2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Range King
The Ramcharger has made a comeback, but it’s a departure from the classic Dodge Ramcharger SUV of the 1970s. The new Ram 1500 Ramcharger pickup truck offers the advantages of an electric pickup like the Ford F-150 Lightning, but it also boasts the range, towing capacity, and payload typically associated with gas-powered models. Ram has achieved this by integrating a 3.6-liter V6 engine that serves as an on-board generator, exclusively supplying power to the electric motors. This configuration allows the truck to aim for an impressive range of up to 690 miles. It’s not a traditional electric vehicle, nor is it a conventional plug-in hybrid, although Ram is quite clear that it should not be labeled as a hybrid.
With a robust 663 horsepower, the Ramcharger offers swift performance and can handle towing loads of up to 14,000 pounds. The question arises: does the Ramcharger render “regular” electric trucks obsolete, or is it too good to be true?
When Is The Ram 1500 Ramcharger Coming Out?
Following the introduction of the Ram 1500 REV, an all-electric version of the 1500 with no range-extending gas engine, in early 2023, the eagerly anticipated Ram 1500 Ramcharger is set to hit the market in the USA in 2025. It’s worth noting that the Ram 1500 REV will come first, with its release scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024. If you’re eager to get your hands on one of these exciting models, you can already secure a preorder through Ram’s website.
2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Price And Competition
As of now, the price of the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger remains a mystery, but the manufacturer has hinted that it won’t exceed the cost of the 1500 REV, which lacks the range-extender. Given the complexity of the Ramcharger’s powertrain, involving not just two electric motors but also a V6 engine, it’s likely not going to be a budget-friendly option.
We can anticipate a starting price of around $60,000, which would position it competitively among rivals like the well-equipped F-150 Lightning. While the exact trim levels are yet to be confirmed, the Ramcharger is expected to offer a premium Tungsten trim that will likely challenge the F-150 Lightning Platinum, priced at over $90,000.
For potential Ramcharger buyers, the Rivian R1T could also be on the radar, especially with its impressive electric range of up to 410 miles, setting a benchmark for electric pickups. By the time the Ramcharger hits the market, we’ll have a better idea of the impact the Tesla Cybertruck has made in its first year on sale, further adding to the competitive landscape.
New Ram 1500 Ramcharger Exterior And Colors
Despite its advanced powertrain, the exterior design of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger maintains a connection to the traditional Ram truck aesthetic, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by loyal fans of the brand. However, it does bring some distinctive elements to the table. For instance, it boasts a body-color front fascia that sets it apart from other Ram light-duty pickups. The grille leans forward and proudly displays the prominent R-A-M badge.
On the sides, the presence of a charge port on the driver’s side discreetly signals that this is no ordinary 1500. Notably, the R-A-M badge visually pulsates to indicate the pickup’s charging status, and an audible signal accompanies this visual cue when the truck is plugged in. In a bid to enhance aerodynamics, both the bed and the cab align seamlessly with the rest of the body. New wheel designs also add to the visual distinction.
Moving to the rear, you’ll find a unique LED taillight design that extends onto the powered tailgate. Once again, the R-A-M badging gets a fresh look at the rear end of the truck. Ram assures that owners can expect the same level of utility from the bed as in the gas-powered 1500 models, whether it’s for carrying family gear, plywood, or drywall. Additionally, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger offers lockable bed storage and the convenient RamBox with a 115-volt outlet.
As for color options, the full spectrum has yet to be unveiled, but the initial press pictures showcase shades like white, grey, red, and blue. More choices are likely to be available to suit various preferences.
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Ram 1500 Ramcharger Dimensions
Although specific dimensions for the Ram 1500 Ramcharger haven’t been officially disclosed, it’s reasonable to expect it to be similar in size to gas-powered crew cab models. This implies a width slightly over 82 inches and a height around 77.5 inches, though some variations might be a tad taller if equipped with an air suspension. Given that the Ramcharger offers an adjustable air suspension with two off-road modes, it’s likely to fall into this category.
Ram 1500 crew cab models have historically been available with two bed sizes, resulting in a body length ranging between 232.9 and 241.8 inches. Whether the Ramcharger will also offer two box sizes remains uncertain.
An intriguing aspect to watch for is the weight of the Ramcharger. The F-150 Lightning, for example, already exceeds 6,800 lbs at its heaviest, and it doesn’t feature the Ramcharger’s range-extending gas engine. This suggests that the Ram truck could potentially approach the 7,000 lb mark, making it a heavyweight in the electric truck segment.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger Powertrain And Performance
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger’s powertrain represents the automaker’s endeavor to combine the efficiency and sophistication of electric pickups with the robust capabilities of their gas-powered counterparts. The impressive specs indicate that this goal has indeed been achieved, boasting a total output of 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque for the Ramcharger.
The heart of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger’s powertrain consists of a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack and two electric drive modules (EDMs). These EDMs are powered by an on-board generator, which, in turn, is driven by a V6 engine. The power flows in a sequence where the V6 gas engine never directly feeds into the EDMS. Instead, the engine’s mechanical power is transformed into electrical power by the generator, which then directs this power to the battery when needed and to the EDMs. The front EDM churns out 335 horsepower, slightly surpassing the 319-hp output of the rear EDM.
These drive modules can draw power from both the generator and the battery when maximum power is required at the wheels. All-wheel drive comes as a standard feature, with the added advantage of an automatic wheel-end disconnect that allows the front wheels to spin freely under specific conditions, enhancing efficiency. For those seeking even more off-road capability, an electronic-locking differential is available for the rear EDM.
Before delving into the V6 aspect of the equation, let’s explore the Ramcharger’s performance credentials. Ram boasts a targeted 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, making it even quicker than the outgoing TRX’s claimed 0-60 time. Remarkably, the Ramcharger can tow up to 14,000 lbs when equipped with a class 5 hitch, surpassing the F-150 Lightning, which is limited to towing up to 10,000 lbs. In addition to its impressive towing capacity, the 2025 1500 Ramcharger boasts a best-in-class payload capacity of up to 2,625 lbs, demonstrating its versatility and capabilities that set it apart from other electric pickups.
At the core of the Ramcharger’s multi-faceted abilities is the 3.6-liter V6 and on-board generator, delivering 174 horsepower. The V6 is purposefully engineered to serve as the generator’s power source and is directly integrated with it. The V6 operates solely to provide the necessary raw power for the generator, and there is no direct mechanical link to the wheels. It’s technically an electric driving setup but utilizes the familiar Pentastar V6 engine as the energy source. This engine was specifically chosen for its generator capabilities and anticipated efficiency. It has been finely tuned for this application, featuring variable lift and eliminating the need for a starter. One intriguing aspect will be the V6’s impact on noise levels in what’s traditionally a silent EV driving experience.
While it may not be a conventional plug-in hybrid, the Ramcharger is expected to fall under that legal designation upon release. A similar PHEV label was applied to the discontinued BMW i3, which also employed electric motors with the option of a gas engine range extender.
Constructed on the new STLA Frame platform, the Ramcharger features a high-strength steel frame that incorporates lightweight materials while maintaining the coveted body-on-frame ruggedness characteristic of full-size pickups. The vehicle is equipped with a multi-link independent rear suspension and comes with standard active-level, four-corner air suspension. It offers five suspension modes: Entry/Exit, Aero, Normal, Off-Road 1, and Off-Road 2. Additionally, the Ramcharger will enable one-pedal driving thanks to its regenerative capabilities.
Range, Charging, And Battery Life
The Ramcharger offers an impressive targeted range of up to 690 miles, setting it apart from electric pickups that lack a range-extending gas engine. This extensive range eliminates the need for constant reliance on public charging infrastructure. However, the 92-kWh battery can still be charged traditionally, with a remarkable 50 miles of all-electric range achievable after just 10 minutes of 400-volt DC fast charging at 145 kW. The 690-mile range is effectively divided, with 145 miles coming from the battery and a substantial 545 miles from the generator. As long as you keep the battery charged, you can go for several days without needing the gas engine to function as a generator.
While the exact size of the gas tank and the fuel consumption required to operate the V6 as a generator remain unspecified, it’s expected to be significantly less than what a traditional gas-powered pickup would need. This is due to the unique setup where the engine doesn’t directly provide power to the wheels.
The charge port on the Ramcharger serves a dual purpose. The upper half accommodates plugs for Level 1 or 2 AC charging, while the lower half caters to the DC fast charging connection.
Ramcharger’s charging capabilities extend beyond merely receiving energy; it can also give back. The truck offers vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home bi-directional charging, allowing it to power other vehicles or even your home. In the bed, you’ll find an onboard power panel with a capacity of up to 7.2 kW, providing added versatility and functionality.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger Interior And Cargo
The interior of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger follows the familiar design found in previous iterations of the manufacturer’s full-size pickups, which is a reassuring factor. Ram has built a reputation for providing high-quality materials and incorporating impressive technologies in their cabins, even though the latest interiors from Ford and Chevy have made significant strides in catching up.
Ram has placed a strong emphasis on upscale materials, featuring elements like metal, leather, and carbon fiber. This focus is particularly evident in the premium Tungsten trim, which showcases an Indigo/Sea Salt interior with platinum patina/semi-bright dual-textured metal accents adorned with diamond knurling. The Tungsten variant also boasts a suede-wrapped headliner and A-/B-pillars. In terms of seating, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger Tungsten offers premium quilted Natura Plus leather seats up front, with a remarkable 24-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and even massaging features. To enhance the luxurious feel, there’s a crystal-effect shifter center cap and a remarkable 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system that further elevates the audio experience.
Lower trims are expected to offer cloth upholstery, fewer seat adjustments, and omit amenities like seat massaging. The interior features an improved e-shifter with new buttons for various electric and regen modes, as well as a new starter button. Being a crew cab, all models should provide a spacious second row, ensuring passenger comfort and roominess.
One of the standout features inside the Ramcharger is the Klipsch Reference Premiere sound system. With a robust 1,228 watts of power, elegant stainless steel speaker covers, a 12-inch subwoofer, and dual one-inch titanium dome tweeters, it promises an exceptional audio experience. In terms of technology, the Ramcharger benefits from the Uconnect 5 system, featuring a new 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. If that’s not enough screen real estate, it also offers a segment-first 10.25-inch passenger screen, a digital rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display.
The 10.25-inch passenger screen enables access to navigation and entertainment functions and can display feeds from the truck’s camera system. Both the gauge cluster and central display are highly configurable, with split-screen functionality available on the larger infotainment screen. The infotainment system provides access to EV Pages, offering a wealth of information about the electric powertrain, including details on power flow, range impact, and charging levels.
The integration of a digital key on smartphones allows for convenient vehicle access and startup without removing the phone from your pocket. Additionally, there’s an NFC-based smart card as a backup in case of any issues with the digital key.
The Ramcharger is equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and hands-free driving on compatible roads. The Highway Assist system can even adjust the vehicle’s speed when approaching tight curves. Furthermore, the truck offers parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, aided by sensors, radar, and cameras.
Regarding cargo space, if it aligns with the gas models, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger is likely to provide either 53.9 or 61.5 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on the available bed sizes.
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