The Ram 1500 Ramcharger lives up to the charger part of its name … in several ways.
Ram has released the final specifications for the upcoming extended range electric vehicle (EREV) and some of them are very impressive.
The Ramcharger features what’s known as a series hybrid powertrain. It’s essentially a plug-in electric truck that has a 3.6-liter V6 engine onboard that powers a generator, but isn’t directly connected to the wheels through a transmission.
They’re always driven by the dual electric motors and the engine is only needed after the capacity of its relatively small battery pack has been depleted, which Ram says is good for around 145 miles per charge. That’s more than enough for typical daily use, but the V6 allows for long trips without having to stop to charge.
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Those motors are rated at a combined 647 hp and 610 lb-ft and the Ramcharger can charge to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, according to Ram. That’s as quick as the official rating for the discontinued 702 hp 1500 TRX. This despite the fact that the 1500 Ramcharger weighs 7,507 pounds, which is about a half-ton more than the TRX. You can thank the immediate torque of the electric motors for that, but the Ramcharger can also reach a restricted top speed of 114 mph.
More important for a truck, it can tow up to 14,000 pounds, which beats the gas-powered 1500’s max of 11,580 pounds. It also has a hefty 2,625 payload capacity. A stronger frame contributes to the boost.
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According to Ram, the truck has a range of 690 miles between its 91.8 kWh battery pack and 27 gallon gas tank, although that’s without a trailer attached. The fuel efficiency ratings are 60 mpg-equivalent in EV mode and 20 mpg in extended range mode.
The truck only dips into 69.7 kWh worth of battery charge in EV mode to keep some in reserve for boosts of power during extended range mode, as the V6 is only rated at 271 hp, which is enough for cruising on the highway, but might not get it up a long, steep hill with a heavy load.
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Ram delayed the launch of its fully electric 1500 REV to prioritize the Ramcharger, which will be the only EREV pickup on sale and looking to carve a niche for itself in an increasingly crowded electric pickup segment. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the Ramcharger is expected to go on sale in the first half of this year.