and EV initiatives.
Tavares, who has criticized governments forΒ EV regulations but alsoΒ has touted the benefits ofΒ them,Β said the company βwill adaptβ to any changes made by the Trump administration.
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