The electric truck segment has been one of the most talked-about parts of the automotive market in recent years. From the Ford F-150 Lightning to the GMC Sierra EV, manufacturers have poured resources into building battery-powered pickups. But in 2025, Stellantis surprised many by halting its fully electric Ram 1500 program and pivoting toward a new approach: the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, a range-extended electric truck. This shift highlights a larger conversation about whether traditional battery-electric trucks meet the practical needs of pickup owners—or whether range-extended solutions might prove the more viable path forward.
What Is the Ram 1500 Ramcharger?
The Ramcharger is what’s known as an extended-range electric vehicle. Instead of relying solely on a large battery, it combines dual electric motors with a traction battery for propulsion. A gasoline engine onboard acts as a generator, recharging the battery when needed. The wheels are always driven by electricity, but the generator extends the driving range indefinitely as long as fuel is available. In practice, this gives owners the best of both worlds: EV smoothness and torque with gas-station convenience for long trips or heavy-duty towing.
Why Range-Extended Trucks Are Trending
Full EV pickups promise zero emissions, instant torque, and silent driving. But real-world usage—especially for towing or off-roading—has exposed limitations. Range drops significantly under heavy loads, charging stations aren’t evenly distributed, and recharging with a trailer can be time-consuming. For truck owners in rural areas or those who haul frequently, these challenges matter.
The Ramcharger addresses these concerns by allowing daily electric driving with home charging, while removing range anxiety for longer hauls. This middle-ground approach is resonating with buyers in 2025 who want electrification but can’t compromise on capability.
Ramcharger vs. Full EV Pickups: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Ram 1500 Ramcharger | Full EV Pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Extended range with gas generator plus battery. Minimal range anxiety. | Strong unloaded range, but heavy towing and cold weather can cut range in half. |
| Refueling | Gas refuels in minutes. Optional plug-in charging for daily use. | Relies on DC fast charging networks; charging takes longer on road trips. |
| Towing | Generator sustains battery on long grades; towing less of a concern. | Excellent torque, but towing range losses are steep; requires careful planning. |
| Complexity | EV motors plus gas generator adds components and weight. | Simpler driveline with fewer moving parts; easier to maintain. |
| Emissions | Lower than gas if charged regularly, but still burns fuel on long trips. | Zero tailpipe emissions, though electricity source varies by region. |
Real-World Scenarios: How They Compare
Daily Commuting: Both Ramcharger and EV trucks can handle city commutes easily. The Ramcharger can run primarily on electric power if plugged in regularly, cutting fuel costs to nearly zero.
Long Road Trips: The Ramcharger shines here. A cross-country haul means a few minutes at gas stations, not hour-long charging stops. Full EV pickups can make the trip but require meticulous planning around charger availability.
Towing: EV trucks have impressive torque, but range may drop dramatically when hauling heavy trailers. The Ramcharger’s generator helps mitigate this, keeping range consistent even under load.
Who Should Choose the Ramcharger?
If you often tow heavy loads, drive long distances, or live in areas with limited fast-charging infrastructure, the Ramcharger is designed for you. It offers electric performance when you want it, without locking you into charger-dependent travel. For buyers transitioning from gas or diesel trucks, it may feel like a safer bet.
Who Should Stick With a Full EV Pickup?
If your driving is mostly local and you have reliable access to home or workplace charging, a full EV pickup remains appealing. Lower long-term maintenance costs, zero emissions, and smooth daily driving make trucks like the Ford Lightning or GMC Sierra EV strong options for urban and suburban owners.
Ownership Costs
The Ramcharger’s hybridized setup is more complex and may bring slightly higher maintenance needs than a pure EV. However, for buyers who value time saved on road trips and reduced range anxiety, this cost may be worthwhile. Meanwhile, full EV trucks often enjoy lower operating costs overall but depend heavily on charging infrastructure, which can vary dramatically by region.
Market Outlook
Stellantis’ pivot to the Ramcharger underscores an important shift in the EV market: consumers want electrification, but not at the expense of practicality. Until charging infrastructure expands and batteries can sustain towing range reliably, range-extended solutions may dominate in the truck segment. Expect other manufacturers to explore similar hybridized EV paths if Ram’s gamble pays off.
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Conclusion
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger offers an intriguing balance between electrification and practicality. While full EV pickups represent the future of zero-emission trucking, today’s buyers still need long-range flexibility, towing reliability, and infrastructure independence. By offering an extended-range solution, Ram may have created the most realistic stepping stone yet for truck owners in 2025 and beyond. For shoppers weighing their next pickup, the choice will come down to one question: are you ready to trust the charging network, or do you want the safety net of a gas-powered generator on board?
Still comparing? Dive into our towing and fuel economy guides to build your shortlist of the best trucks for your lifestyle.