For 2025, the Ramcharger nameplate, formerly worn on a Dodge SUV, is coming back on a full-size pickup “that splits the difference between a hybrid and an EV,” as reported by Austin Irwin in the Car and Driver article, 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger Hybrid.
Engine and Transmission Performance
The Ramcharger all-wheel drive powertrain features the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine for generating power to charge a battery pack for powering the two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the rear wheels. The engine is not connected to the wheels but acts as a generator to charge the discharging battery pack, relieving potential owners of EV range anxiety.
The gas and electric combination system generates 663 horsepower and 615 lbs-ft of torque. DC fast charging of the 92-kW battery pack in the Ramcharger Hybrid provides an estimated 145 miles of “pure-electric driving range” and, with a full 27-gallon tank of gas, a total estimated range of 690 miles.
A feature by Eric Loveday of InsideEVs.com, 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Everything We Know, reports Stellantis engineers think buyers can be convince to consider the Ramcharger over a full-on EV truck because refueling with gasoline is much faster than fast-charging a high-voltage battery. "We saw a lot of advantages. It was very much tied to the use model for pickups. We think our customers are looking for a no-compromise truck. They like the idea of electric, and so this fits really well with that," said, Joe Tolkacz, Ramcharger propulsion system chief engineer.
Towing and Payload Capacity
According to Tork Us writer Jose’ Bosselini in Meet the All-New RAM for 2025: 663 HP and Rough Look article, “The Ramcharger delivers exhilarating performance.” The hybrid pickup can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds. It can tow up to 14,000 pounds and haul a payload of 2,625 pounds. The truck also sports onboard generator power for electric tools and camping equipment. An optional outlet is also available for the truck bed.
The somewhat chaotic engine revving characteristic of regular hybrid vehicles is no issue in the Ramcharger, as reported by Erik Loveday of InsideEVs. "One of the criticisms of hybrids is that you'll see engine speed flares and things like that," Tolkacz said. "We developed a strategy so that when the driver tips in on the [accelerator] pedal, the engine operation is intuitive. You'll see very typical operation. We have to balance that with efficiency, so it won't be exactly like a diesel or a conventional gasoline engine, but it will be intuitive."
Comfort and Interior
Despite Ramcharger’s EV status, Stellantis has maintained the traditional Ram 1500 body-on-frame platform with standard independent rear suspension air springs. The kneeling mode lowers the Ramcharger height for entry and exit, as well as for loading the bed. For extra lockable storage space, the Ramcharger comes will be sold with the truck bed RamBox.
The interior features diamond-knurling, suede-wrapped headliner, and heated and ventilated leather seats, providing a grand-looking cabin for future owners. A Klipsch audio system with a 12-inch subwoofer is another available option.
Connective Infotainment
The digital instrument cluster is 12.3 inches wide and the choice of center infotainment touchscreens, which contains most of the truck's controls, measures 12 or 14.5 inches. The infotainment system is configurable to the driver’s most used functions. An available 10.3-inch passenger screen display mirrors phones, tablets and handheld gaming devices that are not visible to the driver via an HDMI cable. The Ramcharger also has dual wireless phone chargers.
Driver Safety and Assistance Features
The Ramcharger pickup includes a variety of standard and available driver-assistance technology features. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Lane-departure warning with lane keeping-assist and backup sensors is standard on the Ramcharger, too. Adaptive cruise control is also available.
Ramcharger Verses Same Class Pickups
The zero to 60 miles per hour is as quick as Bentley Bentayga V8 ultra-luxury SUV. The Ramcharger’s 14,000-pound towing capacity, 2,600-plus pounds of payload and 690-mile range outdo the Chevrolet Silverado EV’s 10,000 pounds towing, 1,458-pound payload and estimated 450=mile range. The Ford Lightning capacities are also less for towing: a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, a payload of 2,235 pounds and a range of 320 miles. Jose’ Bossellini of Tork Us sums up the performance of new Ram 1500 pickup this way, “The Ramcharger’s innovative propulsion system sets a new standard for pickup trucks.” Car and Driver author Austin Irwin further emphasizes, the Ramcharger’s 690-mile range is “over 170 miles more than the current farthest-driving EV, the Lucid Air Grand Touring.”
If you are excited to buy the new Ram 1500 Ramcharger when it becomes available, don’t forget to consider getting an extended service warranty to keep it in top condition without major out-of-pocket expenses. Contact one of our Zeigler Auto Group service plan experts at 269.685.3557 or go to our Quick Quote Calculator for a discounted price on a Mopar or FlexCare Vehicle Protection Plan.
10-15-2024