Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, has reportedly canceled the 500-mile battery option for its upcoming electric truck, the Ram 1500 Rev. According to internal emails obtained by Mopar Insiders, suppliers have been instructed to stop working on components for the larger 229kWh battery version of the vehicle. This leaves the electric truck with only one option, which has an estimated range of 350 miles on a single charge.

The news comes as the Ram 1500 Rev has already been delayed from the first half of this year to 2026, with the automaker focusing on the launch of the also-delayed hybrid Ramcharger. The largest battery option currently available for the Rev is 168kWh, which is still larger than the 131 kWh pack in Ford's mid-tier F-150 Lightning Flash, which has an estimated 320-mile range.

Stellantis has not commented on the status of the long-range Ram 1500 Rev, but in a statement to Mopar Insiders, the company attributed the decision to "the recent move that created an opportunity to lead with Ramcharger technology." The Ramcharger, which uses the same STLA Frame body-on-frame platform as the Rev, can go up to 690 miles on a full charge and tank.

The cancellation of the 500-mile battery option may be seen as a setback for electric vehicle enthusiasts, particularly in light of the new Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Biden administration's electric vehicle and tailpipe emissions policies. The move also raises questions about the future of Stellantis' electric vehicle plans, including the stalled development of the Chrysler C6X EV, based on the 2022 Airflow concept.

Industry analysts note that the decision may be a strategic one, allowing Stellantis to focus on more profitable or competitive options in the electric vehicle market. However, it remains to be seen how the cancellation of the 500-mile battery option will impact consumer demand and the overall adoption of electric vehicles.

As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, Stellantis' decision serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between technological innovation, regulatory policies, and market demand. The company's move may have significant implications for the industry, and it will be important to monitor developments in the coming months.