In an unexpected turn of events, a Canadian startup is poised to outmaneuver one of the world’s automotive giants. While Stellantis’ extended-range Ram pickup, originally slated for a 2026 model year release, faces delays, Edison Motors is making remarkable progress with their diesel-electric conversion kits for classic pickups, including Rams. The company has recently achieved a significant milestone with a prototype now running under its own electric power.
The journey began with Edison Motors’ innovative approach to diesel-electric, series-hybrid semi trucksa concept that balances emission reduction with current battery limitations. To bring their pickup conversion kit project to life, Edison partnered with Rich Bosch from Deboss Garage, appointing him as Vice President of Work Truck Fabrication and lead designer for the initiative.
From concept to reality: The Ram prototype
Late last year, Edison unveiled two prototypes for their kit project—a 1995 Dodge Ram and a 79-Series Toyota Land Cruiser. Deboss Garage has meticulously documented the Ram’s development on their YouTube channel, with 15 videos dedicated to the build. In their latest video, Bosch and his team successfully assembled the pickup and got it running, marking a crucial step in the project’s evolution.
The second-generation Ram features a Cummins 2.8-liter diesel crate engine under the hood. This inline-four powers a generator mounted behind the engine, which supplies electricity to a battery pack situated between the frame rails. The wheels are driven by a pair of e-axles with integrated electric motors, eliminating the need for driveshafts and transfer cases. This setup provides the instant torque delivery of a fully electric powertrain while mitigating range anxiety.
The art of concealment: Packaging the hybrid system
From the outside, the main indication of the modifications is the absence of noise when the small-displacement diesel isn’t in use. Peeking underneath the truck reveals the e-axles, but the design team has ensured that everything is packaged as cleanly as possible, keeping powertrain components out of the bed. To achieve this, the battery management system and cooling hardware are concealed in a repurposed housing from Edison’s semi trucks, which fits neatly between the frame rails and rear cross member without hanging below the hitch.
Big plans for the future
Edison Motors has ambitious plans for these conversion kits. The company aims to market them to militaries and other government agencieshighlighting the potential of series hybrids to provide emergency backup power when the grid goes down. Chance Barber, Edison’s president and co-founder, has previously mentioned the possibility of selling their own rolling chassis with hybrid powertrains already installed. The completion of this prototype brings them one step closer to realizing these goals.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, innovative startups like Edison Motors are proving that size doesn’t always determine success. With their groundbreaking diesel-electric conversion kits, they are not only challenging industry giants but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.
