FYI: The Ram Ramcharger seeks a balance between electric and gas power for optimal towing performance.
The upcoming 2026 Ram Ramcharger is grabbing attention with its 91.8 kWh battery, although only 69.7 kWh is accessible for use. This strategic decision by Ram aims to ensure a seamless driving experience as the vehicle transitions between electric and gasoline power, particularly under the heavy loads it’s designed to handle. Equipped with a robust frame and 8-lug wheel hubs, the Ramcharger is engineered to move more weight than its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart.
### Extended Range Electric Vehicle Performance
Drawing parallels with earlier ERVs (Extended-Range Electric Vehicles) like the Chevrolet Volt and BMW i3 REX, the Ramcharger uses its gas engine not to drive the wheels directly, but to power a generator that recharges the battery. This concept enhances the vehicle’s range without expanding battery size excessively, showing particular advantage in towing scenarios. When the electric range is depleted, the Ramcharger’s 3.6-liter Pentastar engine steps in, working alongside a 150 kW generator to keep the vehicle moving efficiently.
### Design for Consistent Power
The Ramcharger’s approach is focused on maintaining consistent performance, even when the electric battery is low. As Stellantis Lead Engineer Joe Tolkacz explains, their research demonstrated a significant power drop once the battery’s charge fell below 10%. To counteract this, they ensure sufficient reserve power, thus maintaining reliable acceleration and power delivery when towing large loads. The decision to leave 22.1 kWh of the battery untapped ensures that drivers can count on uniform performance without compromise.
### Market Strategy and Economic Impact
Stellantis’s focus on the Ramcharger’s size and cost demonstrates a savvy response to current economic and political conditions. As battery costs remain substantial—around $115 per kWh as of late 2024—the decision to utilize a smaller battery helps lower the vehicle’s overall expense, aiming to make the truck accessible to a broader market. CEO Tim Kuniskis highlights this balance as a pivotal strategy, indicating that while battery prices were expected to decrease, maintaining affordability remains key.
### An Edge Over Competitors
On paper, the Ramcharger promises superior towing capabilities compared to rivals like Rivian, Chevrolet, and Ford. With nearly 23 kWh available for bursts of power, the vehicle is prepared to deliver its full 647 horsepower and 610 ft/lbs of torque, ensuring it’s prepared for the toughest towing jobs. The question remains as to how these features will perform under real-world conditions, but early insights suggest the Ramcharger could outperform in its class.
As the market awaits the Ram Ramcharger’s official release later this year, it stands as a potentially game-changing addition to the world of hybrid trucks. Emphasizing its extended range capabilities and balanced design, Ram positions this hybrid beast as a practical, yet powerful, option for truck enthusiasts everywhere.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
