2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger First Look: A Cure for EV Range Anxiety
Ram charges into the future with a novel take on the electric truck.
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Ram is adding to its line of electrically powered full-size pickups with a new model called the 1500 Ramcharger. Unlike the previously announced battery-powered Ram REV, the Ramcharger uses a clever solution to alleviate range anxiety, combining a pure-electric drivetrain with an onboard gas generator.
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Ram 1500 Ramcharger Couples the Best of Gas and Electric
The 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger is what's known as a series hybrid. It uses a gas engine to power an onboard generator, while drive is provided exclusively by electric motors. In this configuration, the gas engine isn't mechanically connected to the wheels of the truck.
The Ramcharger's gas engine is a version of Ram's 3.6-liter V6 that's been specifically adapted to mate with the truck's 130-kW generator. Drive power is supplied by a pair of electric motors: a 250-kW unit at the front and a 238-kW unit on the rear axle. The front axle features an automatic wheel-end disconnect to improve cruising efficiency, and the rear axle can be optioned with an electronic locking differential for greater traction.
Positioned between the generator and electric motors — and physically packaged within the center floor of the truck — is a liquid-cooled 92-kWh battery pack. The battery is automatically recharged by the onboard generator, but it can also be topped off using an integrated DC fast charger that can provide an additional 50 miles of range in 10 minutes. Additionally, the Ramcharger is equipped with Level 1 and 2 AC chargers.
Similar to other electrically powered trucks, Ramcharger offers vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging. The truck also boasts a bed-mounted power panel that can provide 7.2 kW.
The Ramcharger can operate on battery power alone or in conjunction with the onboard generator to provide a maximum output of 663 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque. Ram says those figures are good enough to scoot the Ramcharger from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
With a full charge and a full tank of gas, the Ramcharger is estimated to deliver up to 690 miles of range.
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Ramcharger Provides Capabilities Without Compromise
Ram says it is targeting a maximum payload capacity of 2,625 pounds and a maximum towing rating of 14,000 pounds for the Ramcharger. In comparison, the electric Ford F-150 Lightning's capacities top out at 2,235 pounds and 10,000 pounds, respectively.
Providing the foundation for those top-of-class figures is the same frame that underpins the Ram 1500 REV. The chassis is made from high-strength steel and is wider in the middle than Ram's traditional truck frame so it can accommodate a battery pack.
The Ramcharger rides on a fully independent suspension with standard four-corner air suspension capable of five height settings.
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Ramcharger Offers Screens Galore, Hands-Free Driving
The Ramcharger shares most of its exterior styling with the conventionally powered Ram 1500 lineup, but it does incorporate a few specific design cues to help it stand out.
Unlike the rest of the range, the Ramcharger sports a body-color front fascia with a grille-mounted, lighted Ram badge that pulsates to indicate the charging status. The rear of the truck is equipped with a power tailgate that's fitted with a unique Ram badge and integrated LED taillights. The charge port is located on the driver-side fender.
Inside the Ramcharger you'll find an updated version of the 1500's cabin that includes a head-up display, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a central 14.5-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5.
Embedded in the Ramcharger's Uconnect 5 infotainment system is the new EV Pages. It can be used to monitor the flow of power, keep track of driving history, and select an optimal charging schedule, among other features. The pickup is also equipped with a segment-first 10.3-inch passenger display that can be used for infotainment and navigation as well as to view the exterior cameras.
Standard driving tech includes one-pedal driving and a Level 2 autonomous driving system that allows for hands-free driving under certain circumstances. Additionally, the Ramcharger uses multiple sensors, including radar and cameras, to allow for autonomous parallel and perpendicular parking.
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Ramcharger Coming in 2025 With New Tungsten Trim
Ram has not detailed the full Ramcharger lineup as of November 2023, but the company has confirmed that a new Tungsten trim will serve as the truck's flagship offering. Notable Tungsten features include quilted leather upholstery, 24-way power front seats with massage, diamond-knurled accents, a suede headliner, and a 23-speaker, 1,228-watt Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system.
Pricing for the 2025 1500 Ramcharger has not been announced as of November 2023, but interested shoppers can get early access to pre-order the truck with a refundable $100 deposit. The Ramcharger is scheduled to go on sale during the 2025 calendar year.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Drew JohnsonI have been a professional automotive enthusiast since 2007, featured on several nationally-recognized sites. I attended Miami University, where I earned a business degree. Car nut at heart.
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