Electrifying Ram trucks leave Hemi behind

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Ram 1500 Revolution electric concept pickup truck was recently unveiled at the CES 2023 trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stellantis, the parent company of Ram, has announced its plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid model of its Ram pickup truck called Ramcharger. As part of its strategy to reduce CO2 emissions, Stellantis will phase out V-8 Hemi engines and offer six-cylinder combustion engines in its 2025-model light-duty Ram trucks. This move is aimed at selling more hybrid and electric trucks and improving fuel efficiency.

While the Hemi V-8 engine will no longer be available in light-duty Ram trucks, it will still be offered in Ram heavy-duty trucks. The company has not disclosed its future production plans for light-duty Ram Classic trucks, which are based on previous generation Ram designs. Currently, Hemi engines are available on certain Ram Classic models.

In an effort to cater to the preferences of Detroit brand buyers who may not be ready for an all-electric pickup, Stellantis plans to introduce the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger model by 2025. This model is expected to be a more practical and affordable alternative to all-electric trucks like the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and the all-electric Chevy Silverado from General Motors.

Starting in the first quarter of 2024, light-duty Ram trucks will be powered by 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder "Hurricane" engines or an older 3.6-liter V-6. This shift from V-8 engines to smaller, high-output engines is in response to stricter CO2 emissions standards. Ford has also announced plans to offer hybrid powertrains in up to 20% of its redesigned F-150 lineup.

GM currently offers four-cylinder and eight-cylinder gas engines, as well as a diesel powertrain in its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. While GM is ramping up production of all-electric Silverado and Sierras, it has not yet announced plans for hybrid models.

Stellantis has previously stated that it will introduce an all-electric Ram pickup called the Ram Rev in late 2024. The Ramcharger, on the other hand, will use a six-cylinder gasoline engine as a generator to recharge its battery pack. This makes it a more practical option for customers concerned about driving range, access to charging, and towing capability. The cost difference between the Ramcharger and the all-electric Ram Rev has not been disclosed.

Overall, Stellantis' decision to offer hybrid and electric trucks and phase out V-8 Hemi engines is a crucial step in reducing CO2 emissions and meeting stricter emissions standards. By providing a range of engine options, Stellantis aims to cater to the preferences and needs of different customers in the pickup truck market.

FutureCar Staff