The debate between the new-age electric powertrain and the traditional ICE has been a hot topic in the automotive community for a long time. Though the world moves closer to electrification with every passing day, ICE loyalists stand strong by their cause, especially when it comes to racing.
Now, there have been talks about electrification in NASCAR, too, and with the board having pledged to go net carbon neutral by 2035, there have been several speculations about the timelines.
Ever since NASCAR announced an OEM’s re-entry to the sport, the plot has taken a fresh new twist. Ahead of its grand entry, the manufacturer revealed its plans for a highly anticipated pickup truck.
Why Did Ram Cancel Its Much-Awaited Pickup Truck?
Ram, owned by the Stellantis group, was developing a full-size e-pickup truck, the Ram 1500. Though the vehicle was supposed to go on sale by the end of last year, the company delayed its release twice.
While gearheads braced for an update on the vehicle, the company’s latest announcement disappointed many.
The company highlighted the slowing demand for electric vehicles and canceled plans for its highly ambitious pickup truck.
When the company made the announcement, a spokesperson further clarified the decision, explaining, “As demand for full-size battery electric trucks slows in North America, Stellantis is reassessing its product strategy and will discontinue development of a full-size BEV pickup.”
However, the company noted the silver lining and announced a truck with an electric generator and a traditional engine. Named Ram 1500 REV, the truck is expected to hit the market next year. But as NASCAR Insider Adam Stern puts it, “Stellantis’ Ram brand is canceling plans to develop a full-size electric Ram 1500 pickup truck, citing slowing demand for electric vehicles.”
The decision came shortly after Antonio Filosa was appointed as the CEO of Stellantis. Filosa, who hinted at making some tough choices earlier this year, already seems to have made one with the cancellation of the Ram 1500.
Ram’s Re-Entry Into NASCAR and Its Plans in the Sport
Earlier this year, Ram announced its re-entry into NASCAR as the sport’s fourth OEM and unveiled the Ram 1500 concept race truck in Michigan.
Though the company will not directly enter the top tier, it will start with the Truck Series. The manufacturer has partnered with Kaulig Racing and will back all five trucks for the racing team.
ALSO READ: Goodyear Shifts Blame to NASCAR Industry As Bristol Tire Controversy Boils Over
While making the announcement, Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram, also slightly revealed the OEM’s plans for foraying into the Cup territory. He said:
“We’re looking for a date to the prom right now. So how am I going to get to Cup? That’s going to depend on how I get to Truck. So however we get to Truck is going to obviously weigh heavily on ‘do I have a path to Cup?’ Our intention is not to do a one-hit wonder and go to Truck and not to Cup. That’s not our plan.”
With Ram cancelling its electric pickup truck, it will be interesting to see how the OEM’s plans align with NASCAR’s vision of going electric in the coming years.