Electric range extender

[Dontra]

Looks like Ram is looking at a range extender for the electric Ram. A gas generator.

Ram Electric Pickup Will Have a Combustion Range Extender: CEO

Is an onboard gas or diesel generator the solution to electric pickup range anxiety?

www.thedrive.com

 

[AV8OR]

We’re not talking Chevy Volt here.

In the half ton division for all manufactures if you are buying a pickup then your ”Combustion Range Extender” is going to have to be able to pull a 7000 pound trailer to remain competitive.

 

[jimothy]

Maybe I’m dreaming, but a range extended off-road truck could be intriguing. No need for differentials (assuming four motors), low-range transfer case, lockers. Tighter turns by having wheels turn in opposite directions. Higher clearance without a diff. Rivian boasts many of these features (maybe all of them), but with limited range.

I’m an EV skeptic, but this could be fun.

 

[Scram1500]

Interesting idea, but there is a 20% loss of energy converting gas/diesel to electricity. You would need several gallons to get you 50 miles. The weight of the generator and fuel would eat into the payload which is already compromised by a 2000 lb battery

 

[SpeedyV]

Interesting idea, but there is a 20% loss of energy converting gas/diesel to electricity. You would need several gallons to get you 50 miles. The weight of the generator and fuel would eat into the payload which is already compromised by a 2000 lb battery

Since electric motors are 5x more efficient than ICEs (on average), you’re still way ahead with electric at energy conversion.

The weight penalty is definitely a factor. It will be interesting to see how big EVs like the Hummer fare in the real world. On paper, it sounds like a beast.