Stellantis Ram brand introduces innovative onboard charger to counter slowdown in electric vehicle sales

Ramcharger: The Solution to Range Anxiety for Electric Trucks

DETROIT (AP) — Range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery on the road with no charging stations in sight, has been one of the main concerns deterring people from buying electric vehicles. However, Stellantis’ Ram brand may have just found a solution, especially for those in need of a truck for hauling or towing. Say hello to the Ramcharger, a pickup that can travel 145 miles (235 kilometers) on electricity alone, thanks to a 3.6-liter V6 gas-powered engine linked to a generator that can recharge the battery while the truck is in motion.

The growth of electric vehicle sales has recently started to slow down, leading automakers to reconsider their massive investments in transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains. The main reasons cited for this decline are cost, limited range, and a shortage of charging stations compared to the abundance of nearby gas stations.

According to Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Ram brand, “There are so many advantages to a battery electric vehicle, but there are certain things that are slowing people down.” With the Ramcharger, Kuniskis believes he can assure customers that this won’t be a concern anymore.

Stellantis, which has been relatively slow in introducing fully electric vehicles in the U.S., is confident in the appeal of its new powertrain and plans to offer it in other vehicles. While the company has not made an official statement, a tentative contract agreement with the United Auto Workers suggests that Stellantis intends to use the same power system in the Jeep Wrangler small SUV in 2028, and the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer large SUVs in 2025.

The Ramcharger is set to arrive in showrooms by the end of next year. It boasts 663 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour (zero to 97 kilometers per hour) in just 4.4 seconds. With a fully charged battery and a full 27-gallon (102-liter) gas tank, the truck can travel up to 690 miles (1,110 kilometers). Additionally, it has a towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds (6,350 kilograms), surpassing that of the current Ram pickup with a V8 engine.

The battery of the Ramcharger can be charged at home or at a direct-current fast-charging station, where it can gain 50 miles (80 kilometers) of range in approximately 10 minutes. Ram engineers also claim that with a two-direction home charging station, the truck can power a home during a storm or tools on a job site.

While other companies offer gas-electric hybrid trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the Ramcharger stands out because its gas engine solely generates electricity to charge the battery and does not directly power the wheels.

Although specific projections have not been released, Kuniskis believes that over 20% of Ram sales will need to be at least partially electric to meet upcoming U.S. government fuel economy and emissions requirements. Earlier this year, Stellantis unveiled the fully electric Ram pickup called the REV.

Stellantis has been ranked as the major automaker with the worst fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, according to a 2022 report by the Environmental Protection Agency.

According to Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid, there is a segment of truck shoppers who desire the performance of an electric vehicle without sacrificing range or towing capabilities. High prices have deterred many from purchasing electric pickups offered by Ford, General Motors, and Rivian. Therefore, Stellantis will need to ensure that the price of the Ramcharger remains reasonable.

Abuelsamid states, “They have a package that could be the right mix for people that would like to be able to go electric, have the performance of an electric powertrain but also still have that confidence to go long distances and tow a boat or jet skis. They can just stop and put gas in it.”

Demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. has recently plateaued after a few years of significant growth. In August, automakers sold nearly 111,000 EVs, accounting for 8.3% of the total market. However, in September, sales dropped to just under 106,000, or 7.9% of the market.

Although August EV sales increased by almost 60% compared to the previous year, the year-over-year growth rate dropped to 56% in September, according to Motorintelligence.com. Analysts attribute this slowdown to the growing inventory of EVs and declining prices as demand levels off.

The Ramcharger is part of a revamped lineup of Ram pickups that will be available in showrooms starting early next year. The new trucks feature upgraded interiors, suspensions, and bodies, along with a new RAM badge mounted higher on the grille.

The Ram 1500 pickup will offer an optional new twin-turbo 3-liter straight-six-cylinder engine with up to 540 horsepower, surpassing the power of the Hemi V8 it replaces, according to Stellantis.