Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Gas-Powered EV with Extended Range

author: FutureCar Staff    

Stellantis is set to release a new electric-propelled Ram truck that combines a large EV battery pack with a gasoline engine to provide extended range for long trips without the need for frequent charging stops. The upcoming pickup, known as the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, claims to offer a range of up to 690 miles on a full tank and charge.

The Ramcharger operates on dual electric motors, with a 250kW motor in the front and a 238kW motor in the rear, making it effectively an EV. However, in terms of operation, it functions more like a plug-in hybrid. Similarly to Chevy's discontinued Volt, the Ramcharger operates primarily as an EV with a pure electric range of around 50 miles. Once the battery is depleted, a gas engine kicks in to continue powering the EV system. Essentially, the Ramcharger can be seen as a larger version of the Volt.

Despite its hybrid setup, the Ramcharger offers several benefits typically associated with EVs. It boasts speedy acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. Additionally, it can cover lengthy distances using its 92kWh battery alone, without burning any gas. According to Car & Driver, the usable battery capacity of the Ramcharger is 70.8kWh, allowing for an electric range of up to 145 miles.

Unlike other all-electric pickup trucks, the Ramcharger does not feature a spacious front trunk (frunk). Instead, it houses a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the front bay. This engine activates when the battery charge is low and powers a 130kW onboard generator, which in turn keeps the Ramcharger's electric motors running. It's important to note that the engine does not directly drive the powertrain. While running on gas, the truck's horsepower is limited to 174. However, with a fully charged battery, Stellantis claims the Ramcharger can reach a peak output of 663 horsepower.

Earlier this year, Stellantis also announced the upcoming release of the Ram 1500 REV, a fully electric pickup truck equipped with a much larger 229kWh battery, offering a projected range of 500 miles on a single charge. Despite the hybrid setup of the Ramcharger, both trucks are expected to have similar towing and payload capabilities. The Ramcharger is rated to tow up to 14,000 pounds and carry a payload of up to 2,625 pounds.

Currently, Ford is the only legacy automaker that offers a work-oriented electric pickup truck on the market. However, when carrying a full load, the Ford truck experiences a significant reduction in drivable range, dropping from approximately 278 miles (as tested by AAA) to 210 miles, a decrease of nearly 25 percent. Longer distances would require stops at electric vehicle chargers. In contrast, the Ramcharger could potentially continue operating on fossil fuels.

Inside the Ramcharger, there is a focus on technology. The truck features a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a large 14.5-inch infotainment screen, and a separate 10.25-inch display for the passenger, which supports HDMI input for devices like video game consoles. The driver also benefits from a heads-up display and a digital rearview mirror. Owners have the option to use a digital key on their smartphone for unlocking and starting the vehicle, and there is also an NFC-based keycard available as a backup.

It's important to note that despite having a gas engine, the Ramcharger is designed to minimize fuel consumption. As long as the truck is kept charged, preferably at home, it can be used for short trips without the need to stop at gas stations. However, due to the size and weight of the Ramcharger, including the battery, gas engine, and fuel tank, it is likely best suited as a secondary vehicle rather than a primary daily driver.

FutureCar Staff