Ram Electric Truck: The Innovative 1500 Ramcharger Approach
As the electric vehicle landscape evolves, Ram is making its mark by introducing the 1500 Ramcharger, the last electric truck from the major Detroit automakers. Unlike conventional battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the Ramcharger adopts a range-extended electric vehicle approach, integrating a substantial amount of lithium-ion batteries. This innovation comes at a time when pickup trucks, despite their popularity, face challenges in electrification due to design and drag issues. Amid rising battery costs and shifting industry expectations, Ram’s strategy aims to bridge the gap between traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains, setting the stage for a new era in truck performance and sustainability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 1500 Ramcharger |
| Type | Range-extended Electric Vehicle (EV) |
| Battery Capacity | Gross: 91.8 kWh Usable: 69.7 kWh |
| Price Estimate | Under $70,000 |
| Engine | 3.6 L Pentastar V6 |
| Powertrain Modes | 1. Fully Electric (up to 40 miles) 2. Charge Depletion 3. Charge Sustaining |
| CEO Statement | Battery costs remain higher than expected; significant gap compared to internal combustion engines. |
| Challenges in Electrification | Pickup trucks face design challenges like drag and weight, affecting electrification. |
| Comparison with Other EVs | Battery capacity comparable to BMW i3, but restricted for performance tasks like towing. |
| Battery Usage Policy | Designed to maintain drivability and functionality in both charge modes. |
Understanding Electric Trucks: The Ramcharger’s Unique Approach
Ram is stepping into the electric truck world with the 1500 Ramcharger, which is different from other electric vehicles. Instead of being a fully battery-powered truck, the Ramcharger is a range-extended electric vehicle (EV). This means it has a battery but also uses a small engine to help extend its driving range. By having more lithium-ion batteries than most EVs, the Ramcharger aims to offer a blend of electric efficiency and power, which is crucial for pickup trucks!
Electric trucks like the Ramcharger are important because they can help reduce pollution while still providing the strength and utility that truck owners need. However, making trucks electric isn’t easy. Pickup trucks are big and bulky, which can lead to drag when driving, making them less efficient than smaller cars. Ram’s approach with the Ramcharger shows that they are considering how to make these vehicles work better for the drivers who rely on them every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ramcharger and how is it different from other electric trucks?
The Ramcharger is Ram’s first electric truck, designed as a range-extended EV with more lithium-ion batteries than most BEVs, providing a unique approach to electric pickups.
Why are pickup trucks challenging for electrification?
Pickup trucks face challenges like drag due to their design and large frontal areas, making them less ideal for electric power compared to smaller vehicles.
What is the estimated price of the Ramcharger?
The Ramcharger is expected to be sold for under $70,000, thanks to its efficient engine choice and large 92 kWh battery.
What engine does the Ramcharger use for its range-extender?
The Ramcharger uses a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine as a generator, which charges its battery and powers the electric motors without transferring torque to the wheels.
How long can the Ramcharger run on electric power?
The Ramcharger can operate fully electric for just under 40 miles before needing to engage the range-extender engine.
What are the different powertrain modes available in the Ramcharger?
The Ramcharger features three modes: fully electric, charge depletion (using battery energy), and charge sustaining (maintaining a set battery level for performance).
Why is part of the Ramcharger’s battery not usable by owners?
Only 69.7 kWh of the Ramcharger’s 91.8 kWh battery is usable to ensure optimal performance for tasks like towing, avoiding drops in battery power that affect drivability.
Summary
Ram is launching its electric truck, the 1500 Ramcharger, as a range-extended EV with a larger battery than typical electric vehicles. Pickup trucks face challenges for electrification due to their drag and size, yet they remain popular in the US. Ram’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, highlighted the high costs of batteries, which have not decreased as expected, leading to a pause on a fully electric version of the Ramcharger. The truck uses a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 engine to charge its battery, offering three driving modes and a usable battery capacity of 69.7 kWh for optimal performance.