Ram trucks go electric

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【Summary】Stellantis, the parent company of Ram trucks, will introduce a plug-in hybrid model called Ramcharger and phase out V-8 Hemi engines in its North American fleet to reduce CO2 emissions. The popular Hemi V-8 engine will no longer be offered in light-duty Ram trucks from 2025, instead, the company will offer six-cylinder combustion engines and the battery-electric Ram REV. Stellantis aims to sell more hybrid and electric trucks to improve fuel efficiency and comply with emissions standards.

FutureCar Staff Nov 07, 2023 8:15 AM PT

The Ram 1500 Revolution electric concept pickup truck was recently unveiled at the CES 2023 trade show in Las Vegas. 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 instead offer six-cylinder combustion engines.

In an effort to improve fuel efficiency and meet emissions standards, Stellantis aims to sell more hybrid and electric trucks. The company is currently facing fines for failing to meet U.S. emissions standards and expects stricter penalties in the future. While the Hemi V-8 engine will no longer be available in light-duty Ram pickup trucks starting in 2025, it will still be offered in Ram heavy-duty trucks.

Stellantis has not disclosed future production plans for light-duty Ram Classic trucks, which are based on previous generation Ram designs. However, the company is confident that the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger model, set to be released by 2025, will appeal to Detroit brand buyers who may not be ready for fully electric pickups like the Tesla Cybertruck or Ford's F-150 Lightning.

In the near term, most Ram trucks will still be powered by combustion engines. However, starting in the first quarter of 2024, the iconic eight-cylinder Hemi engine will be phased out in favor of 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder "Hurricane" engines or an older 3.6-liter V-6. This shift towards smaller, high-output engines and electrified powertrains is a response to stricter CO2 emissions standards.

Other automakers, such as Ford and GM, are also incorporating hybrid powertrains into their truck lineups. Ford plans for up to 20% of its redesigned F-150 lineup to have hybrid powertrains, while GM is ramping up production of all-electric Silverado and Sierra trucks. Stellantis, on the other hand, will introduce the all-electric Ram Rev in late 2024, alongside the more affordable and practical Ramcharger.

The Ramcharger will feature a six-cylinder gasoline engine that acts as a generator to recharge the truck's battery pack. This alternative offers better fuel economy while addressing concerns about driving range, access to charging infrastructure, and towing capability. Stellantis aims to provide customers with a range of options that balance fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality.

Overall, Stellantis' decision to introduce a plug-in hybrid Ramcharger model and phase out V-8 Hemi engines reflects the company's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and meeting stricter emissions standards. By offering a range of hybrid and electric trucks, Stellantis aims to appeal to a broader market while ensuring a more sustainable future for its North American fleet.