In a bold move to redefine the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, automaker Stellantis has announced the production of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, an innovative electric pickup truck with a built-in gas-powered generator. This unprecedented design aims to deliver the zero-emission benefits of an EV without the familiar range of anxiety. Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis described that the truck represents a revolutionary leap, operating solely on electric power until the battery’s depletion activates an onboard generator, thus extending the vehicle’s range. “This is the ultimate answer for the battery-electric truck. No one else has anything else like it,” Kuniskis affirmed during a press event, highlighting the vehicle’s potential to transform the battery-electric truck market.
The Ramcharger, slated to go on sale in late 2024, promises a staggering range of 690 miles, with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery providing up to 145 miles of pure electric driving. This marks a significant advancement over the all-electric Ram 1500 REV and its expected 500-mile range. Stellantis’ strategic introduction of the Ramcharger caters to the current transitional period in the automotive industry, providing a “bridge” for consumers not yet fully committed to EVs due to concerns over charging infrastructure and towing capabilities. Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global Mobility notes, “It works to address the fact that right now, the industry and the pickup truck segment is not ready to just flip to EVs 100%.”
The Ramcharger is distinct from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), offering a pure EV experience backed by an onboard “high-speed charger” in the form of a gas generator. As Kuniskis points out, this setup ensures that “there’s no connection between the engine and the wheels,” with the generator’s sole purpose being to recharge the battery. Compared to its competitors, Ram’s strategy takes a divergent path, focusing on this unique combination rather than following the traditional, hybrid, or solely electric models.
Beyond its range-extending capabilities, the Ramcharger boasts an impressive 663 horsepower and can achieve 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. It also offers bidirectional charging, serving as a mobile power source. In addition to the technological marvels, the Ramcharger inherits a blend of aesthetic cues from its all-electric and gasoline-powered counterparts, signalling a new era for the iconic brand as it says goodbye to the legendary Hemi V-8 engines.
As the automotive world watches, Stellantis’ Ramcharger is a testament to innovation and adaptability, providing a practical solution to consumers hesitant to embrace a fully electric future. It is not just a truck but a symbol of the industry’s evolution, delivering the promise of electric mobility without sacrificing the power and range that truck owners demand.