The Ram Ramcharger incorporates a 91.8 kWh battery, of which solely 69.7 kWh are usable. In keeping with Ram, this determination was made to make sure a constant driving expertise whether or not the truck is working as an electrical car (EV) or utilizing its gasoline engine. Moreover, the truck is constructed on a heavy-duty body and geared up with 8-lug wheel hubs for elevated towing capability in comparison with its inner combustion engine (ICE) counterpart.
Whereas I’ve beforehand criticized massive battery sizes in vehicles, the small print shared by Stellantis in regards to the 2026 Ram Ramcharger’s battery raised some considerations. As an example, its 91.8 kWh battery seems comparatively smaller towards the capacities of different full EV vehicles, particularly since solely 69.7 kWh is on the market to be used. This example leaves 22.1 kWh of the battery out of attain for drivers, prompting questions in regards to the rationale behind this design selection.
The reasoning lies within the truck’s towing capabilities. Past the battery, the Ramcharger has been engineered to outperform different EVs in hauling duties.
For those who’ve skilled automobiles just like the first-generation Chevrolet Volt or the BMW i3 REX, you might acknowledge the peculiarities of extended-range electrical automobiles (EREV). I’ve owned a Chevrolet Volt and appreciated its efficiency, however there have been situations of sluggishness throughout heavy acceleration when the electrical driving vary was depleted, revealing the restrictions of its small engine making an attempt to deal with twin obligations.
EREVs make the most of a standard ICE to reinforce the electrical drivetrain, using the gasoline engine solely for battery recharging reasonably than direct propulsion. This method permits these automobiles to attain higher ranges with out the necessity for bigger batteries. As an example, the Volt’s 17.1 kWh battery (with 10.9 kWh usable) might facilitate over 300 miles of driving, whereas the Ramcharger’s 91.8 kWh (69.7 kWh usable) battery might be supported by its 3.6-liter Pentastar engine working a 150 kW generator, sustaining a constant driving expertise when the battery is low.
Nonetheless, when the battery runs out, the car’s efficiency is restricted by the capabilities of its ICE to recharge the battery. Within the case of the Volt, its 74-horsepower engine grew to become a bottleneck throughout lengthy bursts of acceleration. Drivers have reported situations the place their car’s acceleration dropped considerably when the battery was low, prompting programs like “mountain mode” to quickly increase efficiency.
Stellantis goals to keep away from these pitfalls by retaining a bigger reserve throughout the battery. Their engineers consider that holding the charge-sustaining threshold larger, which prevents the car from dipping into decrease energy areas, will result in a extra constant driving expertise.
Testing might be essential as soon as the Ramcharger is on the market, however Ram’s CEO, Tim Kuniskis, emphasizes the truck’s design as an answer that doesn’t compromise on towing skills. Notably, sustaining a steadiness of energy is crucial; the virtually 23 kWh battery buffer ought to ship sufficient power for the truck’s sturdy efficiency, even throughout heavy towing conditions.
Kuniskis highlighted the strategic nature of the Ramcharger’s design, which displays present political and financial situations in america. He famous that lowering battery prices might incentivize extra shoppers to think about battery electrical automobiles. Whereas Stellantis goals to decrease battery manufacturing prices, the Ramcharger’s battery dimension can be a measure to maintain general car prices manageable and accessible to potential consumers.
On paper, the Ramcharger seems poised to outperform opponents like Rivian, Chevrolet, and Ford in towing efficiency. Nonetheless, real-world testing will in the end decide how properly it meets these expectations when it arrives in the marketplace later this 12 months.
For additional inquiries, you may attain the creator at Kevin.Williams@InsideEVs.com.
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