Chief Propulsion Engineer Talks Powertrain On Electric Rams

Despite declining electric vehicle (EV) sales, Ram is pushing forward with its plans to launch its new Ram 1500 REV starting in the fourth quarter of this year. It will be followed up by the new Ram 1500 Ramcharger, a Range Extender Paradigm Breaker (REPB) that will bridge the gap between internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV pickups.

Built on the STLA Frame architecture that underpins the Ram 1500, the all-electric REV is primed for performance with exceptional benchmarks in towing, payload, charge time, and a manufacturer’s estimated total driving range of 350 miles (563 km) with a standard 168 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack or a manufacturer’s estimated target best-in-class 500 miles (805 km) total driving range with an available 229 kWh battery pack, which will arrive in late 2026.

The REV should be able to achieve a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time in 4.4 seconds, ford up to 24 inches of water, and deliver 654 horsepower and 620 lb.-ft. of torque. It will have a best-in-class payload capacity of 2,700 lbs. and a best-in-class towing capacity of 14,000 lbs. The REV will launch in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The Ram 1500 Ramcharger, on the other hand, delivers innovative performance with a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack paired with a 130 kilowatt (kW) generator. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine generates mechanical power, converted to the motor and gearbox when serious power is needed. The Ramcharger is expected to have a total range of 690 miles (1,110 km) when fully charged and fully fueled.

The Ramcharger is expected to achieve a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time in 4.4 seconds, have a payload capacity of 2,625 lbs., a best-in-class towing capacity of 14,000 lbs., and deliver 663 horsepower and 615 lb.-ft. of torque. The Ramcharger is scheduled to begin production in early 2025.

Both trucks and the regular ICE pickups will be produced at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan.

In a recent post, Ram showcased a video with Propulsion Systems Chief Engineer Joe Tolkacz on its YouTube channel, discussing the powertrains behind the Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger. In the video, Tolkacz discusses the battery system, dual charge module, the STLA Frame’s MultiEnergy architecture, e-Locking rear differential, and other performance-rated materials about both trucks.