Stellantis Cancels Fully Electric Ram 1500, Shifts to Hybrid Model

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: Ethan Miller | Getty Images

Stellantis has announced that it will no longer move forward with plans to produce a fully electric version of its Ram 1500 pickup truck. Instead, the company will focus on bringing to market a hybrid-style model that uses a gasoline engine as a generator to extend range, combining electric driving with the flexibility of traditional fuel.

The move reflects the growing challenges facing large electric pickup trucks in the United States. Consumer demand for full battery-powered trucks has slowed, with many buyers concerned about high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and performance limitations when towing or hauling heavy loads. Stellantis, like other automakers, has had to adapt its strategy to meet market realities while still pursuing electrification.

The alternative model, which will now carry the Ram 1500 REV name, is designed to deliver the benefits of electric power while reducing concerns about range. By incorporating a gas-powered generator, the truck will be able to travel longer distances and provide consistent performance even when charging stations are not available. This approach also ensures that customers who rely on trucks for work or long-distance travel can count on flexibility without compromising capability.

Earlier, Stellantis had teased a version of the Ram 1500 with a large battery pack capable of traveling around 500 miles on a single charge, but that plan was quietly shelved due to cost and development challenges. The decision to cancel the fully electric REV altogether highlights the difficulties of producing large electric pickups that meet both customer expectations and financial viability.

Industry analysts note that Stellantis is positioning itself cautiously, offering a transitional technology rather than pushing aggressively into a market segment that is not yet ready for full electrification. By emphasizing hybrid and range-extended models, the company hopes to bridge the gap between today’s infrastructure limitations and the long-term vision of widespread electric adoption.

The newly branded Ram 1500 REV is expected to begin production in the coming years, with Stellantis aiming to provide strong towing power, competitive driving range, and the rugged features customers expect from the Ram brand. While the cancellation of the fully electric version may be disappointing to some, the company believes this new direction is better aligned with customer needs and market conditions.

Factory Tours Growing in Popularity in Singapore

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Souce: COURTESY OF NLB

More Singaporeans are embracing the chance to visit local factories from fishball producers to bus depots through guided tours that provide a rare glimpse into daily operations. These tours offer participants an opportunity to see firsthand how goods and services are created, providing both educational value and entertainment.

Organisers say the tours are increasingly popular because they reveal what usually happens behind the scenes. Visitors can observe production lines, watch machinery in action, understand hygiene and safety standards, and hear directly from workers about the processes involved in making products or delivering services. For many, it is a unique experience that brings everyday items and operations to life.

Participants span a wide range, including families looking for an educational outing, students seeking practical knowledge, and hobbyists with a curiosity about local industries. Many visitors say the tours deepen their appreciation for the effort and skill involved in producing the goods they use daily.

Factory operators also see significant benefits. Tours allow them to build stronger connections with the community, showcase high standards, and promote their brand. Some companies report that hosting tours can spark interest in local industries among younger generations, potentially encouraging future careers in these sectors.

The demand for factory tours continues to grow, particularly for shorter, affordable, and convenient visits. Organisers are responding by expanding the variety of factories open to the public, including food production facilities, transport hubs, and other industrial sites. Partnerships with schools, community groups, and tourism organisations have also increased, making it easier for more people to participate.

Some factories have started adding interactive elements, such as hands-on activities, tasting sessions, or mini-workshops, to make the tours even more engaging. Experts say these experiences not only educate the public but also foster transparency and trust between businesses and the wider community.

As factory tours gain traction, they are proving to be a win-win: visitors enjoy an eye-opening experience, while companies benefit from greater community engagement and awareness of their operations. With continued interest, these tours are likely to become a regular feature of Singapore’s educational and recreational landscape.

RH Reports Missed Expectations, Warns Tariffs to Hit Results and Outlook

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Scott Myln, CNBC

RH, the upscale home furnishings retailer, has posted second-quarter results that fell short of analysts’ estimates, with management attributing much of its underperformance to tariff uncertainty and a weak housing market. The company also revised its full-year outlook downward as it navigates rising costs tied to global trade policy.

For the quarter, RH reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.93, below the forecasted ~$3.20, while revenue grew by about 8% year-over-year, reaching approximately $899 million. That revenue also came in slightly under expectations of around $905 million. The misses, while modest, sharpened concerns among investors already jittery over trade tensions and inflation pressures.

RH said that existing and proposed tariffs have created significant headwinds: increased import costs, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty that complicates pricing and inventory planning. The company noted a particular impact from U.S. duties on imports from India and China, countries that make up a meaningful share of its supply mix. In response, RH is accelerating efforts to shift some production and sourcing away from high-tariff countries, increasing capacity in North Carolina, and working closely with vendor partners to absorb and mitigate cost pressures where possible.

The company estimated an additional impact of tens of millions of dollars from incremental tariffs in the second half of the fiscal year, prompting RH’s management to adjust expectations accordingly.

Given these headwinds, RH narrowed its full-year revenue growth forecast to between 9% and 11%, down from an earlier projection of 10% to 13%. Similarly, the company lowered its forecast for its adjusted EBITDA margin to 19% to 20%, from a prior target range of 20%-21%. These adjustments reflect both caution over rising costs and an acknowledgment that macroeconomic‐ and housing‐market weaknesses are likely to persist.

Following the earnings release and guidance revision, RH’s stock declined in trading, reflecting investor concern over margin compression, higher expenses, and the uncertain outlook ahead. Sector analysts have flagged RH’s sensitivity to U.S. trade policy and housing market trends, especially given the company’s reliance on discretionary customer spending for large furniture purchases.

For RH, navigating tariffs, inflation, and housing softness will be critical in maintaining profitability. How well it can shift its supply chain, manage vendor relationships, and limit margin erosion will likely shape investor sentiment in the months ahead.