The electrification of the automotive sector is reaching segments that once seemed impossible. One of these is pickup trucks, rugged models designed for very demanding tasks. However, as with any market niche, there are subdivisions that allow engineers to create new concepts. An American pickup truck is not the same as the one we see on European roads. This is mainly due to its size, weight, and other factors.
Thanks to these size differences, brands have room to evolve, primarily to integrate an electric powertrain and a generous battery pack . Tesla and Rivian are two of the companies with plans to launch an electric pickup truck. Ford and Volkswagen have announced theirs, and the FCA Group may be considering this move. For this purpose, they have RAM , a benchmark brand in the segment and market.
RAM, together with the FCA Group, would be reviewing market trends
According to several sources, including The Detroit News, the FCA Group could take this important step. Currently, the Italian-American automaker isn't a leader in electrification , but its progress is very positive. Furthermore, the market is evolving towards this technology, and introducing this energy source into RAM wouldn't be particularly complex. Therefore, denying this possibility would be counterproductive for its operations.
According to statements by Mike Manley , CEO of the FCA Group…
“The reason we haven’t talked much about electric pickup trucks isn’t because we see that market as nonexistent,” […] “But we’ve always had a slightly different view of the timing and adoption rates , particularly in North America in terms of full electrification. We are very committed to our electrification strategy , most of which we have revealed.”
"We haven't revealed everything. But obviously, trucks are a key franchise for us , and we're not going to stand idly by if there's a risk that our position could be diluted in the future."
For now, they're still in the study phase, but RAM could follow in Jeep's footsteps. The seven-slot brand is including the first plug-in hybrids in its lineup as a step toward full electrification. We'll have to see how long it takes for the first results to appear, but they shouldn't take more than a year or two. Otherwise, their market share could be seriously compromised.
Source – The Detroit News