RAM 1500 Ramcharger hybrid banishes EV anxiety with 1100km driving range
RAM has detailed its all-new Ramcharger hybrid tech that it will introduce on the RAM 150, promising it will eliminate any range anxiety amongst those electrifying their pickup trucks for the first time.
Set to be introduced next year on the RAM 1500, the new Ramcharger powertrain includes a large 92kWh battery pack and a pair of dual motors that, combined, produce a punchy 494kW and 833Nm of torque.
Those figures mean it is more powerful than the incoming battery-powered RAM 1500 REV, which generates 488kW and 800Nm. Still, the 1500 Ramcharger can still launch from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in an identical 4.4 seconds.
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Where it differs from the pure-electric version is the 1500 Ramcharger comes with a 3.6-litre V6 on board that acts like a generator to charge the battery on the move. The same combustion engine also allows the 1500 Ramcharger to produce its maximum power, although the V6 has no direct connection to either the front or rear axle.
Top up the battery and fill the tank full of fuel and RAM says the 1500 Ramcharger comes with a long range of 1100km – far further than other battery-powered full-size pick-ups like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
After a full charge, the 1500 Ramcharger is thought to cover up to 320km on electric power alone, meaning some owners will rarely trouble the V6 combustion engine. Helping it achieve its long range is the ability to disconnect its front electric motor to reduce drag on a cruise.
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact the 1500 Ramcharger can still tow up to 6350kg, while the payload is claimed to be a best-in-class 1191kg.
Said to deliver “class-leading ride and handling”, there’s multi-link rear suspension and air springs all around. The rear axle also features an optional electronic locking rear differential for extra traction.
Thanks to its air suspension, RAM says the full-size truck gets five different ride heights, including an ultra-low mode to help shorter owners climb onboard, plus a raised ride height for off-road.
Other new tech includes bi-directional charging that can provide up to 7.2kW of power to run tools or other appliances.
Capable of being charged at up to 145kW, a fast charger is said to add 80km of range in around 10 minutes.
Sharing the same face with the pure-electric 1500 REV, the Ramcharger gets a power tailgate and illuminated RAM badge that pulsates to let the owner know it’s charging.
Within the cabin there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a 12- or even larger 14.5-inch infotainment system. Options include a digital rear-view mirror, a powerful 23-speaker premium sound system and an additional 10.25-inch infotainment for the passenger.
In the US market, the RAM 1500 Ramcharger is offered with the same Hands-Free Highway Assist tech as the regular truck that doesn’t need the owner to hold the wheel but does require them to supervise the cruise control in operation and take over at any given moment.
Precise timings and pricing for the new RAM 1500 Ramcharger have yet to be announced but it is feasible the range-extender hybrid-powered pick-up could be a potential candidate for right-hand drive conversion in Australia, but only if there’s demand.
