True, Alex is the best in this business I won't give my business (which is watching TH-cam car review videos, what else do you expect.. ) to anyone else before "consulting" with Alex 😄
Why am I the only one who's sees how GREAT this thing is going to be! I put a deposit on one. It's all the good things about an EV, and it's going to tow, overland, and long distance like NOTHING else. For me, the biggest thing is the 3.6 - I work on that engine for a living and I KNOW how bulletproof it's going to be. I'm less interested in something like a Jeep 4xE because it's so "parallel", so you are dependent on the gas engine for overall reliability. The price for the Tungsten will be eyewatering, but Ram said they will make this available in every trim including Tradesman. Winner! I think this truck is going to a blockbuster success, because it allows hillbillies to buy EVs and that's a big deal. Can you imagine a truck buyer test driving this against all but the top trim gas version and saying "I just don't like 600 horsepower or silent effortless operation or fuel that costs 1/7th of gasoline or no maintenance."
Main thing I hope is all safety systems on all models. For example adaptive cruise on tradesman, cameras, and cross traffic sensors. Then it’s a home run. As well the air suspension not just on limited and higher.
@@jakjakjakjakjak Or hopefully it is available as a safety option package on a tradesman without have to go up a trim level or two and add a lot of extras I really have no interest in. Those traffic sensors and adaptive cruise are a nice option!
It's amazing how underated the 3.6 is, which is now in its 3rd generation. I think people seriously must say it sucks because it's a Chrylser, even though the Industry is Cyclic. I wouldn't call it Bullet Proof though, personally. But it's definitely a very reliable Engine, and better than 99% of the crap that's out there today.
If we are being specific, it is by definition a series hybrid. Idk why they didn't just call it that because that's exactly what it is. Calling it a PHEV is misleading because they are parallel hybrids.
I would even take 80 km of range not towing or hauling, that's all I really need for daily driving. It would be nice to have different choices of battery size! I tow about once a month and do some hauling (about a tonne at a time give to take a few hundred kgs). Seeing this, GM definitely dropped the ball by not putting the Voltec system in a Silverado HD. I would definitely take a Voltec Silverado with a sun gear trans over a diesel.
Finally, a true PHEV truck with good (100+ miles) electric-only range and excellent (600+ miles) combined range!! With the awesome horsepower and torque, towing and hauling capabilities, along with the backup/outlet power capabilities, the RamCharger definitely checks off what I was looking for to transition into the EV truck world. I’m interested to see what the pricing and trim levels are going to be. Until the EV Charging infrastructure grows and matures sufficiently and the battery storage density increases, I think this is a great option for those who want an EV truck and use it for more than a grocery getter! Let’s just hope we can afford to buy one. 🙏
It’s basically a fully EV vehicle on a daily basis with 690 miles of range for road trips and no towing compromise! Also imagine the truck camper setup with unlimited electricity 😮💨
@@soliniv1411 Probably because it is electrically driven only. The engine does not connect to the wheels at all. Would you call a diesel-electric freight train a hybrid?
@@soliniv1411Because PHEVs are EVs. For you slow people, you just have to look at the acronym. It even includes the letters EV to help you out. The truck can do almost all of its driving on battery, plugging in to charge. The gas engine is only needed on longer drives, towing, going off the beaten path, etc. You can ignore the gas engine most of the time, but it's there when you need it.
The Ramcharger is the most interesting option out of the REV and Gas only Ram. It combines both powertrains, into one package and will have better towing and payload than the Gas only version. Looks like Ram will have a lot of options available for consumers to chose what truck will fit their lifestyle.
With that PHEV drivetrain it looks like it has diesel like specs on power and range, yet I can plug it in and almost never have to fuel up until I go on a road trip, and I'm not hoarding batteries like in a traditional BEV!
It would be interesting to see where this goes. The one issue I see with an off-road rig, well, two issues, would be: the curb weight and the fact that it's harder to lift a vehicle with a fully independent suspension.
With 150 mile electric range a lot of people will be able to do most of their daily driving on battery only, which is very cheap compared to gas. And even when they do longer trips that require running the generator they'll probably be getting more than double the mpg of the gas only version because the system is much more efficient. The reliability of electric drive is really not in question. Tesla had some early issues, but stellantis european bevs are running fine, the biggest issue they've had was a wiring loom that was a bit exposed on their small hatchback, and a batch of faulty on board chargers early on. They've sold almost half a million bevs in europe under euro brands, so they've had some practice and ironed out some kinks already. Purchase price will ofc be more expensive than the gas version. And since gas is so cheap in the US the savings of electric drive are smaller. But for a contractor who drives those 150 miles of electric every day i think this will come out cheaper in the long run still. I have a stellantis bev van in europe (peugeot expert), and by my calculations it was cheaper than the diesel version after 2 years of ownership. And after that it's 5k cheaper for each year i keep it.
@@matthiashejlskov5008 Lots of good points, I think that range is very high, way more than an average person needs day to day. I hope they have a smaller battery option to reduce cost a bit. I would rather have an smaller 80 to 100 km battery for daily driving and a larger fuel tank for when I tow on road trips. Totally agreed on the economy of owning the vehicle. The amount of money people save on fuel by charging off peak at night and almost never having to stop at fueling station during the week will be game changing for them. Plus with the PHEV version Stelantis can make way more pickups for the same amount of battery resources since that will likely be the limiting factor in the number they can allot to dealers until they can get more battery factories running.
@@matthiashejlskov5008 The reliability of Chrysler PHEVs is definitely in question; the Pacifica is exceptionally unreliable. And yes, the Ramcharger is a PHEV despite their marketing.
I drove non-plug-in priiiii before plug-in was a thing. I would have loved to start every commute with a full charge and enough juice to get to work on battery. I think of the RamCharger as a 100 mile EV (if an ad says 150? reality = 100) with 4 backup batteries in the form of an ICE generator and some gas. Super clean around town on the daily, running on mostly battery, and then less clean on road trips, but the range completely eliminates EV range anxiety. Plus, because the V6 doesn't drive any wheels and isn't under any load beyond the generator, I assume it can run at whatever RPMs is the best mix of efficient and greener, so pollution control is made easier. I assume the gas pedal is disconnected from the throttle to the engine and only comes on when the computer calls for energy into the battery.
The plug in hybrid Now that is the right idea! Get real battery range for everyday commutes and still be able to use your truck to do truck things like tow and not have to stop every 80 miles to recharge.
The independent rear suspension is there for one reason: you want the inverter to be right next to the motor, and more than that you want the inverter isolated from shock & vibe. I hear Magna has an inverter that rides on a solid axle pumpkin, but that’s a pricey bit of electronics banging around down there.
I agree. An electric powertrain with a backup engine makes the most sense for those who need to drive it long distance or tow regularly. I have the Pacifica hybrid plugin and live it when it's driving in EV mode, but it's nice to have the gas when I'm out of charge, and I don't want to stop.
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The engine isn't a backup powerplant. It's only a generator for the battery. The engine isn't connected to the drivetrain either. It's only driven by electric motors.
I think the plugin hybrid has the most potential. I personally have considered a lightening, but our most frequent trip is from the Seattle area to rural NW Montana. The lack of chargers once you leave the Spokane WA area makes it way too risky. The Ramcharger eliminates that risk.
I can tell Alex is fighting an internal battle that on the one hand is telling him to ditch the Durango immediately for one of these, and then remembering why he didn’t buy a pickup in the first place. Gnaaaaaahhhh! What to do?! 😅
Totally agree 👍. Just wish they would push them out the door ahead of the bev and hybrids. I've driven phevs for six years and I keep trying to tell them they need the hundred mile battery with a range extender and skip the 3-4 hundred mile battery. Ram Ramcharger is the best of both worlds!
I'm an immense EV fan. Have owned three EVs, and still have two (selling one soon). Our family outgrew the cars and a Pacifica hybrid was my best choice affordability wise. It's good. If that same setup is put together in a truck with 150 miles range, they will do well. That is great that we are on the road to burning less stuff under the hood. Solar and battery story is far easier than drilling, extracting and refining for us home owners.
I used to drive a Volt and it’s really cool to see the concept come back in a pickup truck. I really don’t like the screen though, it’s like the industry is going to standards like automatic braking because they are planning to distract drivers as much as possible. We’re only a couple years away from having to wrestle a 32” tv out of our face.
I think plenty of people are doing just fine crashing with 6” screens in their hands right now. I agree that putting everything on a screen for control is terrible. Basic driving functions should be buttons.
Yep, love this truck! Own a Pacifica PHEV which has been minimal maintenance for the last 3 years…but, thinking they’re going to jack the price waaaaay over the top, so don’t have high hopes.
The truck will be great, but you know the price will put it way out of reach. Leave out 1/2 the battery and reduce the price by $10k and I bet it’d be just as practical but more affordable.
Hey @kipamore 👋 your not the only one! I've been trying to convince manufacturers for six years they need to up the battery range on phevs. They should all have a minimum of 80-100 miles on battery! I drove a ford fusion energi w/25 miles of battery. Traded up to honda clarity phev w/42 miles of battery. It almost works but still i still use five gallon of gas a month except long trips. I think ram should have pushed the ramcharger to the head of the production line then put that drive train in a mid size suv and mid size truck 🤔 .
I am planning to buy one but the 690 range can be misleading. That is only true if the battery is fully charged and the gas tank is full. On the road it is not possible to charge the battery while getting gas and you don't want to make a second stop to charge the battery. So your actual range after the first stop is reduced to 550 miles. That is not a big deal for me since I generally return home every night and can recharge the battery overnight but if you are going cross country pulling a trailer it might be a big issue for you.
I'm just glad to see a truck that feels like it will be treated like a truck. And the fact I can with confidence do a long range drive without fear of being in the country and 2 hours away from a charging station. I like to drive across Canada and there are spots where a electric car is just not possible to make the distance between area with even cell service
The ramcharger sounds awesome on paper. I almost wonder if it has too much EV range? Personally if I had one I'd be using the engine once a month or less. I'm not worried about reliability, but it seems like a bunch of extra stuff (engine, gas tank, exhaust) to carry around just to use occasionally. Around 50 miles EV seems like a sweet spot, enough for commuting and day to day errands, but not more than you need. Full EVs have the same problem. People are paralyzed by range anxiety and want 300+ miles range. But they will only use the full range a couple times a year, so the rest of the time that battery capacity is largely wasted and makes the EV bigger and heavier than it otherwise needs to be.
As an ev owner with 200 miles of range in optimal summer weather i do agree that people suffer from unreasonable range anxiety. But i think this range is good. This is enough to let most people run it as a pure ev in their daily life, and only run the generator on long roadtrips. I do agree that it's a lot of unnecessary stuff to add, but americans, and especially truck people are still wary of EVs and range. Get people in one of these and for their next purchase they won't be scared of the 300 mile bev truck they'll be selling then. But try it now and people will go for gas.
I have the rav4 prime and actually like the fact that the gas engine is used semi-frequently. It’s infrequent enough to limit cold starts (one of the biggest causes of wear and tear on engines) but frequent enough to exercise the engine and not allow fuel to get old. I agree that about 50miles is the sweet spot, but that number fits my commute nicely.
I’m excited to see how they’ve progressed on gas/EV integration. The older style system they used in the 2.0’s was lurchy and rough, I imagine this setup will give them a big boost in drivetrain refinement.
The Ram REV is going to have a hard time since it has to fight against the F150 Lightning, Silverado EV & Rivian R1T, but the Ramcharger lives in a class of one. The fact you can treat it like an EV for a daily commute and not be constrained to a short range while towing or going on a road trip is a huge benefit.
As a current Chevrolet Volt oner, the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger makes a lot of sense. I wish I had 150 miles of electric-only! They, again, knocked the interior out of the park. That color pallet especially, in the Tungsten, was so 'aesthetically pleasing'! Alas, I won't be affording any of those trucks anytime soon. :D I need to find a better job...
@@dearbulls so.... similar to the Volt. The literature I came across (Mitsubishi website) explaind Outlander will only run the mechanical at higher speed, and ONLY the front axle. Otherwise, the Outlander isn't connected to the wheels and will act as a series hybrid (like the RamCharger). The Gen 1 Volt has similar philosophy, Gen 2 Volts allowed the engine to apply mechanical work more frequently to boost efficiency. Nissan e-Power Hybrids (on market overseas) have no mechanical connection. Either case, it's irrelevant. The Volt has always been considered a PHEV even though it offers peak performance on battery capacity alone (like a BEV). The engine was ALWAYS advertised as a gas backup, yet we all call it a PHEV.
I really want to know what the capabilities of this are going to be for vehicle to home or vehicle to grid. Especially with the onboard engine, could this serve as battery back up in the same way that the lightning can? I read somewhere that it’s going to only be able to provide 7.2 kW of onboard power as opposed to the 9.6 of the lightning.
I wonder if the charger actually will cost much more to make than the Rev. the Rev has a much larger battery. The engine they are putting in the charger is probably really cheap for Dodge right now. Since it’s a series hybrid it doesn’t require a transmission or other ICE drivetrain components.
Ultimately, it's the decision of Stellantis to take a loss on this or price it for profit. Building a full size gasoline truck around a battery the size of a Tesla Model S isn't going to be cheap. While there's no transmission, there are three massive electric motors ( to include the generator attached to the engine ). The copper cables and associated electronics, multiple cooling systems ( engine, motor/inverters, and battery ) gasoline system, exhaust system and other motor support equipment. There was a reason GM decided to pull out of the Volt experiment, not to say PHEVs can't be built cheaply, they certainly can with a smaller battery, reduced electric performance and sacrificing other EV components to lower costs. The Ram Rev (small battery) is about 60 or 70 kWh more than this vehicle, essentially adding a Chevy Bolt economy EV on top of a simpler vehicle overall. I suspect the base REV to undercut the RamCharger by a fair margin. But again, it's up to Stellantis.
What trim material are they using on the Tungsten? In your full review, could you show more of it on the dash and on the steering wheel? I want to see how it looks in the real world properly. It looks cool!
Very cool to see a Klipsch audio system in a car! Also I agree the Ram Charger is the smartest idea for a pickup. EV when you want it, Gas when you don't.
Fiat already said expect stupid prices on top of monthly fees. Pickup sales are already slowing down as half tons hit $90k. Coming in with two very expensive electric versions seems very out of touch with what lightning sales are doing
It's about time they made some PHEV pickups! I love my 2017 Volt so when they have some WT models available with 80 km of BEV range in winter empty, as in no towing or hauling, and a decent range towing in HEV mode, it will be my next pickup to replace my old 1999 Silverado with over 500k km of towing and hauling on it (original drivetrain, I just use Red Line fluids). This Ramcharger Rex is nice, but it has way too many gadgets and fancy interior to inflate the price. Just give me the basics with a place I can mount my phone for calls and navigation.
They do have a very nice look, good sounding specs. My 2 big things, affordable price and reliability. Really none are as affordable as older has engine vehicles, at least to purchase.
I reserved a Ramcharger but if the price is too high I will not buy it. I still love my 2005 Ram diesel with only 117k miles on it. It still runs great.
I get a bad vibe from this truck. It just feels like it’s going to be a mechanical nightmare. I heard some stands it’s using locomotion? How would that be different from a Volt or BMW i3?
This looks like the perfect blend of EV, capability/towing capacity and HP. As long as they make it reliable. Luckily the motor isnt turbocharged and assuming its the pentastar 3.6 v6 without too many changes then atleast the gas motor will be reliable.
Ramcharger if done right might open up the development of heavy duty versions. Imagine that Cummins as a generator sending 1000hp and 1500 lbs/ft to the wheels to pull anything.
Rams have proven their unreliability and although I love the concept of the Ramcharger, the complexity of this truck being built by Stlantis scares the hell out of me. On the other hand, GM has proven the reliability of this type of technology with the Volt, so if they decide to compete with the Ram on this platform, I just might be willing to take a chance with them.
I really like the rev but its going to cost too much. It will be as much as the tungsten if not more. Id say 90-120k. Its also gonna cost as much as a 3/4 ton to register given how much its gonna weigh.
Having owned 8 electrified vehicles since 2006 including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric, I think the ideal formula for ALL electrified vehicles should be 100+ miles of battery range plus a range extender. That being said, Ramcharger is the only vehicle that gets it right (why'd it take so long?) but I fear that the price will be in the upper stratosphere where the people who need or want them most won't be able to even dream of ever owning one. The first company to market a small 100+ EV range crossover under $50k will eat everyone's lunch (I'd put in my order day one!).
Could be a real winner depending on price. If they legitimately make it available in Tradesman and Big Horn trims in the real world I would be quite interested.
I own a PHEV car and I like it for a pickup truck. I am a little dubious about the Ramcharger because the engine doesn't turn the wheels directly. It refills the battery which drives the electric motors. So, you really don't have two means of propulsion. You have two ways of supplying power to the single means of propulsion. Thus, a fault in the electric drive cripples you whereas in my PHEV car, i could still get around using gasoline with a dead high voltage battery or if the electric motor ceased to operate.
Two electric motors, one each in the front and back have much more power and torque than the V6 alone. With this, the gas motor can turn the generator at a steady lower RPM most of the time. That saves fuel and wear & tear on the engine. In this configuration, the transmission and transfer case are eliminated and are not needed to have an all wheel drive vehicle.
Again with the “hybrid or not.” Look, it’s actually simple. The drivetrain is what drives the wheels. If the ICE engine ever powers the axles directly, as do the generators, then it’s a hybrid. If only the electric motors power the wheels then it’s an EV. If there is an ICE engine onboard to charge the battery or add charge, then it’s an EV with a range extender. It’s always been that way. It always will be. You don’t need to make things confusing in order to dumb it down.
Only thing I disagree about ease of repair is that fact that less than 20% of these truck buyers will care about that. Most of these are for lifestyle and family cars. Not for hard work and abuse where that would matter. I’d rather see a unibody because it has significantly more advantages for the average modern buyer
Always great reviews Alex. These will the best trucks in the segment. I currently drive a new Ram 1500 and I love it, and while I may be biased, the fact is that ram is stepping up in the game. I do wonder the bottom line cost of carrying and maintaining that built in generator compared to fully electric; what are your thoughts about this Alex?
The cost to the owner is really going to depend on their use case. If you're using the engine on a regular basis you'll likely be servicing it like an ICE vehicle but you would still be saving a significant amount in girl costs (assuming you have reasonably priced electricity). If you don't use it often at all you'll only occasionally have to service and fuel the engine. There's a cost to carrying the extra weight around but I can't imagine it would be too different than the weight of the larger battery find in the BEV REV. -Travis
I think the Ram Charger could be a hit, but it will likely be extremely expensive. I would prefer a couple of different range options (smaller batteries) for the Ram Charger to provide cheaper trims / higher payloads.
Wonder what the power level will be when the battery is depleted and you are running on gasoline generator only? Would you still be able to pull a heavy trailer up a steep grade.
Reliability should be good. The electric drive system is far less prone to mechanical failure since it's so much simpler. And the generator will be running at optimal rpm all the time which is much better for it than how we use gas engines in cars normally. So unless they have issues with bad quality parts or something they should be bomb proof. As for the weight, likely more than the gas version. The engine will be smaller and weigh less than the gas engine, but the battery adds weight.
@@flyguy1889 yeah, but this is not a traditional phev. This is a pure electric drivetrain, which is very reliable. With a gas motor running as a generator only, which is also a very reliable system. The biggest issue with hybrids where both systems drive the wheels is the very complex gearbox, and it has all the issues of running a car with a gas engine. But this system only uses the gas engine as a generator, running at optimal rpm all the time, and without all the complex gearboxes and stuff. There may be issues with gas going bad if people go too long without using it, but it's probably programmed to run the generator regularly to keep everything lubricated and to use up the old gas before it goes bad.
Alex, if RAM/Stellantis gives you any beef for calling it a plug-in hybrid, let them know that PHEV owners have high satisfaction with their drivetrains and we're thirsting for more PHEV options. I've been driving a Volt for 10 years because I haven't found anything better below $50K. I want to drive electric for my daily commute and I don't want to make the tradeoffs of an EV on a road trip. I'm not a pickup guy, but I'm putting the Ramcharger on my shortlist. Unfortunately, it will probably exceed my $50K personal cap.
New tech is wonderful and........................................................too expensive. Looking forward to your drive tests of all three of these versions.
Finally another PHEV that (probably) behaves near-identically in EV mode vs hybrid mode. Like the BMW i3, 2nd gen Volt, and Clarity, which remain the only good plug-in hybrids ever made (imo). But also RIP pedestrians.
This will be the only electric truck on the market that is practical for long distance towing, so it will have a corner on that market. The question is whether or not it will be reliable and whether or not enough people will want to pay for it. People are paying an awful lot of money for the Cybertruck, so maybe others will shell out for this truck.
I purposefully ignore all the other youtubers on this car until Alex has his say.
Alex is love.
Alex is life.
Well said, Dani Rojas
Alex does it better 😅😅😅
lmao, very true. Same here. Efficient and informative breakdown with all the details I need in a professional presentation.
True, Alex is the best in this business
I won't give my business (which is watching TH-cam car review videos, what else do you expect.. ) to anyone else before "consulting" with Alex 😄
Why am I the only one who's sees how GREAT this thing is going to be! I put a deposit on one. It's all the good things about an EV, and it's going to tow, overland, and long distance like NOTHING else. For me, the biggest thing is the 3.6 - I work on that engine for a living and I KNOW how bulletproof it's going to be. I'm less interested in something like a Jeep 4xE because it's so "parallel", so you are dependent on the gas engine for overall reliability. The price for the Tungsten will be eyewatering, but Ram said they will make this available in every trim including Tradesman. Winner! I think this truck is going to a blockbuster success, because it allows hillbillies to buy EVs and that's a big deal. Can you imagine a truck buyer test driving this against all but the top trim gas version and saying "I just don't like 600 horsepower or silent effortless operation or fuel that costs 1/7th of gasoline or no maintenance."
You're not the only one, promise. -Travis
Main thing I hope is all safety systems on all models. For example adaptive cruise on tradesman, cameras, and cross traffic sensors. Then it’s a home run. As well the air suspension not just on limited and higher.
@@jakjakjakjakjak Or hopefully it is available as a safety option package on a tradesman without have to go up a trim level or two and add a lot of extras I really have no interest in. Those traffic sensors and adaptive cruise are a nice option!
If you’re okay with an entry level truck, this could be great. However, to get the safety and comforts is going to cost an arm and a leg.
It's amazing how underated the 3.6 is, which is now in its 3rd generation. I think people seriously must say it sucks because it's a Chrylser, even though the Industry is Cyclic. I wouldn't call it Bullet Proof though, personally. But it's definitely a very reliable Engine, and better than 99% of the crap that's out there today.
Thank you! You're the only guy on YT referring to the Ramcharger for what it is: a plug-in hybrid.
Lengths some companies go to so their conservative rural buyers don't get offended
If we are being specific, it is by definition a series hybrid. Idk why they didn't just call it that because that's exactly what it is. Calling it a PHEV is misleading because they are parallel hybrids.
Trains must be plug in hybrids too
But you don't need to plug it in.
I’d love to see the Ram Charger system in an SUV like the Grand Cherokee. A 150 mile range PHEV SUV is exactly what I’m hoping for :)
Count on seeing this in other models, just can't say exactly what or when. -Travis
I would even take 80 km of range not towing or hauling, that's all I really need for daily driving. It would be nice to have different choices of battery size! I tow about once a month and do some hauling (about a tonne at a time give to take a few hundred kgs). Seeing this, GM definitely dropped the ball by not putting the Voltec system in a Silverado HD. I would definitely take a Voltec Silverado with a sun gear trans over a diesel.
In the pacifica 🙏
youre looking forward to a $100k grand cheroke?
Wagoneer Charger !!!
Finally, a true PHEV truck with good (100+ miles) electric-only range and excellent (600+ miles) combined range!! With the awesome horsepower and torque, towing and hauling capabilities, along with the backup/outlet power capabilities, the RamCharger definitely checks off what I was looking for to transition into the EV truck world. I’m interested to see what the pricing and trim levels are going to be. Until the EV Charging infrastructure grows and matures sufficiently and the battery storage density increases, I think this is a great option for those who want an EV truck and use it for more than a grocery getter! Let’s just hope we can afford to buy one. 🙏
I like that lower stance on the Ram REV, looks like a full-size truck from 25 years ago. I want a pickup I don't have to use a step to get into.
It’s basically a fully EV vehicle on a daily basis with 690 miles of range for road trips and no towing compromise! Also imagine the truck camper setup with unlimited electricity 😮💨
After markups only $150,000!
I'll wait for the markdown then..
First generation Ram hybrid/EV. I think I’m going to wait a bit 😅. They look amazing though
Yeah, they better come with a healthy warranty!
@@anydaynow01Healthy warranty doesn't have much meaning if the dealership tries everything to weasel out of it...
Why the hell are they calling a hybrid an EV? 😂😂😂
@@soliniv1411 Probably because it is electrically driven only. The engine does not connect to the wheels at all. Would you call a diesel-electric freight train a hybrid?
@@soliniv1411Because PHEVs are EVs. For you slow people, you just have to look at the acronym. It even includes the letters EV to help you out.
The truck can do almost all of its driving on battery, plugging in to charge. The gas engine is only needed on longer drives, towing, going off the beaten path, etc. You can ignore the gas engine most of the time, but it's there when you need it.
The Ramcharger is the most interesting option out of the REV and Gas only Ram. It combines both powertrains, into one package and will have better towing and payload than the Gas only version. Looks like Ram will have a lot of options available for consumers to chose what truck will fit their lifestyle.
Tons of options! (Get it?) -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide the 8 lugs per wheel says it all.
With that PHEV drivetrain it looks like it has diesel like specs on power and range, yet I can plug it in and almost never have to fuel up until I go on a road trip, and I'm not hoarding batteries like in a traditional BEV!
Alex, This Ramcharger is not a 'Tectonic shift' it is just so heavy that it crushes the land beneath it. 😉
Lol speaking of weight Alex looks like he lost a significant amount of weight from the last time I saw him.
I want this drivetrain in an off-road RV van.
It would be interesting to see where this goes. The one issue I see with an off-road rig, well, two issues, would be: the curb weight and the fact that it's harder to lift a vehicle with a fully independent suspension.
Why can't Ram set their pricing in stone the same day that the truck comes out?
Me too, and in SUVs, especially big ones. The more choices and competition, the better.
@@AAutoBuyersGuideair suspension?
Yes, something like the Ford Transit Trail but with the 7.2kw plugs from the PHEV F-150 would be amazing!
The air suspension on the ram 1500 is pretty great. My dad was a 1500 with the e torque boosted v8 and it drives amazing
I love how honest you always are cuz no one else is willing to call it hybrid.
The engine is not connected to drivetrain, so it can’t be a hybrid. It’s an EV with a generator
Cost and reliability are going to be important for how successful these are in the years to come
With 150 mile electric range a lot of people will be able to do most of their daily driving on battery only, which is very cheap compared to gas. And even when they do longer trips that require running the generator they'll probably be getting more than double the mpg of the gas only version because the system is much more efficient.
The reliability of electric drive is really not in question. Tesla had some early issues, but stellantis european bevs are running fine, the biggest issue they've had was a wiring loom that was a bit exposed on their small hatchback, and a batch of faulty on board chargers early on.
They've sold almost half a million bevs in europe under euro brands, so they've had some practice and ironed out some kinks already.
Purchase price will ofc be more expensive than the gas version. And since gas is so cheap in the US the savings of electric drive are smaller. But for a contractor who drives those 150 miles of electric every day i think this will come out cheaper in the long run still.
I have a stellantis bev van in europe (peugeot expert), and by my calculations it was cheaper than the diesel version after 2 years of ownership. And after that it's 5k cheaper for each year i keep it.
@@matthiashejlskov5008 Lots of good points, I think that range is very high, way more than an average person needs day to day. I hope they have a smaller battery option to reduce cost a bit. I would rather have an smaller 80 to 100 km battery for daily driving and a larger fuel tank for when I tow on road trips.
Totally agreed on the economy of owning the vehicle. The amount of money people save on fuel by charging off peak at night and almost never having to stop at fueling station during the week will be game changing for them. Plus with the PHEV version Stelantis can make way more pickups for the same amount of battery resources since that will likely be the limiting factor in the number they can allot to dealers until they can get more battery factories running.
@@matthiashejlskov5008 The reliability of Chrysler PHEVs is definitely in question; the Pacifica is exceptionally unreliable. And yes, the Ramcharger is a PHEV despite their marketing.
The 3.6L Pentaster engine is proven to be reliable
Question is the EV components which I assume will also be reliable to be honest
In the Tungsten Trim it will be triple digits considering it will be a step up from what is currently offered in the $80k range.
This is the proper way to go with hybrids right now......I hope others will follow...
Bring back the bench seat please. Great for date night.
I drove non-plug-in priiiii before plug-in was a thing. I would have loved to start every commute with a full charge and enough juice to get to work on battery. I think of the RamCharger as a 100 mile EV (if an ad says 150? reality = 100) with 4 backup batteries in the form of an ICE generator and some gas. Super clean around town on the daily, running on mostly battery, and then less clean on road trips, but the range completely eliminates EV range anxiety. Plus, because the V6 doesn't drive any wheels and isn't under any load beyond the generator, I assume it can run at whatever RPMs is the best mix of efficient and greener, so pollution control is made easier. I assume the gas pedal is disconnected from the throttle to the engine and only comes on when the computer calls for energy into the battery.
The plug in hybrid Now that is the right idea! Get real battery range for everyday commutes and still be able to use your truck to do truck things like tow and not have to stop every 80 miles to recharge.
That's the idea. -Travis
The independent rear suspension is there for one reason: you want the inverter to be right next to the motor, and more than that you want the inverter isolated from shock & vibe. I hear Magna has an inverter that rides on a solid axle pumpkin, but that’s a pricey bit of electronics banging around down there.
Series hybrids are the way to go. I hope Stellantis implements this config across their portfolio.
So far, all the Stellantis platforms have an option for PHEV.
I agree. An electric powertrain with a backup engine makes the most sense for those who need to drive it long distance or tow regularly. I have the Pacifica hybrid plugin and live it when it's driving in EV mode, but it's nice to have the gas when I'm out of charge, and I don't want to stop.
The engine isn't a backup powerplant. It's only a generator for the battery. The engine isn't connected to the drivetrain either. It's only driven by electric motors.
Yes, it's similar to the Volt system. Tomato, tomato?
@@Luckyu2c Lol
I think the plugin hybrid has the most potential. I personally have considered a lightening, but our most frequent trip is from the Seattle area to rural NW Montana. The lack of chargers once you leave the Spokane WA area makes it way too risky. The Ramcharger eliminates that risk.
I can tell Alex is fighting an internal battle that on the one hand is telling him to ditch the Durango immediately for one of these, and then remembering why he didn’t buy a pickup in the first place. Gnaaaaaahhhh! What to do?! 😅
Totally agree 👍.
Just wish they would push them out the door ahead of the bev and hybrids. I've driven phevs for six years and I keep trying to tell them they need the hundred mile battery with a range extender and skip the 3-4 hundred mile battery. Ram Ramcharger is the best of both worlds!
leather stitches, massaging seats, rear seat center channel speakers, lots of premium touches.
for a work truck?
Most truck buyers aren’t using them for work. It’s just a lifestyle vehicle to cosplay as a tough guy.
@@StephenByersJ Indeed this looks very comfortable sumo suit.
I'm an immense EV fan. Have owned three EVs, and still have two (selling one soon). Our family outgrew the cars and a Pacifica hybrid was my best choice affordability wise. It's good. If that same setup is put together in a truck with 150 miles range, they will do well. That is great that we are on the road to burning less stuff under the hood. Solar and battery story is far easier than drilling, extracting and refining for us home owners.
I used to drive a Volt and it’s really cool to see the concept come back in a pickup truck. I really don’t like the screen though, it’s like the industry is going to standards like automatic braking because they are planning to distract drivers as much as possible. We’re only a couple years away from having to wrestle a 32” tv out of our face.
You can already get a 30"+ screen in some luxury vehicles but they're normally reserved for the back seats. -Travis
Best option for me - screen delete.
@@frankb5603 Yep just need a tiny screen and USB port with android auto / apple car play and a phone holder.
I think plenty of people are doing just fine crashing with 6” screens in their hands right now. I agree that putting everything on a screen for control is terrible. Basic driving functions should be buttons.
I had two Volts also but thought it should have had 100+ miles of EV range... and been a small crossover. Yet another missed opportunity by GM.
Yep, love this truck! Own a Pacifica PHEV which has been minimal maintenance for the last 3 years…but, thinking they’re going to jack the price waaaaay over the top, so don’t have high hopes.
The truck will be great, but you know the price will put it way out of reach. Leave out 1/2 the battery and reduce the price by $10k and I bet it’d be just as practical but more affordable.
Hey @kipamore 👋 your not the only one! I've been trying to convince manufacturers for six years they need to up the battery range on phevs. They should all have a minimum of 80-100 miles on battery!
I drove a ford fusion energi w/25 miles of battery. Traded up to honda clarity phev w/42 miles of battery. It almost works but still i still use five gallon of gas a month except long trips. I think ram should have pushed the ramcharger to the head of the production line then put that drive train in a mid size suv and mid size truck 🤔 .
I am planning to buy one but the 690 range can be misleading. That is only true if the battery is fully charged and the gas tank is full. On the road it is not possible to charge the battery while getting gas and you don't want to make a second stop to charge the battery. So your actual range after the first stop is reduced to 550 miles. That is not a big deal for me since I generally return home every night and can recharge the battery overnight but if you are going cross country pulling a trailer it might be a big issue for you.
Folks towing cross country will likely only stop for gas and not worry about charging. -Travis
To me that makes the most sense for a truck. Extended range PHEV so you can tow cross country, and drive around in town on electricity.
Definitely interested in the Ramcharger given the longer range. I drive a 2020 Limited now (hemi w mild hybrid) and can’t wait for the Ramchanger!!
One thing people forget is that you can still plug in while on the road / highway driving when available for a charge.
I'm very intrigued by the Ram Charger. I'm going to pay very close attention to this truck as it gets closer to launch. 🤔👀
I'm just glad to see a truck that feels like it will be treated like a truck. And the fact I can with confidence do a long range drive without fear of being in the country and 2 hours away from a charging station. I like to drive across Canada and there are spots where a electric car is just not possible to make the distance between area with even cell service
The ramcharger sounds awesome on paper. I almost wonder if it has too much EV range? Personally if I had one I'd be using the engine once a month or less. I'm not worried about reliability, but it seems like a bunch of extra stuff (engine, gas tank, exhaust) to carry around just to use occasionally. Around 50 miles EV seems like a sweet spot, enough for commuting and day to day errands, but not more than you need. Full EVs have the same problem. People are paralyzed by range anxiety and want 300+ miles range. But they will only use the full range a couple times a year, so the rest of the time that battery capacity is largely wasted and makes the EV bigger and heavier than it otherwise needs to be.
As an ev owner with 200 miles of range in optimal summer weather i do agree that people suffer from unreasonable range anxiety.
But i think this range is good. This is enough to let most people run it as a pure ev in their daily life, and only run the generator on long roadtrips.
I do agree that it's a lot of unnecessary stuff to add, but americans, and especially truck people are still wary of EVs and range.
Get people in one of these and for their next purchase they won't be scared of the 300 mile bev truck they'll be selling then. But try it now and people will go for gas.
I have the rav4 prime and actually like the fact that the gas engine is used semi-frequently. It’s infrequent enough to limit cold starts (one of the biggest causes of wear and tear on engines) but frequent enough to exercise the engine and not allow fuel to get old. I agree that about 50miles is the sweet spot, but that number fits my commute nicely.
I'm on the waiting list for the Ramcharger, already put money down. Looking forward to towing with it.
I’m excited to see how they’ve progressed on gas/EV integration. The older style system they used in the 2.0’s was lurchy and rough, I imagine this setup will give them a big boost in drivetrain refinement.
The Ram REV is going to have a hard time since it has to fight against the F150 Lightning, Silverado EV & Rivian R1T, but the Ramcharger lives in a class of one. The fact you can treat it like an EV for a daily commute and not be constrained to a short range while towing or going on a road trip is a huge benefit.
That new RAM logo looks like the new Nine Inch Nails KIA logo 😂
As a current Chevrolet Volt oner, the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger makes a lot of sense. I wish I had 150 miles of electric-only!
They, again, knocked the interior out of the park. That color pallet especially, in the Tungsten, was so 'aesthetically pleasing'!
Alas, I won't be affording any of those trucks anytime soon. :D I need to find a better job...
Super excited for the plug in hybrid.
Ramcharger is NOT a PHEV, totally different technology.
It's closer to a BEV than PHEV.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the exact same technology, and arguably the GM Volt PHEV. They're all considered PHEVs.
@@wzDH106 go study again. outlander is true PHEV, it's engine can drive the wheels directly. The range extendet never drive wheels directly.
@@dearbulls so.... similar to the Volt. The literature I came across (Mitsubishi website) explaind Outlander will only run the mechanical at higher speed, and ONLY the front axle. Otherwise, the Outlander isn't connected to the wheels and will act as a series hybrid (like the RamCharger).
The Gen 1 Volt has similar philosophy, Gen 2 Volts allowed the engine to apply mechanical work more frequently to boost efficiency. Nissan e-Power Hybrids (on market overseas) have no mechanical connection.
Either case, it's irrelevant. The Volt has always been considered a PHEV even though it offers peak performance on battery capacity alone (like a BEV). The engine was ALWAYS advertised as a gas backup, yet we all call it a PHEV.
Why do they put such a big engine (V6) under the hood simply to recharge a battery? Wouldn't a 3 cylinder do the job as well?
I really want to know what the capabilities of this are going to be for vehicle to home or vehicle to grid. Especially with the onboard engine, could this serve as battery back up in the same way that the lightning can? I read somewhere that it’s going to only be able to provide 7.2 kW of onboard power as opposed to the 9.6 of the lightning.
I don't believe official numbers have been released but with the engine it's possible to extend the offboarding of power significantly. -Travis
I wonder if the charger actually will cost much more to make than the Rev. the Rev has a much larger battery. The engine they are putting in the charger is probably really cheap for Dodge right now. Since it’s a series hybrid it doesn’t require a transmission or other ICE drivetrain components.
Ultimately, it's the decision of Stellantis to take a loss on this or price it for profit. Building a full size gasoline truck around a battery the size of a Tesla Model S isn't going to be cheap. While there's no transmission, there are three massive electric motors ( to include the generator attached to the engine ). The copper cables and associated electronics, multiple cooling systems ( engine, motor/inverters, and battery ) gasoline system, exhaust system and other motor support equipment. There was a reason GM decided to pull out of the Volt experiment, not to say PHEVs can't be built cheaply, they certainly can with a smaller battery, reduced electric performance and sacrificing other EV components to lower costs. The Ram Rev (small battery) is about 60 or 70 kWh more than this vehicle, essentially adding a Chevy Bolt economy EV on top of a simpler vehicle overall. I suspect the base REV to undercut the RamCharger by a fair margin. But again, it's up to Stellantis.
What trim material are they using on the Tungsten? In your full review, could you show more of it on the dash and on the steering wheel? I want to see how it looks in the real world properly. It looks cool!
Very cool to see a Klipsch audio system in a car! Also I agree the Ram Charger is the smartest idea for a pickup. EV when you want it, Gas when you don't.
There are a lot of different applications this truck can excel. -Travis
You'll just have to mortgage your soul for one of these.
Last price I saw was less than a lightning in similar options.
Fiat already said expect stupid prices on top of monthly fees. Pickup sales are already slowing down as half tons hit $90k. Coming in with two very expensive electric versions seems very out of touch with what lightning sales are doing
These will shine when towing near capacity. Regenerative braking is so strong it should control 14k lbs on a 7% grade with no problem.
My only concern with the hybrid is how reliable it will be. Sounds pretty complicated with a gas engine, transmission, ect…
Ramcharger is a game changer! The only ev truck that makes life possible.
Unlike the Cybersheit, this actually sounds like a useful pickup truck. Looks pretty awesome as well!
It's about time they made some PHEV pickups! I love my 2017 Volt so when they have some WT models available with 80 km of BEV range in winter empty, as in no towing or hauling, and a decent range towing in HEV mode, it will be my next pickup to replace my old 1999 Silverado with over 500k km of towing and hauling on it (original drivetrain, I just use Red Line fluids).
This Ramcharger Rex is nice, but it has way too many gadgets and fancy interior to inflate the price. Just give me the basics with a place I can mount my phone for calls and navigation.
Diesel electric trains work the same way. Very reliable. I am not sure if I have confidence that Stellantis can pull it off reliably. I hope they do.
Will Ram release a workings man truck ? Or just highway queens ?
They do have a very nice look, good sounding specs. My 2 big things, affordable price and reliability. Really none are as affordable as older has engine vehicles, at least to purchase.
I reserved a Ramcharger but if the price is too high I will not buy it. I still love my 2005 Ram diesel with only 117k miles on it. It still runs great.
We'll just have to wait and see but I can confidently say it won't ever be considered cheap. -Travis
It a hard hybrid. And is awesome! Put this in the new Durango!
I get a bad vibe from this truck. It just feels like it’s going to be a mechanical nightmare. I heard some stands it’s using locomotion? How would that be different from a Volt or BMW i3?
This looks like the perfect blend of EV, capability/towing capacity and HP. As long as they make it reliable. Luckily the motor isnt turbocharged and assuming its the pentastar 3.6 v6 without too many changes then atleast the gas motor will be reliable.
Ramcharger if done right might open up the development of heavy duty versions. Imagine that Cummins as a generator sending 1000hp and 1500 lbs/ft to the wheels to pull anything.
How did he loose so much weight? Ozempic?
Rams have proven their unreliability and although I love the concept of the Ramcharger, the complexity of this truck being built by Stlantis scares the hell out of me. On the other hand, GM has proven the reliability of this type of technology with the Volt, so if they decide to compete with the Ram on this platform, I just might be willing to take a chance with them.
Great concept. Lots of points of failure. Probably expensive.
I really like the rev but its going to cost too much. It will be as much as the tungsten if not more. Id say 90-120k. Its also gonna cost as much as a 3/4 ton to register given how much its gonna weigh.
Has anyone heard when it’s actually going to be released?
Certainly prefer all electric for simplicity. But while the world is figuring out batteries and chargers, seems like a good option.
Having owned 8 electrified vehicles since 2006 including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric, I think the ideal formula for ALL electrified vehicles should be 100+ miles of battery range plus a range extender. That being said, Ramcharger is the only vehicle that gets it right (why'd it take so long?) but I fear that the price will be in the upper stratosphere where the people who need or want them most won't be able to even dream of ever owning one. The first company to market a small 100+ EV range crossover under $50k will eat everyone's lunch (I'd put in my order day one!).
Could be a real winner depending on price. If they legitimately make it available in Tradesman and Big Horn trims in the real world I would be quite interested.
Pricing is going to be important. -Travis
I own a PHEV car and I like it for a pickup truck.
I am a little dubious about the Ramcharger because the engine doesn't turn the wheels directly. It refills the battery which drives the electric motors.
So, you really don't have two means of propulsion. You have two ways of supplying power to the single means of propulsion.
Thus, a fault in the electric drive cripples you whereas in my PHEV car, i could still get around using gasoline with a dead high voltage battery or if the electric motor ceased to operate.
Who cars what the range is if you can't get into it???
I wonder what the thought process was for not letting the engine drive the wheels under certain situations like on the Chevy Volt.
Two electric motors, one each in the front and back have much more power and torque than the V6 alone.
With this, the gas motor can turn the generator at a steady lower RPM most of the time. That saves fuel and wear & tear on the engine.
In this configuration, the transmission and transfer case are eliminated and are not needed to have an all wheel drive vehicle.
Again with the “hybrid or not.”
Look, it’s actually simple. The drivetrain is what drives the wheels. If the ICE engine ever powers the axles directly, as do the generators, then it’s a hybrid. If only the electric motors power the wheels then it’s an EV. If there is an ICE engine onboard to charge the battery or add charge, then it’s an EV with a range extender. It’s always been that way. It always will be. You don’t need to make things confusing in order to dumb it down.
These fullsize trucks have become the new big luxury sedans replacement
Only thing I disagree about ease of repair is that fact that less than 20% of these truck buyers will care about that. Most of these are for lifestyle and family cars. Not for hard work and abuse where that would matter. I’d rather see a unibody because it has significantly more advantages for the average modern buyer
Always great reviews Alex. These will the best trucks in the segment. I currently drive a new Ram 1500 and I love it, and while I may be biased, the fact is that ram is stepping up in the game. I do wonder the bottom line cost of carrying and maintaining that built in generator compared to fully electric; what are your thoughts about this Alex?
The cost to the owner is really going to depend on their use case. If you're using the engine on a regular basis you'll likely be servicing it like an ICE vehicle but you would still be saving a significant amount in girl costs (assuming you have reasonably priced electricity). If you don't use it often at all you'll only occasionally have to service and fuel the engine. There's a cost to carrying the extra weight around but I can't imagine it would be too different than the weight of the larger battery find in the BEV REV. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuide*in fuel costs
No need for roadside charging infrastructure! Tell Pete he can fix more bridges.
I think the Ram Charger could be a hit, but it will likely be extremely expensive. I would prefer a couple of different range options (smaller batteries) for the Ram Charger to provide cheaper trims / higher payloads.
Wow wish the Jeep Wrangler 4xe came with the 3.6 v6. If Jeep 4xe is any indication, Charger should be pretty cool
Wonder what the power level will be when the battery is depleted and you are running on gasoline generator only? Would you still be able to pull a heavy trailer up a steep grade.
You will definitely be able to pull it; just maybe not as quickly.
I believe this is a great method. However, I would like to know how much it weighs and long-term reliability
Reliability should be good.
The electric drive system is far less prone to mechanical failure since it's so much simpler. And the generator will be running at optimal rpm all the time which is much better for it than how we use gas engines in cars normally.
So unless they have issues with bad quality parts or something they should be bomb proof.
As for the weight, likely more than the gas version. The engine will be smaller and weigh less than the gas engine, but the battery adds weight.
@matthiashejlskov5008 The data shows PHEV are the least reliable option because they are plauged with problems that both power trains have
@@flyguy1889 yeah, but this is not a traditional phev.
This is a pure electric drivetrain, which is very reliable. With a gas motor running as a generator only, which is also a very reliable system.
The biggest issue with hybrids where both systems drive the wheels is the very complex gearbox, and it has all the issues of running a car with a gas engine.
But this system only uses the gas engine as a generator, running at optimal rpm all the time, and without all the complex gearboxes and stuff. There may be issues with gas going bad if people go too long without using it, but it's probably programmed to run the generator regularly to keep everything lubricated and to use up the old gas before it goes bad.
@@flyguy18898,000Lbs+ you can assume by the 8 lug wheels
Alex, if RAM/Stellantis gives you any beef for calling it a plug-in hybrid, let them know that PHEV owners have high satisfaction with their drivetrains and we're thirsting for more PHEV options. I've been driving a Volt for 10 years because I haven't found anything better below $50K. I want to drive electric for my daily commute and I don't want to make the tradeoffs of an EV on a road trip. I'm not a pickup guy, but I'm putting the Ramcharger on my shortlist. Unfortunately, it will probably exceed my $50K personal cap.
New tech is wonderful and........................................................too expensive. Looking forward to your drive tests of all three of these versions.
It's NOT a hybrid... the gas engine (that they are calling a "generator") cannot power the vehicle.
Finally another PHEV that (probably) behaves near-identically in EV mode vs hybrid mode. Like the BMW i3, 2nd gen Volt, and Clarity, which remain the only good plug-in hybrids ever made (imo). But also RIP pedestrians.
This will be the only electric truck on the market that is practical for long distance towing, so it will have a corner on that market. The question is whether or not it will be reliable and whether or not enough people will want to pay for it. People are paying an awful lot of money for the Cybertruck, so maybe others will shell out for this truck.
Do you need a V6 to power a generator? Seems like overkill to me.
The V6 is the generator
2009-2013 Silverado hybrids had the 6.0L V8 in theirs but theirs was a failure
Ram is doing it right it seems
All for the low low price of YOUR SOUL.
It all looks very nice, and very expensive and very complicated.
I like how much lower the Ram Rev is.
They should have called it the Truckster 😂
Ram needs to take a Ram, shrink it 20%, and call it a Dakota. Not having a midsized trunk is crazy.
PHEV is the way to go.. If RAM can't price ramcharger below 80k to make it eligible for federal credits then it would be a big disappointment
i like extended range electric formula but i would like to see it in a Wagon or Hatchback.
I like it!
I'm waiting for a hybrid Ridgeline 🤷🏻♂️