Ram Killing Off Popular 1500 EcoDiesel Ahead of EV Pickup Truck Debut

• Ram will end production of the 1500 EcoDiesel in January 2023, as the automaker looks toward electrification.

• The engine offered impressive range and fuel economy, as well as plenty of torque, making it a popular choice for towing.

• Ram plans to offer a battery-electric version of the 1500 in 2024, as Ford and Chevrolet roll out their own versions of electric pickups.

If you've had your eye on a new Ram 1500 EcoDiesel for a while, now might be the time to make plans to buy one. That's because the EcoDiesel V6 will leave the Ram 1500 menu in January 2023, after almost 10 years of production, and after a moderate dose of controversy.

The turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 arrived on the scene in 2014, offering class-leading range and fuel economy with a rating of up to 28 mpg on the highway, permitting it to travel over 1000 miles between fill ups. The engine also offered gobs of torque with 480 lb-ft on tap, as well as a towing capability of up to 12,560 pounds, making it a popular choice for long-distance hauling. The 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4x2 later notched that fuel economy up to 32 mpg highway for RWD models and 29 mpg highway for 4x4 versions.

More importantly, it was billed by Ram as the "first modern half-ton, full-size pickup to offer durable, efficient diesel technology," as other truck makers did not make an effort to field diesels in this particular segment.

Why is this engine option going away in 2023?