2026 RAM 1500 Ramcharger Details - The EV-Like Plug In Hybrid We've Been Waiting For
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Date: 2025-02-27
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Comments and reviews: 20
brita654
As a Lightning XLT ER owner this is looking very good vs pure electric. On the other hand there is alot going on there systems wise. But it is definitely a truck that is on paper capable of versatility which is a huge deal. And based on that versatility I think its going to be way out of my range which was the 60k mark which is approx what my Lightning cost after rebates and new truck cap. I love the Lightning. Range/towing have not been a factor for me although a camper could be a possibilty in the next yr or so and that could change things, but only in towing situation. The ride in the Lightning is phenomenal. The frunk is a game changer. I have saved a ton on fuel. I can see this trucks system could also be a game changer for some people as well. Range is a big deal and alot of people just dont want to have to deal with charging on the road. But you have to really sit down and do the homework and investigate options and needs-unless money isnt a factor. Its all relative. We need more specific info on this. Another great vid of yours.
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As a Lightning XLT ER owner this is looking very good vs pure electric. On the other hand there is alot going on there systems wise. But it is definitely a truck that is on paper capable of versatility which is a huge deal. And based on that versatility I think its going to be way out of my range which was the 60k mark which is approx what my Lightning cost after rebates and new truck cap. I love the Lightning. Range/towing have not been a factor for me although a camper could be a possibilty in the next yr or so and that could change things, but only in towing situation. The ride in the Lightning is phenomenal. The frunk is a game changer. I have saved a ton on fuel. I can see this trucks system could also be a game changer for some people as well. Range is a big deal and alot of people just dont want to have to deal with charging on the road. But you have to really sit down and do the homework and investigate options and needs-unless money isnt a factor. Its all relative. We need more specific info on this. Another great vid of yours.
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kipamore
NOTES: Alex - best I can tell the reason for going with the V6 is the engine sits directly on top of the front drive unit, so a shallow V engine is preferred to a taller inline engine. Also, pretty much ALL EVs are basically a vehicle with a frame, or at least they use the battery box as structure. Because they made the frame wider and beefier to contain the battery, that's what explains the towing and payload improvements over a regular 1500. Also interesting is from the press photos, it offboards 7. 2kw total power. Pretty impressive. Take my money! I'm prone to get excited, but it's very possible that this monster will turn the truck buying hillbilly's perception of what an EV is and can do. Pitched correctly, it's like a TRX except even faster, more luxurious, cheaper, and you don't need to get 8mpg. Lastly, all along Ram has been promising to make the RamCharger in every trim INCLUDING Tradesman. I'm dubious, but it's certainly possible. That could push it to under $60k, which is a good news story and worth doing.
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NOTES: Alex - best I can tell the reason for going with the V6 is the engine sits directly on top of the front drive unit, so a shallow V engine is preferred to a taller inline engine. Also, pretty much ALL EVs are basically a vehicle with a frame, or at least they use the battery box as structure. Because they made the frame wider and beefier to contain the battery, that's what explains the towing and payload improvements over a regular 1500. Also interesting is from the press photos, it offboards 7. 2kw total power. Pretty impressive. Take my money! I'm prone to get excited, but it's very possible that this monster will turn the truck buying hillbilly's perception of what an EV is and can do. Pitched correctly, it's like a TRX except even faster, more luxurious, cheaper, and you don't need to get 8mpg. Lastly, all along Ram has been promising to make the RamCharger in every trim INCLUDING Tradesman. I'm dubious, but it's certainly possible. That could push it to under $60k, which is a good news story and worth doing.
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alex_on_autos
FOR THE CONFUSED PEOPLE! THIS SYSTEM IS FAR SIMPLER THAN A STANDARD HYBRID! AND YOU COULD ARGUE IT'S NO MORE COMPLICATED THEN A STANDARD ICE SETUP! No transmission, the engine will mostly run at a constant speed which when designed with that in mind, gives you much better longevity. Thousands of freight trains around the USA, go millions of miles on a very similar system, sans battery. Batteries are understood and not super complicated. If any of you knew as much as you think you knew about cars, you'd know a motor that stays in it's designed happy place will last far longer than a goon smashing on a gas pedal randomly during it's life. Electric motors are more or less bulletproof. Saying this is complex shows you haven't the slightest idea how standard cars work either. Gas motor spins generator ( no transmission needed, Generator charges battery (that's just wires, battery powers electric motor ( that's again connected by wires, that's it, no crazy voodoo magic.
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FOR THE CONFUSED PEOPLE! THIS SYSTEM IS FAR SIMPLER THAN A STANDARD HYBRID! AND YOU COULD ARGUE IT'S NO MORE COMPLICATED THEN A STANDARD ICE SETUP! No transmission, the engine will mostly run at a constant speed which when designed with that in mind, gives you much better longevity. Thousands of freight trains around the USA, go millions of miles on a very similar system, sans battery. Batteries are understood and not super complicated. If any of you knew as much as you think you knew about cars, you'd know a motor that stays in it's designed happy place will last far longer than a goon smashing on a gas pedal randomly during it's life. Electric motors are more or less bulletproof. Saying this is complex shows you haven't the slightest idea how standard cars work either. Gas motor spins generator ( no transmission needed, Generator charges battery (that's just wires, battery powers electric motor ( that's again connected by wires, that's it, no crazy voodoo magic.
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ayushmalpeddi2793
Doubt it will be the top perfoming truck in terms of street performance. That reward likely will go to the HO I6 Hurricane engine which allowed Sofyan from redline reviews to do 0-60 in 4. 1 seconds for a Limited 4x4 crew cab. Motortrend got 4. 4 seconds for the Tungsten model. Given the weight of the ramcharger id be surprised if its quicker tbh. It may because of continues power but we will have to wait to see.
Also i doubt pricing will reach 100K. Stellantis has absolutely struggling and they learned the lesson the hard way. They outprcied their customers and have been reducing msrp and offering massive deals. Ram sales also fell down in the half ton i believe.
They better not geelt greedy and fk this up. I expect 95K max tbh
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Doubt it will be the top perfoming truck in terms of street performance. That reward likely will go to the HO I6 Hurricane engine which allowed Sofyan from redline reviews to do 0-60 in 4. 1 seconds for a Limited 4x4 crew cab. Motortrend got 4. 4 seconds for the Tungsten model. Given the weight of the ramcharger id be surprised if its quicker tbh. It may because of continues power but we will have to wait to see.
Also i doubt pricing will reach 100K. Stellantis has absolutely struggling and they learned the lesson the hard way. They outprcied their customers and have been reducing msrp and offering massive deals. Ram sales also fell down in the half ton i believe.
They better not geelt greedy and fk this up. I expect 95K max tbh
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jeffgough
Very informative, thank you. But i don’t understand why consumers would prefer hybrid over pure EV or pure internal combustion. With hybrid, you have the maintenance and potential failures of an electrical vehicle COMBINED with the maintenance and repairs inherent with a combustion engine. Twice as many things to go wrong and the only upside is long range. You don’t get a very powerful electric motorso the super high torque and HP excitement is lost. And it doesn’t really compete with a heavy duty gas or diesel engine, except in range.
Just too much equipment and failure points. I wish Stellantis wouldn’t have canceled the Ram 1500 EV. But I understand EVs are expensive to produce and the sales are lackluster.
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Very informative, thank you. But i don’t understand why consumers would prefer hybrid over pure EV or pure internal combustion. With hybrid, you have the maintenance and potential failures of an electrical vehicle COMBINED with the maintenance and repairs inherent with a combustion engine. Twice as many things to go wrong and the only upside is long range. You don’t get a very powerful electric motorso the super high torque and HP excitement is lost. And it doesn’t really compete with a heavy duty gas or diesel engine, except in range.
Just too much equipment and failure points. I wish Stellantis wouldn’t have canceled the Ram 1500 EV. But I understand EVs are expensive to produce and the sales are lackluster.
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davew2040x
It seems like the EREV model does make a lot of sense compared to other PHEV designs out there. I anticipate the generator component will be less reliable overall than the electric drivetrain, but hypothetically it would be easier to maintain and repair if it’s not integrated with an entire mechanical drivetrain.
I imagine the price point will be steep, but with that battery capacity, you’re looking at substantial fuel savings in your daily driving in exchange for still having the ability to occasionally tow or enjoy hassle-free road trips, so I imagine for many people the costs will amortize over time pretty quickly if they engage in a lot of daily driving.
Very interesting and thorough video!
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It seems like the EREV model does make a lot of sense compared to other PHEV designs out there. I anticipate the generator component will be less reliable overall than the electric drivetrain, but hypothetically it would be easier to maintain and repair if it’s not integrated with an entire mechanical drivetrain.
I imagine the price point will be steep, but with that battery capacity, you’re looking at substantial fuel savings in your daily driving in exchange for still having the ability to occasionally tow or enjoy hassle-free road trips, so I imagine for many people the costs will amortize over time pretty quickly if they engage in a lot of daily driving.
Very interesting and thorough video!
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james2042
The hype for this truck is going to die off by October. Combined with its inherent 6 figure price tag and it will be a flop. And I am not saying this out of hate, I'd love to own one, i think this battery/gas blend is ideal, unlike the upcoming scout, which is too heavily focused on electric.
Just with the current state of stellantis, and how bad every single new vehicle out of them has been for the last year, I'm losing hope for them as a company.
If they can at least fully announce this with pricing within the next month, and have the price start at around 55-60k, then this will probably quickly become a truck they can sell as fast as they can make them (provided dealers don't jack the prices.
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The hype for this truck is going to die off by October. Combined with its inherent 6 figure price tag and it will be a flop. And I am not saying this out of hate, I'd love to own one, i think this battery/gas blend is ideal, unlike the upcoming scout, which is too heavily focused on electric.
Just with the current state of stellantis, and how bad every single new vehicle out of them has been for the last year, I'm losing hope for them as a company.
If they can at least fully announce this with pricing within the next month, and have the price start at around 55-60k, then this will probably quickly become a truck they can sell as fast as they can make them (provided dealers don't jack the prices.
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larry4fire
It is essentially an EV since all of its motivation power comes from the electric motors, but unlike an EV, it equipped with its own on-board generator in addition to a moderately sized battery. Although the powertrain is mechanically different the overall power delivery strategy sounds a lot like the Chevy Volt. Like the Volt the fuel economy is good but not stellar. However this is offset by the fact that most people will be able to do the majority of their trips in electric only mode using really cheap over night home power charging. Should drive great, be cheap to operate an no range anxiety.
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It is essentially an EV since all of its motivation power comes from the electric motors, but unlike an EV, it equipped with its own on-board generator in addition to a moderately sized battery. Although the powertrain is mechanically different the overall power delivery strategy sounds a lot like the Chevy Volt. Like the Volt the fuel economy is good but not stellar. However this is offset by the fact that most people will be able to do the majority of their trips in electric only mode using really cheap over night home power charging. Should drive great, be cheap to operate an no range anxiety.
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vamship4246
Tbh I have been waiting for this since a while. Pretty disappointed by the config and efficiency. I appreciate ram for being the USA’s EREV, still that efficiency is bad. People would rather buy and regular 1500.
Look at BYD shark(I know it’s smaller than ram, much cost effective, much efficient and good performance.
I am sure, if you are not going for base trim, this will cost like 80-90k
They should have focused on:
1)400-450hp
2)0-60 about 6 seconds
3)30ish mpge
4)around 100miles with LFP(so that we can charge often for local drives)
5)price it under 60K
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Tbh I have been waiting for this since a while. Pretty disappointed by the config and efficiency. I appreciate ram for being the USA’s EREV, still that efficiency is bad. People would rather buy and regular 1500.
Look at BYD shark(I know it’s smaller than ram, much cost effective, much efficient and good performance.
I am sure, if you are not going for base trim, this will cost like 80-90k
They should have focused on:
1)400-450hp
2)0-60 about 6 seconds
3)30ish mpge
4)around 100miles with LFP(so that we can charge often for local drives)
5)price it under 60K
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g1981c
real extended range EVs are crippled to something ridiculous like 1 gallon fuel tank - this is what BMW REX is. this RAM has a full size fuel tank so it doesn't legally qualify as extended range EV but that doesn't mean it's any different aside from having a large fuel tank. i believe the law is to call something an extended range EV the gas range has to be less than EV range, but there is no minimum EV range - only that gas range has to be smaller than whatever EV range is. this is clearly not the case here as gas range is huge, even though EV range is also good.
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real extended range EVs are crippled to something ridiculous like 1 gallon fuel tank - this is what BMW REX is. this RAM has a full size fuel tank so it doesn't legally qualify as extended range EV but that doesn't mean it's any different aside from having a large fuel tank. i believe the law is to call something an extended range EV the gas range has to be less than EV range, but there is no minimum EV range - only that gas range has to be smaller than whatever EV range is. this is clearly not the case here as gas range is huge, even though EV range is also good.
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rogerrussell9544
Let's imagine how this would be used. Someone in Los Angeles hooks up his boat and heads to the cabin up at the mountain lake at Lake Arrowhead. The 198 kw battery doesn't last even far enough to get out of town, so the 3. 6 starts and starts charging at 130 kw. Guess what The EV motors draw up to 250 kw up front and 238 in the back. So, with 130kw generated you have about 1/3 throttle and you haven't gotten to the grades going up Cajon Pass yet, where you will have a load, heavy traffic and only a third of the horsepower.
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Let's imagine how this would be used. Someone in Los Angeles hooks up his boat and heads to the cabin up at the mountain lake at Lake Arrowhead. The 198 kw battery doesn't last even far enough to get out of town, so the 3. 6 starts and starts charging at 130 kw. Guess what The EV motors draw up to 250 kw up front and 238 in the back. So, with 130kw generated you have about 1/3 throttle and you haven't gotten to the grades going up Cajon Pass yet, where you will have a load, heavy traffic and only a third of the horsepower.
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donswier
i3 REx owner (5 years 122k miles) here excited about RAM's choice.
We've saved $9500 in energy cost during ownership, and the brakes are still like new.
The RAM's battery has the potential to give that V6 a long, cushy life.
Likewise, that V6 can help extend the life of the battery.
With no transmission and 100% torque at 1 rpm, diesel owners will love it (if they're brave enough to test drive it.
Refills in 3 minutes with unleaded will make Rivian and CT drivers jealous.
Can't wait.
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i3 REx owner (5 years 122k miles) here excited about RAM's choice.
We've saved $9500 in energy cost during ownership, and the brakes are still like new.
The RAM's battery has the potential to give that V6 a long, cushy life.
Likewise, that V6 can help extend the life of the battery.
With no transmission and 100% torque at 1 rpm, diesel owners will love it (if they're brave enough to test drive it.
Refills in 3 minutes with unleaded will make Rivian and CT drivers jealous.
Can't wait.
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g1981c
a major benefit of this drivetrain versus regular PHEV like the one i daily is fewer start stop cycles on the engine thus better engine longevity. cold starts and start stop cycles is what kills engines. with this drivetrain most days you will never start the engine even when merging on the freeway - this is a huge benefit. your engine will easily last 300, 000 miles in this thing but of course you will have to worry about how long the battery lasts on the flip side.
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a major benefit of this drivetrain versus regular PHEV like the one i daily is fewer start stop cycles on the engine thus better engine longevity. cold starts and start stop cycles is what kills engines. with this drivetrain most days you will never start the engine even when merging on the freeway - this is a huge benefit. your engine will easily last 300, 000 miles in this thing but of course you will have to worry about how long the battery lasts on the flip side.
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TheUweRoss
If this truck really comes with useful (say 25 kW) V2H then I might consider it at some point because it would also sub as an excellent backup power source. But right now, my use case is almost exclusively long distance runs, and for that, it's tough to beat the '21 Ecodiesel I already own.
Oh, and for all the Stellantis/RAM haters here: I've had zero problems with my truck. None.
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If this truck really comes with useful (say 25 kW) V2H then I might consider it at some point because it would also sub as an excellent backup power source. But right now, my use case is almost exclusively long distance runs, and for that, it's tough to beat the '21 Ecodiesel I already own.
Oh, and for all the Stellantis/RAM haters here: I've had zero problems with my truck. None.
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PoleFolder9
I want one, but have questions.
Is there an engine run hours indication, so we can keep an eye on oil change intervals on this engine that, by design, runs intermittently and may not always get to full operating temperature to burn off crankcase condensation
Is this thing available with a 64 bed
Are the Ramboxes optional for those of us who don't want them ( have a bed cap.
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I want one, but have questions.
Is there an engine run hours indication, so we can keep an eye on oil change intervals on this engine that, by design, runs intermittently and may not always get to full operating temperature to burn off crankcase condensation
Is this thing available with a 64 bed
Are the Ramboxes optional for those of us who don't want them ( have a bed cap.
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AE-ix2iz
This is exactly how Toyota should’ve designed their hybrid for the Sequoia. The reason why the Sequoia has that ridiculous third row and cargo area is because of their battery placement. Toyota wanted to place a live axle AND a battery in the same location to save money. What you get is a gigantic three row suv that can’t carry that much cargo or people comfortably.
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This is exactly how Toyota should’ve designed their hybrid for the Sequoia. The reason why the Sequoia has that ridiculous third row and cargo area is because of their battery placement. Toyota wanted to place a live axle AND a battery in the same location to save money. What you get is a gigantic three row suv that can’t carry that much cargo or people comfortably.
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PD55_
What a joke. No one is buying Ram crap, dealer lots are filled with inventory 300 days old. Not to mention quality and reliability sucks, and the dealer experience is horrific. And do you really think at today's interest rates people are going to take out 72-, 84-, and 96-month loans Stellantis, not even American anymore, knows how to drain the maximum out of USA wallets.
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What a joke. No one is buying Ram crap, dealer lots are filled with inventory 300 days old. Not to mention quality and reliability sucks, and the dealer experience is horrific. And do you really think at today's interest rates people are going to take out 72-, 84-, and 96-month loans Stellantis, not even American anymore, knows how to drain the maximum out of USA wallets.
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marcjampolsky5280
I don't care about the efficiency with the motor as much as in a normal vehicle.
The whole reason I like this is because when I'm around town, driving to work etc. You can go full ev. 150 ish miles is perfect.
This would be the norm so you'd save all the fuel for that.
THEN when I go on a road trip or need to tow, there wouldn't be range issues
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I don't care about the efficiency with the motor as much as in a normal vehicle.
The whole reason I like this is because when I'm around town, driving to work etc. You can go full ev. 150 ish miles is perfect.
This would be the norm so you'd save all the fuel for that.
THEN when I go on a road trip or need to tow, there wouldn't be range issues
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thinde88
I live fully off grid and am very interested in this truck or something similar like the new Scouts. We just got our first EV and it has worked out surprisingly well, however being able to use a massive battery like this as a backup to the main house battery during long duration snow storms would be amazing when it’s combined with a built in gas generator.
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I live fully off grid and am very interested in this truck or something similar like the new Scouts. We just got our first EV and it has worked out surprisingly well, however being able to use a massive battery like this as a backup to the main house battery during long duration snow storms would be amazing when it’s combined with a built in gas generator.
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smarticus6384
I've owned a hybrid (Toyota, an EV (Rivian, and many ICE vehicles (mostly Chevy and Ford. Hybrids are best if efficiency and convenience are your goals, but a hybrid will never be as good as an EV or gasoline/diesel vehicle. So, I am uncertain just how well these hybrids will do in the market. They could be good, but never as good.
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I've owned a hybrid (Toyota, an EV (Rivian, and many ICE vehicles (mostly Chevy and Ford. Hybrids are best if efficiency and convenience are your goals, but a hybrid will never be as good as an EV or gasoline/diesel vehicle. So, I am uncertain just how well these hybrids will do in the market. They could be good, but never as good.
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