What Is the Ram EV and When Can You Buy It?
The Ram EV (officially the Ram 1500 REV) is Stellantis's first all-electric full-size pickup, targeting the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Tesla Cybertruck. Ram has announced two battery configurations: a Standard Range model with a ~168 kWh battery targeting an EPA-estimated 350 miles of range, and an Extended Range variant adding a range-extender engine for up to an estimated 690 miles total. Reservations opened in 2023 with a $100 refundable deposit, and production has been pushed to the 2027 model year after multiple delays. Pricing is expected to start around $58,000 for a base Tradesman trim and climb past $85,000 for a fully loaded Laramie or Limited. Because the truck is not yet in customer hands, all specifications below are preliminary and subject to change.
Range, Battery, and Real-World Expectations
Ram's headline number — 350 miles for the Standard Range and 500 miles of pure electric driving for the Extended Range — would place the 1500 REV at or near the top of the electric pickup segment. But those figures are manufacturer targets, not finalized EPA certifications.
EPA Target vs. Real-World Reality
The 350-mile Standard Range figure assumes ideal conditions. Expect ~280–310 miles in mixed highway driving at 70+ mph, and potentially ~230–260 miles in sub-freezing temperatures or when towing. The 168 kWh battery pack is one of the largest in any production vehicle, but a heavy body-on-frame pickup with the aerodynamics of a brick wall will consume energy quickly at speed. If you frequently tow a 5,000+ lb trailer, plan for 150–200 miles of effective range on a full charge.
| Spec | Standard Range | Extended Range (EREV) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | ~168 kWh (NMC) | ~168 kWh + range-extender ICE |
| EPA Range (Target) | 350 mi | 500 mi EV + 190 mi gas = ~690 mi total |
| Real-World Range (Est.) | 280–310 mi mixed | 400–440 mi EV + gas backup |
| Peak DC Fast Charge | ~350 kW (800V architecture) | ~350 kW |
| 10–80% DC Charge (Est.) | ~25–30 min | ~25–30 min |
| Level 2 AC Charging | ~11.5 kW onboard charger | ~11.5 kW |
| 0–60 mph (Target) | ~4.4 sec | ~4.4 sec |
| Horsepower | ~654 hp (dual motor AWD) | ~654 hp |
| Torque | ~620 lb-ft | ~620 lb-ft |
| Max Towing (Target) | ~14,000 lbs | ~14,000 lbs |
| Max Payload | ~2,700 lbs | ~2,700 lbs |
| V2L / V2H Capability | Yes (bidirectional) | Yes (bidirectional) |
The Extended Range variant is particularly interesting: it uses a small gasoline engine as a generator (series hybrid / EREV configuration) to recharge the battery on the go. This is the same concept as the original BMW i3 REx, but scaled to a full-size truck. It eliminates range anxiety for towing and remote work sites, but adds weight, maintenance complexity, and fuel cost on long hauls.
Charging Speed and Infrastructure Reality
Ram has confirmed the 1500 REV will use an 800-volt architecture, enabling peak DC fast-charge rates of up to 350 kW. On a compatible charger — such as Electrify America's 350 kW stalls or Tesla Superchargers with a NACS adapter (Stellantis has committed to adopting the NACS connector) — you could add roughly 110 miles of range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
| Charging Level | Power (kW) | Miles Added per Hour | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V household) | ~1.4 kW | ~3–4 mi/hr | Emergency trickle only |
| Level 2 (240V home, 48A) | ~11.5 kW | ~30–35 mi/hr | Daily overnight charging |
| DC Fast Charge (peak) | ~350 kW | ~650+ mi/hr (burst) | Road trips, quick top-ups |
The charging-curve reality: Peak 350 kW is a maximum, not a sustained rate. Expect the truck to hold peak power from roughly 10–40% State of Charge (SoC), then taper progressively. A 10–80% charge will likely take 25–30 minutes on a 350 kW stall, but could stretch to 40+ minutes on a 150 kW charger. Always precondition the battery via the truck's navigation system before arriving at a DC fast charger — this warms the pack and enables faster charging.
Home charging on a Level 2 wall connector at 11.5 kW will replenish the 168 kWh pack from 10–100% in roughly 15 hours. That's a long session, but for daily use where you're only replenishing 50–100 miles of driving, an overnight charge is more than adequate. You will need a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwired wall connector on a dedicated 60A circuit. Installation costs vary widely:
| Component | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 EVSE (wall connector) | $400 | $800 |
| Electrician labor (240V run) | $600 | $2,500 |
| Electrical permit | $50 | $250 |
| Panel upgrade (if needed, 200A) | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Total | $1,050 | $7,550 |
Older homes with 100A electrical panels may require a service upgrade before adding a 60A EV circuit. Get quotes from a licensed electrician before committing to a purchase.
Pricing, Trims, and Federal Tax Credit Eligibility
Ram has not published final MSRP figures, but based on segment positioning and prior announcements, expect the following approximate pricing:
- Tradesman (base): ~$58,000
- Big Horn / Lone Star: ~$65,000–$70,000
- Laramie: ~$75,000–$78,000
- Limited / Top Trim: ~$85,000+
Federal §30D tax credit eligibility is uncertain. Under current IRS rules, full-size trucks must have an MSRP at or below $80,000 to qualify, and the buyer must meet income caps ($150,000 single / $300,000 joint). Additionally, battery component and critical mineral sourcing requirements phase in progressively through 2026–2029, meaning even a qualifying MSRP and income may not guarantee the full $7,500 credit. The credit can now be transferred to the dealer as a point-of-sale discount, but eligibility depends on where the battery cells and minerals are sourced. Ram has not confirmed whether the 1500 REV's battery supply chain will meet these thresholds. Always verify current rules at IRS.gov before relying on the credit in your purchase math.
Ram EV vs. Gas F-150 vs. Hybrid: Cost of Ownership
How does the Ram 1500 REV stack up against the gas and hybrid trucks it competes with? Here's a 5-year cost comparison assuming 15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gallon regular, and $0.14/kWh home electricity:
| Category | Ram 1500 REV (Est.) | Ford F-150 Gas (3.5L EcoBoost) | Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price (MSRP) | $65,000 | $55,000 | $62,000 |
| Federal Tax Credit | −$7,500 (if eligible) | $0 | $0 |
| Fuel / Electricity (75k mi) | $3,150 (home charging) | $13,125 (17 MPG avg) | $9,375 (24 MPG avg) |
| Maintenance (5 yr) | $1,500 | $4,500 | $4,000 |
| Insurance (5 yr avg) | $12,000 | $9,000 | $9,500 |
| 5-Year Total (est.) | $74,150 | $81,625 | $84,875 |
Sources: Fuel economy figures from fueleconomy.gov; insurance estimates based on industry averages for full-size pickups. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and utility rates.
The EV wins on fuel and maintenance — no oil changes, no transmission fluid, fewer moving parts. But insurance premiums for electric trucks run 20–35% higher than gas equivalents due to repair costs and battery replacement risk. And the higher upfront MSRP means the break-even point depends heavily on whether you qualify for the tax credit and how cheaply you can charge at home.
Towing, Payload, and the Work-Truck Question
Ram targets a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lbs and a payload around 2,700 lbs — competitive with the F-150 Lightning's 10,000 lbs and ahead of the Rivian R1T's ~11,000 lbs. The 800V architecture and large battery give the Ram EV an advantage in sustained towing range over lighter-battery competitors.
But towing any trailer over 5,000 lbs will crush your range. Plan for 40–60% range reduction when towing at highway speeds. A 350-mile truck becomes a 140–210-mile truck with a boat or camper behind it. This is physics, not a Ram-specific flaw — every electric truck faces it. The Extended Range EREV model mitigates this with the gas generator, making it the more practical choice for frequent towers.
The bidirectional charging (V2L/V2H) capability is a genuine work-site advantage: you can power tools, lights, or even your home during an outage directly from the truck's massive battery. Ram has promised up to 7.2 kW of V2L output, enough to run a job site's worth of equipment or keep a home's essential circuits alive for days.
Common Misconceptions About the Ram EV
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| "The Ram EV is available to buy now." | Production has been delayed to the 2027 model year. Reservations are open, but no customer deliveries have occurred. |
| "350 miles means I'll get 350 miles." | EPA estimates assume mixed driving at moderate speeds and temperatures. Highway, cold weather, and towing all reduce range by 15–50%. |
| "I'll save $7,500 no matter what." | The §30D credit has MSRP caps ($80K for trucks), income limits, and battery-sourcing requirements that change annually. Not every buyer or trim will qualify. |
| "Electric trucks can't tow." | They can tow — the Ram EV targets 14,000 lbs. But towing range drops dramatically. Plan your charging stops accordingly. |
| "Charging takes too long for road trips." | At 350 kW, 10–80% takes ~25–30 minutes — comparable to a gas stop with a restroom and food break. The challenge is charger availability, not speed. |
Decision Framework: Should You Wait for the Ram EV?
Choose the Ram 1500 REV if:
- You need a full-size pickup with maximum range and are willing to wait for 2027 delivery
- You tow occasionally but not daily, and the Extended Range EREV appeals as a safety net
- You have reliable home Level 2 charging and can absorb a 15-hour full-charge cycle overnight
- You want V2L/V2H capability for job-site power or home backup
- You qualify for the §30D tax credit based on income and the trim's MSRP
Consider the Ford F-150 Lightning or Silverado EV instead if:
- You need a truck now — both are in production and available today
- Your budget caps below $55,000 (used Lightning models are entering the market)
- You primarily drive under 200 miles/day and don't need 350+ miles of range
Consider a hybrid truck (F-150 PowerBoost, Ram 1500 HFE) if:
- You tow frequently over long distances and cannot afford range-reduction risk
- You lack home charging access and live in an area with sparse DC fast-charging infrastructure
- You want lower upfront cost with some fuel-economy improvement over a pure gas truck
What First-Time EV Truck Buyers Should Know
If the Ram 1500 REV would be your first electric vehicle, prepare for these ownership realities:
- Home charging is essential. Public DC fast charging works for road trips, but 80%+ of EV charging happens at home. If you rent, live in an apartment, or have no garage/driveway access, an electric truck becomes significantly less convenient.
- Cold weather is real. Expect 20–30% range loss below freezing. The Ram EV's large battery helps absorb this penalty, but a 350-mile truck becomes a ~250-mile truck in a Minnesota January.
- Plan road trips around chargers. Use apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner to map DC fast-charger locations along your route. The NACS adoption means Ram EV owners will eventually access Tesla's Supercharger network — a major infrastructure advantage.
- Tire costs are higher. Electric trucks are heavy (expect 8,500+ lbs curb weight for the Ram REV) and produce instant torque. Budget for tire replacement every 25,000–35,000 miles at $300–$450 per tire.
- Insurance will cost more. Get a quote before ordering. EV truck insurance averages 20–35% higher than gas equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Ram 1500 REV actually be available?
Stellantis has pushed production to the 2027 model year, with deliveries expected in late 2026 or early 2027. This timeline has shifted multiple times and could change again.
Will the Ram EV use the Tesla NACS connector?
Yes. Stellantis has committed to adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its EVs, meaning Ram 1500 REV owners should have access to Tesla Superchargers — currently the largest and most reliable DC fast-charging network in the U.S.
How much will it cost to charge the Ram EV at home?
At $0.14/kWh (national average), fully recharging the 168 kWh battery from 10–100% costs roughly $21–$23. That's equivalent to about 280–310 real-world miles — or roughly $0.07–$0.08 per mile. Compare that to a gas F-150 at 17 MPG and $3.50/gallon: about $0.21 per mile.
Can the Ram 1500 REV power my home?
Ram has confirmed bidirectional V2H (vehicle-to-home) capability. With up to 7.2 kW output and a 168 kWh battery, the truck could theoretically power an average home's essential loads for 3–5 days during an outage. You'll need a compatible bidirectional charger and transfer switch installed by an electrician.
Is the Extended Range model a hybrid?
Technically, it's an EREV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) — a series hybrid where the wheels are always driven by the electric motors, and the gas engine only generates electricity. It's not a parallel hybrid like the F-150 PowerBoost where the gas engine can directly drive the wheels. Think of it as an electric truck with a built-in portable generator.
Will I qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit?
Possibly, but it depends on three factors: (1) the trim's MSRP must be ≤$80,000 for trucks, (2) your adjusted gross income must be ≤$150K single / $300K joint, and (3) the battery must meet critical mineral and component sourcing thresholds that tighten each year. Higher trims (Laramie, Limited) may exceed the MSRP cap. Check current rules at IRS.gov and consult a tax professional.
