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

[FloridaMan655321]

I'm not as negative with this news. If this design helps keep the Lightning going forward for another decade, that will be great. Then as people get used to driving a gas generator for their electric truck, they will realize how little they need it and then think 'huh, I really don't drive across the country that often, maybe I'll simplify things and trade this in for an all electric truck'

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[hturnerfamily]

there's certainly different use cases for all sorts of differing types of powertrains, drivetrains, battery or electric, PHEV or RREV... but the real question is NUMBERS. Are there ENOUGH numbers of buyers to make one or all or just some profitable. It HAS to be profitable.

The RAM RREV may be one of those thoughts that initially 'makes sense', if you are ONLY considering the potential for mileage MAXIMUMS without stopping, but is that actually the REALITY of what the public wants, or better yet, IS WILLING TO BUY. Many things are great, but pulling them off in a profit environment may never happen.

Think of the car that could float and drive in water, a lake, a pond, etc. Sounds like a 'good idea' if you ever want to drive into water, but, honestly, the idea really didn't 'float' with the public.

Think of the car that could attach to wings and became a 'plane'... makes a lot of sense to be able to fly to your destination... well, if you destination is an airport. And, only if your car and it's 'wings' are leaving from a long takeoff strip. Not practical for many reasons.

Many, many things go into releasing a new vehicle. Sometimes the public just can't get onboard.

My truck is fantastic, and does EXACTLY what I need and want it to do. For most others, though, it won't fly.

Their gas-engine vehicles work perfectly for them.
Just not for me.

 

[Altivec]

I don't get it. It gets much poor fuel economy than an Ice truck. So if you do a lot of long distance towing, you will wear out your battery fast and pay more for gas. If you don't do a lot of long distance towing and use it more as an EV, then you have a small battery, poor efficiency for hauling an unneeded engine and gas around, engine maintenance and no frunk. All that just to avoid a couple of extra charge stops a year.

I'm sure it will sell though. A lot of people want EV's but are scared to get one. Marketing will make people believe this is the best of Both worlds when in reality it's the worst of both worlds. This era will be a short run. New battery tech and fast charging speeds keep coming out. They should be concentrating on that.

 

[Heliian]

Marketing will make people believe this is the best of Both worlds when in reality it's the worst of both worlds.

Agree 100%. I will drive a Bev or an ice, the line is pretty clear now where one or the other will be optimal. I'm not a fan of regular hybrids either.

 

[richguy82]

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.

You will HAVE to use the generator once you put fuel in it. Even if you don’t go on any long trips. Gas will go bad. Supposedly the new Scout (concept) will automatically start running the generator from time to time to ensure the fuel doesn’t go bad.

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