With the fully electric Ram delayed to 2026, Stellantis shifts gears by launching the Ram 1500 Ramcharger – a plug-free powerhouse equipped with a range extender.
Electric vehicles are facing headwinds in the United States, especially in the heavyweight category of full-size trucks. Once heralded as the future, models like the Ford F-150 Lightning now struggle to find buyers. Consumers are increasingly opting for traditional combustion engines or cautiously exploring alternatives like the Tesla Cybertruck, albeit in smaller-than-expected numbers.
Enter Ram, Dodge’s pickup division, with a pragmatic response to the market’s hesitations. Instead of forging ahead with the long-awaited Ram 1500 REV, Ram is launching the Ramcharger 1500 – a range-extended electric truck designed to meet customer demand head-on. Produced in Sterling Heights, Michigan, this innovative offering combines electric power with a gasoline safety net.
Range Extender Meets Beastly Performance
At the heart of the Ramcharger is a 3.6-liter V6 engine, not for direct propulsion, but solely as a 130-kilowatt generator. This range extender charges a 92-kWh battery, which powers dual electric motors on the front and rear axles, delivering a combined output of 663 horsepower and a massive 900 Nm of torque. For efficiency during highway cruising, the front electric motor can be disengaged.
Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the optional electronic rear differential lock, ensuring optimal traction on rough terrain. However, the V6 engine never directly drives the wheels. For those looking to skip gasoline entirely, the battery can be fast-charged at up to 175 kW, offering flexibility for urban or remote use.
With its unlimited battery-electric range, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is the pinnacle of light-duty pickups and the ultimate electric truck.
Tim Kuniskis, RAM CEO.
It’s a beast – 663 horsepower, 900 Nm of torque, and no need for public charging.
Capability in a Class of Its Own
Built on Stellantis‘ STLA electric platform, the Ramcharger offers performance numbers that are as functional as they are impressive. It can tow up to 6.4 tons, haul a payload of nearly 1.2 tons, and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.
Top speeds are electronically limited to 160-180 km/h, depending on tire specifications. Combined, the gasoline generator and electric drive provide a total range exceeding 1,100 kilometers – a key advantage for long-haul drivers and off-grid adventurers alike.
Luxury Meets Utility in the Ram 1500 Ramcharger
Inside, the Ramcharger provides all the spaciousness one expects from a full-size truck, along with modern technology. The cabin accommodates up to five passengers, featuring a 12.3-inch driver display, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 10-inch passenger screen. For those seeking even more opulence, the Tungsten trim offers upscale materials and additional amenities. This version pairs with a 540-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six engine, catering to drivers who prefer traditional powertrains.
Like its competitors, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, the Ramcharger also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, enabling it to power tools, appliances, or even an entire home in emergencies.
Looking Ahead
Deliveries for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger are set to begin in summer 2025, though pricing details remain under wraps. As the electric revolution faces growing pains, Stellantis’ strategy to blend EV innovation with practical flexibility might prove to be exactly what the full-size truck market needs.
