The landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) is evolving, particularly in the pickup segment where traditional combustion models have long dominated. Despite the initial hype surrounding all-electric pickup trucks, consumer adoption has been lukewarm largely due to concerns regarding pricing and range limitations, particularly when hauling heavy loads. The upcoming 2026 Ram 1500 REV aims to address these issues by introducing a range-extended electric pickup into the market.
What is the Ram 1500 REV?
Originally, Ram planned to release two electrified versions of its popular pickup line. The 1500 REV, introduced during 2023, was intended as a purely electric option to compete with established contestants like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV. However, in a strategic pivot, Ram decided to abandon the all-electric variant in favor of a more versatile model: an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). Renamed the 1500 REV, this pickup leverages both electric and gasoline power, effectively blending the best of both worlds.
How the Range-Extended Ram 1500 Works
The 1500 REV takes cues from earlier hybrid vehicles like the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Volt. It employs a combination of electric motors, a substantial battery pack, and a gas-powered generator, providing drivers with flexibility and peace of mind. With dedicated ports for both gas and electric charging, potential owners can recharge the battery at home or fill up at the pump.
Equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the gas motor’s sole purpose is to power a 130-kilowatt generator, ensuring the vehicle’s electric motors receive necessary juice without being mechanically linked to the wheels. This setup offers an impressive output of 647 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to dash from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds.
Impressive Range for Drivers
One of the standout features of the 1500 REV is its remarkable total range, estimated at 690 miles when fully charged with both battery and gas. To put this in perspective, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV fall significantly short, offering maximum ranges of 320 and 493 miles, respectively. This extended range is particularly beneficial for those needing to tow heavy trailers over long distances, a common demand among pickup truck users.
On battery power alone, the Ram 1500 REV can travel up to 145 miles. Complementing this electric range is a fuel tank capacity of 27 gallons, surpassing the size of similar models, which often max out at 26 gallons.
Efficiency Insights
Though the 1500 REV meets utility demands, its efficiency as a hybrid isn’t groundbreaking. When operating on gasoline, it achieves approximately 20.5 mpg, similar to existing gas-powered pickups. This performance is understandable given the substantial weight of its battery system. While Ram claims that approximately 69.7 kilowatt-hours of the total battery pack are usable, this design aims to ensure consistent power delivery even while towing, which might otherwise be compromised as the battery depletes.
Charging Capabilities
The 1500 REV will offer both AC and DC charging options, with DC fast-charging peaking at 145 kilowatts. While this may not be quick by some standards, the vehicle’s design allows for practical refueling: it can be gassed up in mere minutes, which may reduce the urgency for ultra-fast charging solutions.
Towing and Payload Capacities
The 2026 Ram 1500 REV is built on the new STLA Frame architecture, tailored specifically for full-size EVs. With a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds with a class 5 hitch and a payload capacity of 2,625 pounds, the Ram 1500 REV significantly outperforms its competitors, including the Silverado EV and F-150 Lightning, in terms of towing capabilities.
Anticipated Costs
While the official pricing has yet to be revealed, expectations suggest the 1500 REV will fall within the $70,000 to $80,000 range, aligning it closely with other models in Ram’s lineup that share similar capabilities.
Market Debut
Initially slated for a 2024 release, the 1500 REV’s production has been pushed back to early 2026, though it still aims to enter the market ahead of competitors like the Volkswagen Scout Terra, which is set for production in 2027.
In summary, the Ram 1500 REV embodies a promising evolution in the electric pickup sector, combining remarkable range, effective hybrid technology, and robust performance. As consumer interest continues to grow for versatile, efficient vehicles, the 1500 REV may redefine expectations for what a pickup truck can offer in the modern age.
Image Source: Ramtrucks.com
