Ram says the Ramcharger REEV is just right for the electrified age

[Pioneer74]

Like an EV, the Ramcharger’s big 92-kWh battery (about the size of a long-range Tesla Model X) powers twin drive motors, one on each axle. Only when the battery is depleted will the generator — aka, the V-6 — kick in to power the battery and generate enough juice to turn the motors. There is no direct connection from engine to wheels.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/b...st-right-for-the-electrified-age/80066751007/

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[Henry Ford]

It will be interesting to see how popular this truck is compared to the Lightning and other RAM options. It should appeal to the towing demographic. It will definitely appeal to the people who think they are in the towing demographic.

It doesn't appeal to me. It weighs more than the Lightning, doesn't have a frunk, and requires ICE maintenance. I'm guessing it doesn't ride as well as my truck but that's conjecture.

 

[sotek2345]

Not a fan. I understand the need for some folks who need to tow long distances, but this just adds back in all of the disadvantages of ICE.

 

[hturnerfamily]

I'll say that a positive to this type of build is that the engine's operation, while there only to create energy to refill the battery pack, will not then hinder the usage/drivability of the vehicle if the engine has an issue, won't crank, needs service, etc., as this truck certainly can still be CCS or NACS charged, like any other EV... and, I do see the positive to those with range/charge anxiety, and long-range heavy towing considerations, specifically without having the stop as often - although GAS refilling also now comes into play.

 

[hturnerfamily]

the downside, well, compared to an EV, is:

A) GAS still comes into play - you'll need to be full when you leave, or plan to stop along the way, if needed... maybe a CCS/NACS Fast Charger is at the same station : )

B) You'll continue to need engine 'maintenance', although, maybe since this is more of a 'generator' than a combustion-propelling engine, you might find it much cheaper, from that perspective. I would imagine this 'generator' to run at a strict specific RPM, constantly, putting out 240v 30amp power.

C) It's not really a PHEV Hybrid, of sorts, it's more an EV with a backup onboard generator. While a true PHEV Hybrid requires all the legacy equipment of an Gas vehicle, such as muffler, transmission, etc., this generator-EV has only the engine to be concerned with, or in addition to the EV equipment, except for a GAS tank, although likely a LOT smaller.

D) You give up the front storage, although that's probably not a deal-breaker for anyone contemplating this type of power platform. The bed is certainly sufficient, just like it is now for any other gas or diesel truck.

 

[MountainAlive]

I'll say that a positive to this type of build is that the engine's operation, while there only to create energy to refill the battery pack, will not then hinder the usage/drivability of the vehicle if the engine has an issue, won't crank, needs service, etc., as this truck certainly can still be CCS or NACS charged, like any other EV... and, I do see the positive to those with range/charge anxiety, and long-range heavy towing considerations, specifically without having the stop as often - although GAS refilling also now comes into play.

This is a strong point. Hadn’t thought of that.

 

[MountainAlive]

I’d wager that Ford is going to go the EREV route like this when (if ?) they do a F150 Lightning refresh in 2028. They’ll then offer the fully BEV version of a pickup with a smaller, ranger sized truck.

 

[Heliian]

I’d wager that Ford is going to go the EREV route like this when (if ?) they do a F150 Lightning refresh in 2028.

I'll take that bet. I don't think anyone else will bother with a truck platform erev. Just buy a gasser if the battery version doesn't fit your needs.

 

[Monkey]

Not a fan. I understand the need for some folks who need to tow long distances, but this just adds back in all of the disadvantages of ICE.

Not a fan at all of this or the apparently upcoming Ford EREV, which are just another way to market hybrids. 50% BEV, 50% ICE, 100% compromise.

IMO, they should just keep existing ICE platforms and not pursue this garbage until it makes sense to place BEV into certain pains of vehicles. Battery prices are free-falling. The real issue is energy density. There is a lot of promising and real tech on that front, but how long until it reaches a mass production stage? 3 years? 5? 15?

I still believe that Farley doesn't truly understand EVs. Even though he had an epiphany and kicked off the NACS adoption here.. Even though he spent a couple months driving a Xiomi EV and loved it... He still doesn't "get it" at all. His latest position on EVs is, IMO, a mistake. And shows that Ford is not willing to innovate new technologies, but rather just build from what's available off the shelf... So yeah, not really impressed. GM seems to be the only legacy US automaker that is trying to truly electrify. It's kinda working for them, but ugh... I just can't stand GM design/ engineering.

 

[Monkey]

I'll take that bet. I don't think anyone else will bother with a truck platform erev. Just buy a gasser if the battery version doesn't fit your needs.

Farley has already said they're pursuing EREV. He doesn't feel that current EV tech is good enough for trucks and cited the Lightning as an example. What this tells me is that their T3 project is falling short of expectations, they probably can't overcome the battery density issue and a 500+ mile BEV truck ends up like another GM E-Sierra/Silverado thing. And like many companies over the past several weeks, they are falling victim to shifting political pressures. It's going to backfire on them spectacularly.

 

[RickKeen]

Ford is being stupid. The have the best selling EV Truck (lifetime sales as well as overtaking Tesla again in quarterly sales in Q4). Why would they relinquish being the market leader?

Just make the next one incrementally better:

• 800v battery @ 180kWh would make most light truck drivers very happy.
• Improve the software quality and feature delivery.
• Give up marketing for cross-country trailer towing
• Market it as the in-town kid hauler, commute, and tradesman pickup.
• Refresh the styling.
• Cost reductions.

 

[jetfixr1]

the

Ford is being stupid. The have the best selling EV Truck (lifetime sales as well as overtaking Tesla again in quarterly sales in Q4). Why would they relinquish being the market leader?

Just make the next one incrementally better:

• 800v battery @ 180kWh would make most light truck drivers very happy.
• Improve the software quality and feature delivery.
• Give up marketing for cross-country trailer towing
• Market it as the in-town kid hauler, commute, and tradesman pickup.
• Refresh the styling.
• Cost reductions.

Most people dont even do serious cross country towing with an F150. Usually you'll see a diesel F250/2500, etc. What Ford has to market is in town towing. Taking the boat out for a spin, helping your family tow a uhaul trailer, etc. With the ER you will still get about ~110 miles towing with 1.0 mi/kwh.

 

[RickKeen]

Most people dont even do serious cross country towing with an F150. Usually you'll see a diesel F250/2500, etc. What Ford has to market is in town towing. Taking the boat out for a spin, helping your family tow a uhaul trailer, etc. With the ER you will still get about ~110 miles towing with 1.0 mi/kwh.

Exactly. They need to stop showing the RV trailer being towed through the mountains, or the horse trailer being pulled from a ranch 100 miles from nowhere, or the sleds being towed up North to Bemidji.

 

[carys98]

B) You'll continue to need engine 'maintenance', although, maybe since this is more of a 'generator' than a combustion-propelling engine, you might find it much cheaper, from that perspective. I would imagine this 'generator' to run at a strict specific RPM, constantly, putting out 240v 30amp power.

An EREV will need to put out a lot more than 7 kW. When the battery is depleted the gas engine needs to carry the full load of the truck. The 3.6l Pentastar is rated at around 200 kW. It’s basically the same engine that a standard ICE truck would get with a generator attached where the transmission would be. Engine controls and efficiency will be higher since you are basically running a constant speed but that won’t really have much effect on maintenance requirements.

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