In a recent earnings call, Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley talked about the Ram EV’s potential: “The reason we haven’t spoken much about electric pickup trucks is not because we view that market as nonexistent. But we’ve always had a slightly different view of timing and adoption rates, particularly in North America in terms of full electrification.” He added that the company is “very committed” to its electrification strategy.
“We haven’t revealed everything,” Manley continued. “But obviously pickup trucks are a key franchise for us, and we’re not going to sit on the sidelines if there is a danger that our position gets diluted going forward.” An FCA representative told MotorTrend it has no further comment on an electric pickup at this time.
Electric trucks will be here before we know it. The Rivian R1T is currently expected to go on sale before the end of the year. Ford will introduce an all-electric F-150 for the 2022 model year, and GM’s electric truck is expected to arrive in 2021, badged as a GMC Hummer (other brands receive their versions later). Production on the Tesla Cybertruck is supposed to start around late 2021, although the automaker is known for product delays and it only recently selected a production site for the pickup.
FCA’s electrification strategy in North America will begin with the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. This SUV will enter production in the fourth quarter and hit dealer lots by the end of 2020.
Debuting this quarter, Ram will bring out the TRX performance truck slated for production in the fourth quarter. Expected to use the 707-hp Hellcat engine, the TRX will put up a serious fight against the Ford F-150 Raptor. It may be conceptually opposite a zero-emissions, full-electric model, but hey, it’ll be cool. Stay tuned to this space for more on the electric Ram as more information becomes available.
