2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Onboard Charging Revolution

author: FutureCar Staff    

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

While electric vehicle sales have been growing, the pace is starting to slow down. This has led automakers to reconsider their investments in the transition from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains. The main reasons cited for this slowdown are the cost of electric vehicles, limited range, and a lack of charging stations compared to the abundance of gas stations.

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, acknowledges these concerns and believes that the Ramcharger can address them. He states that there are numerous advantages to electric vehicles, but certain factors are slowing people down. With the Ramcharger, he can assure customers that they don't have to worry about range anxiety.

Stellantis is confident in the appeal of their new powertrain and plans to offer it in other vehicles. According to a tentative contract agreement with the United Auto Workers, Stellantis intends to use the same power system in the Jeep Wrangler small SUV in 2028, and the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer large SUVs in 2025.

The Ramcharger, set to be available in showrooms by the end of next year, boasts impressive performance capabilities. It has 663 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. When the battery is fully charged and the gas tank is full, it can travel up to 690 miles. Additionally, it can tow a trailer weighing up to 14,000 pounds, surpassing the capabilities of 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 50 miles of range. The truck is also equipped with a two-direction home charging station that can power a home during a storm or tools on a job site.

While other companies offer gas-electric hybrid trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the Ramcharger stands out because its gas engine solely produces electricity to charge the battery and does not directly power the wheels.

Kuniskis believes that 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 unveiled a fully electric Ram pickup called the REV earlier this year.

Stellantis has been criticized for having the worst fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions among major automakers, according to a 2022 report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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. Analyst Sam Abuelsamid from Guidehouse Insights believes that Stellantis has a package that could meet their needs. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the price reasonable to attract customers who have been deterred by high prices of electric pickups offered by Ford, General Motors, and Rivian.

While demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. has seen significant growth in recent years, it has started to level off. In August, EVs accounted for 8.3% of total vehicle sales, but in September, that percentage dropped to 7.9%. The year-over-year growth rate also decreased from almost 60% in August to 56% in September.

The Ramcharger is part of a revamped lineup of Ram pickups that will be available in showrooms starting early next year. These trucks feature upgraded interiors, suspensions, and bodies, with a new RAM badge mounted higher on the grille. The Ram 1500 pickup will also offer a 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