Stellantis and Tesla just showed that big EV trucks are a tough sell
Summary
Stellantis is discontinuing the Ram 1500 REV after demand for full‑size electric pickups slowed in North America. Tesla also quietly removed the long‑range, rear‑wheel‑drive Cybertruck option from its website. Dealer and industry data show year‑over‑year declines for several leading EV trucks, suggesting early expectations for large pickup electrification were overly optimistic.
Analysts say the market for big EV trucks faces several practical hurdles: high purchase prices versus ICE equivalents, widespread brand loyalty among truck buyers, weak charging infrastructure in rural areas, and strong consumer preference for all‑wheel drive in colder states. Leasing behaviour differs sharply too — EV trucks are leased much more often than ICE trucks, which matters because many truck buyers want to modify or use vehicles heavily and therefore avoid leasing.
Key Points
- Stellantis will end production of the Ram 1500 REV amid slowing North American demand for full‑size EV pickups.
- Tesla removed the long‑range RWD Cybertruck option from its site, indicating a product adjustment.
- Estimates (eg Cox Automotive) show sales declines for major EV trucks, undermining earlier hype.
- Lease rates differ dramatically: roughly 54% for EV trucks versus about 10% for ICE trucks, altering buyer economics and behaviour.
- Barriers include higher upfront costs, range anxiety, limited rural charging infrastructure and the near‑universal demand for AWD in cold climates.
- Some automakers are slowing or reshaping EV investment plans and favouring hybrid or mixed strategies instead.
Why should I read this?
Short and blunt: the EV truck dream hit reality. If you care about vehicle markets, green transport policy, or where OEM strategies are headed, this gives you the must‑know take without the noise — saved you time.
Context and relevance
Full‑size pickups are a cornerstone of US vehicle sales and fleet emissions. Sluggish demand for their electric versions forces manufacturers to rethink product lineups, investment plans and how subsidies and charging infrastructure shape adoption. The story signals a slower, more mixed path to decarbonising heavy personal and work vehicles — important for investors, policymakers and fleet managers planning ahead.
