Ram has just shocked everyone. Although most had anticipated that their all-electric Ram 1500 REV would be the first product to hit the showrooms, instead, it will be the hybrid Ramcharger. The Ramcharger was supposed to be released after the REV, however, the Ramcharger is now being released in early 2026 and the all-electric version will be hitting the showroom around mid-2027. So what changed? It comes down to changed consumer habits and real-world utilization of EV infra. Ram’s leadership quickly realized that many customers love the idea of electric capabilities, but they are not ready to give up the long-range assurance that they have become accustomed to. The Ramcharger, with its onboard V6 engine as a generator, represents the ideal solution: an EV feel around town, but traditional power on road trips. This change in launch sequence does not represent a step back in innovation - it represents a better way to convert America’s truck buyers.
What Makes the Ramcharger a Standout Hybrid?
Don't confuse the Ramcharger with your average hybrid. It's based on the same STLA Frame platform as the EV to come, but here's the catch: it comes outfitted with a 3.6-liter V6 gas engine, but it doesn't drive the wheels. It's simply used to power and charge the truck's large 92 kWh battery. That configuration allows the Ramcharger to drive a purported 145 miles on electricity alone — based on the daily commute or weekend errands for many, that's plenty of range. When the Ramcharger runs out of electric range, the V6 is engaged and can give the Ramcharger a total of up to 690 miles of range. That's nearly double what most EV trucks can offer today. With a combined output of 654 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, it doesn't just suck down battery power — it screams. It even has a maximum tow rating of up to 14,000 pounds and goes from 0–60 mph in just over 4.5 seconds. In other words, you're not giving up muscle for greener technology — you're going to get both.
Why Ram Is Delaying Its All-Electric Truck (and Why That’s Smart)
Let’s face it—electric pickups haven’t taken off quite like automakers expected. While EV sedans and crossovers continue to sell in decent numbers, full-size electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T haven’t quite cracked the mass market. One big reason? Range anxiety. Combine that with America’s slow build-out of public charging networks and colder weather issues, and suddenly the excitement around EV trucks cools. Ram saw this coming. Instead of launching a truck into a hesitant market, they’re stepping back to perfect the REV and prioritize what buyers need now. Delaying the full EV gives them time to upgrade software, range, and possibly even battery tech. In the meantime, the Ramcharger hybrid gives buyers a much-needed stepping stone—letting them dip into electric without taking the full plunge.
What’s the New Timeline? Key Launch Dates You Should Know
So here’s how the rollout currently looks. The Ramcharger hybrid is officially going to come in the first part of 2026, so just a few months behind late-2025. Not bad at all, given the technology it is going to be pushing. The Ram 1500 REV all-electric version is now going to be delayed until summer 2027. That is a year or more than Ram was expecting it to be released. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said that this had nothing to do with supply chain issues; this was intentional. Ram wants to enter the market with the REV when it is ready, not when it is still figuring out how to begin to adopt EVs. They expect that battery costs drop, the charging grid is improved, and buyers confidence in all-electric reliability builds a bit a collective before 2027. For now, the Ramcharger will fill that void -- and fill it well.
What This Means for Truck Lovers in the U.S.
For truck fans, especially those not living near major cities or charging hubs, the Ramcharger offers an appealing solution. You get the thrill of silent electric driving for city commutes or short errands, paired with the muscle and peace of mind that comes from having an onboard gas generator. It's a plug-in hybrid—but with superpowers. You can fast-charge it like an EV (up to 175 kW, adding about 50 miles in 10 minutes), or rely on gas for cross-country hauls. With a range close to 700 miles, it’s the kind of flexibility no other electric truck currently matches. And since it shares the same STLA Frame platform as the REV, you’re not missing out on future tech or design. It’s clear that Ram isn’t just building a truck—they’re building trust with buyers who aren’t yet sold on going fully electric.
Ramcharger vs. REV: Side-by-Side Spec Breakdown
Feature | Ramcharger (Hybrid) | Ram 1500 REV (All-Electric) |
Battery | 92 kWh | 168 kWh (STD) |
Electric-only Range | ~145 miles | ~350 miles |
Generator Engine | 3.6 L V6 (charges battery only) | None |
Total Range | ~690 miles (with gas) | N/A |
Horsepower | 654 hp | 654 hp |
Torque | 615 lb-ft | 620 lb-ft |
Towing Capacity | 14,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
0–60 mph | ~4.5 seconds | ~4.4 seconds |
Fast Charging | Up to 175 kW | Up to 350 kW |
U.S. Launch Date | Early 2026 | Summer 2027 |
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops