The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is Stellantis’ answer to the Ford hybrid approach. It’s a plug-in hybrid with 145 miles of range on batteries. 145 miles is best in class for a PHEV and it goes another 550 miles with a full tank of gas. Drive it during the day, charge it up at night, and you might never have to visit a gas station again. Also, don’t call it a hybrid; Stellantis is very picky about that. It’s a series hybrid and the engine only charges the batteries, it does not power the drivetrain. I added that last part for the purists out there.
This is the first PHEV pickup from Stellantis. In my judgement they are on the right track. Like Ford, they understand that the mass market in the US is not ready for the EV world. The hybrid opens the door to the electric engine but allows for the national charging infrastructure to continue to build out. For my take on Ford's approach click here.
Why is this truck different? Stellantis understands that people buy what they want, not what they need. People want the security of knowing they won’t run the battery down and be left stranded. Range anxiety is real and must be overcome before the EV market can spread from the early adopters to the early majority. The Ramcharger pacifies that fear. They also want the benefits of the electric engine (quick, powerful, quiet, etc.). As people experience the quick, powerful and quiet driving experience they will gravitate to EVs. If the motivation is lower carbon emissions, then this truck can satisfy that goal with its 145-mile electric range. The typical pickup owner can charge twice a week and still not use any gas.
There is a pretty health exchange of ideas on my LinkedIn post on the subject. You can find that here.
Also, check out the press release and specs on the Ram 1500 Ramcharger.
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