The Ram 1500 Ramcharger Holds the Potential to Eliminate Range Anxiety

Photo Source: Ram

If range limits and charge times are deterring buyers from considering an electric vehicle (EV), “Extended Range Electric Vehicles” (EREV) are an effective alternative to full-battery electric vehicles that enable all-electric driving without the anxiety that comes with it. These range-extended electric vehicles are uniquely different from other types of hybrid cars. Some automakers claim their range-extended electric vehicles are capable of “unlimited battery-electric range.” This prompts the question, can an electric vehicle have unlimited range, or is this just a creative marketing tactic?

Ram announced its 2025 1500 Ramcharger is capable of “unlimited battery-electric range.” Built on Stellantis’ STLA full-size body-on-frame EV platform, the Ramcharger combines an engine, a generator, batteries, and motors. To clarify, this pickup truck is powered by two electric motors and a 92 kilowatt-hour battery pack, but then it adds a 3.6-liter V-6 engine as an on board gasoline generator. It is worth noting that the V-6 is not connected to the wheels in any way, it is purely there to charge the batteries. 

The result is a targeted 690 miles of total gasoline and electric driving range, with 150 miles pure electric range before the gasoline engine begins contributing. This truck accelerates up to 663 horsepower and produces 615 pound-feet of torque. It also has a 14,000-pound towing capacity, a 2,625-pound payload capacity, and a zero to 60 mile per hour time of just 4.4 seconds. Indeed, that is a remarkably stout package.

“Unlimited” Range

This makes the Ram 1500 Ramcharger one of the only extended range electric vehicles on sale today (2024). Additionally, its closest “cousin” is the now-discontinued BMW i3, which utilized a similar setup of on board gasoline generator to supplement its electric drivetrain. The word “unlimited” when referring to electric vehicle range should mean that the battery power supply is endless or unrestricted. At present, no vehicle is truly capable of unlimited electric vehicle range. Still, this does not mean it is not possible. There is a technology that exists that could enable unlimited electric vehicle range. However, costs, infrastructure, and production scaling are limiting factors.

Regenerative braking, designed to save energy created when braking and recharging batteries, is not enough to recharge a battery completely. Solar panels are another option, but owners would require numerous solar panels on one car to recharge completely everyday. That said, sources indicate drivers can “‘DC’ fast-charge the Ramcharger via a Level 3 charger at up to 145 kW, which future owners may choose to do, although they will probably choose the easy way and just fill it up with gasoline, letting the generator do the charging. Ram hasn’t announced the vehicle’s efficiency rating, but if other similar systems are anything to go by, it should be better on fuel and have lower emissions than a comparable pure ICE truck.”

The Future of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger

The Ram’s hybrid drivetrain makes it uniquely capable, providing the flexibility of long-haul towing without the need for a public charger, plenty of around-town electric vehicle range, and electrified capability, such as bi-directional vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-vehicle charging, allowing this truck to keep the lights on when the power goes out at home, power a job site, or even a tailgate party.

To that end, range extender electric vehicles are relatively rare among passenger vehicles, so the arrival of the Ramcharger in the 2025 model year is a significant development for the pickup truck segment. If you are intrigued by the possibilities inspired by the Ramcharger, please come visit Miami Lakes Automall, where you can take a look at our new vehicle inventory or our quality pre-owned vehicles.