by Ram, a division of Stellantis, has unveiled the all-new 1500 Ramcharger, a range-extended electric pickup truck that aims to address the issue of range anxiety. With a combination of a dual-motor electric drive and a V6 engine-generator, the Ramcharger offers an impressive driving range of close to 700 miles before needing to refuel. In addition, the truck can also function as a mobile backup battery/generator.
Many advertisements for pickup trucks and SUVs depict adventures in remote and rugged terrain. However, for electric vehicles with limited range, this can create range anxiety, as being far away from charging infrastructure could potentially leave drivers stranded. Ram has found a solution to this problem with its range extender system, which provides a robust amount of zero-emissions driving while offering the driving range and fuel-filling flexibility that remote workers and adventurers require.
The Ramcharger is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine-generator system that boosts the total targeted range of the truck to 690 miles. This includes the addition of 190 miles of engine-generated range on top of the pure-electric range of 500 miles. To achieve this extended range, Ram has reduced the battery size to a 92-kWh unit, smaller than the options available for the pure-electric version of the 1500 REV.
The V6 engine kicks in when the battery is depleted or when the driver selects it, preserving the battery power for later use. The engine’s mechanical power is converted into electricity by a 130-kW generator, which either charges the battery or flows directly to a high-voltage bus supplying the dual-motor electric drive system.
The V6 engine is not mechanically connected to the wheels, allowing the front and rear motors to deliver a combined power output of 654 bhp. While torque is slightly reduced compared to the all-electric version, the Ramcharger still achieves a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
When it comes to recharging, the Ramcharger can add approximately 50 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes of fast-charging at up to 145 kW. Unlike the pure-electric version, the Ramcharger can also be refueled quickly and easily, making it suitable for situations where there are no electric vehicle charging stations or when time is of the essence. Off-roaders will also have the option to carry extra fuel in jerry cans on long, demanding routes.
The V6 range extender also plays a role in Ram’s bidirectional vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging system. While a vehicle battery will eventually deplete to zero when supplying power as an emergency home backup or vehicle-to-vehicle charger, the engine-generator provides additional runtime and easier refueling. The Ramcharger is equipped with an onboard power panel in the bed, capable of outputting up to 7.2 kW of power.
In terms of towing and payload capacity, the Ramcharger offers impressive estimates of 14,000 lbs and 2,625 lbs, respectively. The truck is built on Stellantis’ new STLA Frame body-on-frame architecture for full-size electric vehicles, with the battery pack mounted low and centrally between the rails. Similar to the 1500 REV, the Ramcharger features active-leveling five-mode four-corner air suspension and a hands-free Level 2+ advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).
Inside the truck, drivers are greeted with an impressive array of advanced technology. The cockpit features a 14.5-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a full-color heads-up display (HUD). The front passenger also enjoys a 10.3-inch touchscreen display positioned for their viewing pleasure. While the driver’s screens display essential vehicle information and navigation, the passenger can enjoy entertainment via HDMI or switch to a copilot navigation screen or an exterior camera view.
The Ramcharger aims to provide a solution to range anxiety by offering a long driving range and the flexibility of a range extender. With its impressive capabilities and advanced features, the Ramcharger could be a game-changer for electric pickup trucks, appealing to both remote workers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
