AUTO

Stellantis Bets $406M on Michigan to Build the Ram 1500 REV Electric Truck

October 18, 2024

Stellantis is investing over $406 million in Michigan plants to produce the Ram 1500 REV, its first fully electric truck.
The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger features 663 horsepower, 14,000 lbs. towing, and can provide vehicle-to-grid power.
Stellantis is investing €50 billion to achieve 100% electric car sales in Europe and 50% in the U.S. by 2030.

Stellantis’ latest investment of more than $406 million across three Michigan plants speaks volumes about its commitment to a multi-energy future, where electric trucks like the Ram 1500 REV coexist with internal combustion and range-extended vehicles. The Ram 1500 REV, launching in late 2024, is a crucial piece in Stellantis’ vision, representing the blending of power, innovation, and utility, without sacrificing the needs of a traditional pickup owner.

A significant portion of this investment, $235.5 million, is going to the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP), where the Ram 1500 REV and the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger will be built. “Sterling Heights Assembly has performed an incredible transformation in record time, and I want to thank our colleagues for this great achievement,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. The changes at SHAP are truly impressive.

Thanks to thoughtful planning, the plant has been completely retooled to produce electric vehicles, range-extended trucks, and internal combustion models, all on the same production line. With the Ram 1500 REV taking center stage, this investment ensures the plant is ready for the future of trucking.

Ram 1500, with J3400 NACS connector, front view parked on dirt road

The Ram 1500 REV will feature a state-of-the-art STLA Frame designed specifically for full-size electric trucks. This innovative architecture integrates a high-strength steel frame that houses the battery pack while still utilizing protection from the frame rails. With an optional 229 kWh battery pack offering up to 500 miles of range, the 1500 REV is more than equipped to handle long trips and tough jobs, making it a frontrunner in the electric truck market.

The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger is their electric truck model with a range extender that delivers serious power and practical utility. With 663 horsepower and 14,000 lbs. of towing capacity, this truck is a workhorse. It features a 92 kWh battery pack, paired with an on-board 130 kW generator, sending power to 250 kW front and 238 kW rear electric drive modules.

Not only can the Ramcharger go from 0 to 60 in just 4 seconds, but it also has the ability to engage in vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home bi-directional charging. This means the Ramcharger can charge another Stellantis electric vehicle, or even send power back to the grid when needed. It’s Stellantis’ way of showing how their electric trucks can fit seamlessly into your everyday life and help out in emergencies too.

The investment doesn’t stop at Sterling Heights. Stellantis is also pumping $97.6 million into the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (WTAP) to get it ready for the production of an electrified Jeep Wagoneer, adding more EVs to their portfolio without completely abandoning internal combustion engines. Meanwhile, the Dundee Engine Plant (DEP) is getting a $73 million upgrade to support battery tray production for the STLA Frame and machining of components for the STLA Large architecture.

Stellantis’ strategy is simple. They’re making sure they offer something for everyone. By offering a range of powertrain options under one roof, Stellantis ensures that their products meet various needs, whether customers are looking for a fully electric pickup like the Ram 1500 REV or the range-extended capabilities of the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, which requires zero public charging.

As CEO Carlos Tavares shared, “Gearing up to build our first-ever Ram electric truck and the range-extended version in Michigan is a meaningful moment of pride for our teams.”

This multi-layered plan is a big part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 vision. They’re pouring over €50 billion ($54 billion) into electrification over the next decade to hit some ambitious goals, like making sure 100% of their passenger cars in Europe are fully electric and hitting 50% electric sales in the U.S. by 2030.

To back it all up, Stellantis is securing around 400 GWh of battery capacity. Stellantis is clearly focused on becoming a leader in the electric mobility space while delivering innovative, clean, and affordable solutions to consumers.