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Last call for Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel before its demise

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The Ram 1500 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is officially dead after this model year with a last build date officially announced.

As the automotive world transitions to more electrified powertrains, the Ram 3.0-liter EcoDiesel is the latest engine to be pushed out.

Why kill the Ram 3.0-liter EcoDiesel?

This is a big question for the EcoDiesel fans. In any truck, diesel often gets better fuel economy than gas and can pollute less. Plus, with alternative and renewable diesel fuels, what’s not to love with this engine?

Apparently, there’s another side to the story.

According to a Stellantis press release, the parent company of Ram, the EcoDiesel is being pushed out to make room for a battery electric model coming in 2024.

“Our Ram EcoDiesel V-6 engine has delighted consumers with the highest half-ton diesel torque rating and towing capability while being the first to exceed 1,000 miles of range,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “As we quickly pivot toward an electrified future, we wanted to celebrate this last EcoDiesel milestone by offering our loyal light-duty diesel enthusiasts a final opportunity to order the truck they love.”

This statement is interesting to say the least — especially considering an all-electric Ram will see significantly less range than a gas vehicle as well as considerably less towing mileage, a job commonly done with trucks. 

Another reason the EcoDiesel is dying: The rising emissions standards are going to make it harder and harder for a half-ton diesel engine to meet the new requirements. And if they do, the additional equipment and cost will push this option out of the price range for many consumers.

When is it going away?

If you want to get one, you’ll need to act fast since production ends in January 2023.

The 2023 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is available in Crew Cab 4X4 models and can be ordered now. This engine is available in Tradesman, Big Horn/Lone Star, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited models.

The bottom line

The simple answer to why Ram would kill the EcoDiesel is this: It doesn’t have a choice. Stellantis doesn’t sell many lower-emissions vehicles, and it has no EV presence. For the automaker to stop paying emissions-related fines to the EPA for its vehicle lineup, it must make some tough decisions to curtail emissions, bring new electric vehicles to market and push customers to purchase powertrains that emit less pollution. 

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Tim Esterdahl

Automotive Journalist Tim Esterdahl has been a lover of trucks and SUVs for years. He has covered the industry since 2011 and has pieces in many national magazines and newspapers. In his spare time, he is often found tinkering on his '62 C10 pickup, playing golf, going hunting and hanging out with his wife and kids in Nebraska.

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