(Reuters) – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) said on Wednesday it would move up the launch of a new hybrid version of its best-selling Ram pickup truck ahead of an electric version, citing slowing EV demand.
The automaker said the Ram 1500 Ramcharger will be open for consumer orders in the first half of next year, while the Ram 1500 battery-electric light duty pickup truck will launch in 2026. The electric version was originally slated to launch in the first half of 2025.
The Franco-Italian automaker cited “overwhelming” customer interest as another factor in advancing the launch of the hybrid version.
Automakers have turned their attention to launching hybrid models as EV demand slows due to high interest rates and lack of adequate charging infrastructure.
The global auto industry is also bracing for a potential rollback of EV-friendly policies by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Reuters has reported.