We know that General Motors has an electric pickup truck coming with the Hummer EV, and we speculate that they have another truck on the way. Ford has confirmed production of an EV F-150 in mid-2022. But what about the folks over at Ram Trucks?
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, CEO Mike Manley confirmed an electrified truck is on the way. Speaking on the earnings call, Manley said, “I do see that there will be an electrified Ram pickup in the marketplace, and I would ask you just to stay tuned for a little while, and we’ll tell you exactly when that will be.”
We reached out to Fiat Chrysler for clarification on Manley’s comments, but received the usual no comment.
All of that being said, it makes sense that Ram is working on a truck. What is interesting is Manley’s choice of working. He didn’t say an “electric” truck but an “electrified” truck. While we might be splitting hairs here, this could make a difference.
One could argue that the 48-volt mild-hybrid system currently on Ram trucks is electrified. A plug-in hybrid would also be considered electrified. Jeep is following that plug-in hybrid route with the 4xe Wrangler and the Grand Wagoneer. Chrysler already has the PHEV Pacifica.
We hope that it’s a fully-electric truck, because the industry is rapidly heading in that direction. But a plug-in architecture would be a stepping stone in that direction, be available to market sooner, and dramatically help with the company’s corporate average fuel economy.
Stay tuned, we’ll let you know as soon as we do. In the meantime, do you think Manley meant full-EV or PHEV? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
