2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger's Unique Onboard Charging System

author: FutureCar Staff    

One of the biggest concerns people have about electric vehicles is range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery power with nowhere to recharge. Stellantis' Ram brand has come up with a solution for this issue, 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 connected to a generator that can recharge the battery while the truck is in motion.

The growth of electric vehicle sales is starting to slow down, causing automakers to reconsider their investments in the transition from internal combustion to electric powertrains. Polls show that the reasons for this slowdown are the cost of electric vehicles, as well as the limited range and scarcity of charging stations compared to the abundance of gas stations.

Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, acknowledges the advantages of battery electric vehicles but also recognizes the factors that are slowing people down. With the introduction of the Ramcharger, Kuniskis can assure customers that they don't have to worry about range anxiety anymore.

Stellantis plans to offer the new powertrain system in other vehicles as well. While the company has not made an official comment, 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 663 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. When fully charged and with a full gas tank, it can travel up to 690 miles. The truck is also capable of towing a trailer weighing 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 50 miles of range. The truck can also power a home or tools on a job site during a storm with a two-direction home charging station.

While other companies offer gas-electric hybrid trucks for efficiency, the Ramcharger stands out because its gas engine solely generates 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 at least partially electric in order to meet upcoming U.S. government fuel economy and emissions requirements. Earlier this year, Stellantis unveiled a fully electric Ram pickup called the REV. Stellantis had the worst fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions among major automakers, according to a 2022 report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sam Abuelsamid, an analyst from Guidehouse Insights, explains 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 has created a package that could meet their needs, allowing them to go electric while still having the confidence to travel long distances and tow heavy loads.

The demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. has started to plateau after a period of significant growth. In August, EVs accounted for 8.3% of total vehicle sales, but in September, that number dropped to 7.9%. Although EV sales in August were up almost 60% compared to the previous year, the year-over-year growth rate dropped to 56% in September. Analysts attribute this slowdown to the increasing inventory and decreasing prices of EVs as demand stabilizes.

The Ramcharger is part of a revamped lineup of Ram pickups that will be available in showrooms from early next year. The new trucks feature upgraded interiors, suspensions, and bodies, with a new RAM badge positioned higher on the grille. Additionally, 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 addresses the range anxiety issue for electric vehicle buyers who need a truck for hauling or towing. Stellantis plans to expand the use of this powertrain system to other vehicles in their lineup. With its impressive performance and towing capabilities, the Ramcharger offers a compelling option for those who want to go electric without sacrificing range or power.

FutureCar Staff