2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger onboard charging

author: FutureCar Staff    

One of the biggest concerns people have when considering buying an electric vehicle is range anxiety. This is the fear of running out of battery power while on the road with no charging options available. Stellantis' Ram brand may have a solution for this, especially for those who need a truck for hauling or towing. They have introduced the Ramcharger, a pickup truck that can travel 145 miles on electricity. It is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 gas-powered engine connected to a generator, which can recharge the battery while the truck is in motion.

The growth of electric vehicle sales has started to slow down, leading automakers to reconsider their investments in the transition from internal combustion to electric powertrains. The reasons for this slowdown include cost concerns, limited range, and a lack of charging stations compared to the abundance of gas stations.

Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of the Ram brand, acknowledges the advantages of battery electric vehicles but also recognizes the factors that are holding people back. With the Ramcharger, he assures customers that range anxiety is not an issue. Stellantis is confident in the appeal of this new powertrain and plans to offer it in other vehicles as well. According to a tentative contract agreement with the United Auto Workers, Stellantis intends to use the same power system in the Jeep Wrangler in 2028 and the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer in 2025.

The Ramcharger, set to be available in showrooms by the end of next year, boasts 663 horsepower and can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. When the battery is fully charged and the gas generator's tank is full, it can travel up to 690 miles. Additionally, the truck has a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds, surpassing the current Ram pickup with a V8 engine.

The battery of the Ramcharger can be charged at home or at a direct-current fast-charging station. In just 10 minutes, it can gain an additional 50 miles of range. Moreover, with a two-direction home charging station, the truck can supply power to a home during a storm or tools at a job site.

While other companies offer gas-electric hybrid trucks for efficiency and Ford's trucks can also power a house or tools, the Ramcharger stands out. Unlike these hybrids, the gas engine of the Ramcharger solely produces electricity to charge the battery and does not directly power the wheels.

According to Tim Kuniskis, more than 20% of Ram sales will need to be electric or partially electric to meet upcoming U.S. government fuel economy and emissions requirements. Stellantis has already revealed a fully electric Ram pickup called the REV. The company aims to improve its fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it currently has the worst performance in these areas among major automakers.

Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst from Guidehouse Insights, mentions that there is a segment of truck shoppers who desire the performance of an electric vehicle but do not want to compromise on range or towing capabilities. Stellantis' Ramcharger could be the right fit for them. However, the price of electric pickups offered by other manufacturers has deterred many potential buyers, so Stellantis will need to keep the price of the Ramcharger reasonable.

Although demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. has started to level off after a period of significant growth, Stellantis remains optimistic about the future of EVs. They believe that the Ramcharger and other electric models will contribute to the continued adoption of electric vehicles.

In addition to the Ramcharger, Stellantis has revamped its lineup of Ram pickups, which will be available in showrooms starting early next year. The new trucks feature upgraded interiors, suspensions, and bodies, and they sport a new RAM badge positioned higher on the grille. The Ram 1500 pickup will also offer an optional new twin-turbo 3-liter straight-line six-cylinder engine with up to 540 horsepower, surpassing the power of the previous Hemi V8 engine.

FutureCar Staff