Stellantis Delays Jeep and Ram Extended-Range EV Launches to 2026, 2027
Production for the Grand Wagoneer EREV and Ram 1500 REV has shifted, slowing the automaker's bridge between combustion and battery power.
Stellantis has pushed back the launch dates for its first two extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), delaying a critical pillar of its electrification strategy. The move signals a slower rollout for the automaker's attempt to bridge the gap between battery-electric power and traditional internal combustion engines.
According to a supplier memo reviewed by Automotive News, production of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer EREV is now scheduled to begin in November 2026. The delays extend further into the pickup segment, with Ram 1500 REV production now expected to start in mid-April 2027.
The EREV Strategy
Stellantis is pivoting toward extended-range electric vehicles to address the specific needs of truck and large SUV buyers, primarily by reducing range anxiety. Unlike pure EVs, EREVs use a small internal combustion engine as a generator to charge the battery on the go, rather than driving the wheels directly.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer EREV is positioned as the first range-extended electric vehicle for the American market. It shares a powertrain layout with the Ram 1500 REV, utilizing dual electric motors and a 92 kWh battery to balance efficiency with the heavy-duty requirements of luxury SUVs and pickups.
Market Implications
These setbacks impact Stellantis' ability to compete in the high-margin luxury SUV and pickup segments during a volatile transition to electric power. By delaying these models, the company risks losing momentum in a category where buyers increasingly seek alternatives to pure battery-electric vehicles for long-haul towing and rural use.
The timing is particularly sensitive as competitors move into the same space. Both Hyundai and Scout Motors are developing their own EREV options for the U.S. market. These delays may provide rivals a strategic window to establish a foothold and capture early adopters in the range-extended segment before Stellantis can deliver its flagship offerings.
Looking Ahead
Industry observers will be watching to see if these delays are isolated to supplier logistics or indicative of broader technical hurdles within the EREV powertrain development. While the new production dates are now set for late 2026 and early 2027, the company must now manage consumer expectations for two of its most anticipated high-end vehicles. The shift underscores the complexity of scaling new powertrain technologies while maintaining the rigorous performance standards required for the American truck and SUV market.