2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger's onboard charger

author: FutureCar Staff    

One of the biggest concerns for people considering electric vehicles is range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery power with no charging stations nearby. 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 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.

The growth of electric vehicle sales has started to slow down, leading automakers to rethink their investments in the transition from internal combustion to electric powertrains. Limited range and a lack of charging stations, unlike the abundance of gas stations, are among the reasons cited for the slower adoption. Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, acknowledges these concerns and believes that the Ramcharger addresses them by providing a worry-free driving experience.

Stellantis plans to expand the use of this new powertrain by offering it in other vehicles. Although there is no official confirmation, a tentative contract agreement with the United Auto Workers suggests that the Jeep Wrangler small SUV will have the same power system in 2028, and the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer large SUVs will have it in 2025.

The Ramcharger, set to be available in showrooms by the end of next year, boasts impressive performance capabilities. With 663 horsepower, it can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. When fully charged and with a full gas tank, it can travel up to 690 miles. Additionally, it 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 fast-charging station, where it can gain 50 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes. Ram engineers also highlight that with a two-direction home charging station, the truck can provide power to a home during a storm or to tools on a job site.

While other companies offer gas-electric hybrid trucks for efficiency and power supply capabilities, the Ramcharger stands out because its gas engine solely generates electricity to charge the battery and does not directly drive the wheels.

Meeting upcoming U.S. government fuel economy and emissions requirements will require more than 20% of Ram sales to be at least partially electric, according to Kuniskis. Stellantis previously unveiled a fully electric Ram pickup called the REV.

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.

Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid states that there is a segment of truck shoppers who desire the performance of an electric vehicle but are unwilling to compromise on range or towing capabilities. Stellantis aims to cater to this market by offering a package that combines the advantages of an electric powertrain with the confidence of long-distance travel and towing options. The Ramcharger allows drivers to simply refuel with gasoline when needed.

The demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. has shown signs of leveling off after a period of significant growth. In August, EV sales accounted for 8.3% of the total market, but in September, it dropped to 7.9%. The year-over-year growth rate also decreased from almost 60% in August to 56% in September. Analysts attribute this to growing EV inventory and declining prices as demand stabilizes.

Alongside the Ramcharger, Ram is introducing a revamped lineup of pickups with upgraded interiors, suspensions, and bodies. The Ram 1500 pickup will 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.

In conclusion, the Ramcharger offers a solution to range anxiety for truck owners who require hauling or towing capabilities. Stellantis plans to expand the use of this powertrain in other vehicles, and the Ram brand aims to meet upcoming fuel economy and emissions requirements. Despite the slowdown in EV sales growth, the Ramcharger presents a compelling option for those seeking the performance of an electric powertrain without sacrificing range or towing capabilities.

FutureCar Staff