Summary
– 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger was revealed last year with a range-extended electric vehicle concept
– Former GM exec Bob Lutz backed the first-gen Chevy Volt and was involved in an extended-range electric pickup project called the Vtrux
– Via initially planned three models for production using Chevrolet-made stock engines
– The final product had reduced power and capacity, leading to issues like slow charging, inability to tow, and inefficiency
– The Vtrux serves as a reminder of advancements in EV technology over the past decade
Article
In 2024, the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger was revealed with the promise of being an all-electric vehicle that could tow large trailers without draining the battery quickly. This range-extended electric vehicle featured a V6 engine that turned a generator to charge a large battery, which could also be recharged at home without using gasoline. The battery then powered electric motors to propel the vehicle. However, this concept wasn’t entirely new, as a similar approach was attempted in the past by a company called Via with the backing of Bob Lutz, a former GM executive.
A decade ago, Via attempted to produce an extended-range electric pickup truck called the Vtrux with help from Bob Lutz. The company planned to keep stock engines from Chevrolet vehicles and add a battery and electric motor to convert them into plug-in hybrid, extended-range pickups. Despite initial plans for production of three models, including a Silverado-based pickup, production and sales didn’t go as expected. The Vtrux was intended to have a 402-horsepower electric motor and a 24-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, but in reality, it only had a 254 hp drive unit, a 150 kW generator, and a 22.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack. Additionally, the Vtrux faced challenges such as slow performance, limited charging capabilities, and inefficient towing capacity.
The shortcomings of the Via Vtrux exemplified the advancements in EV technology that have occurred over the past decade. Electric motors and batteries are now smaller, more efficient, and supported by more sophisticated software. Despite the setbacks faced by the Vtrux, Via is still in business, focusing on producing all-electric commercial vehicles based on a skateboard platform and the cab of a Ram Promaster. This evolution in technology highlights the potential for the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger to benefit from these advancements and deliver a more successful range-extended electric pickup.
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is positioned as a groundbreaking vehicle in the pickup world, offering the advantages of an all-electric vehicle with the capability to tow large trailers without concerns about battery life. While previous attempts, such as the Via Vtrux, faced challenges and fell short of expectations, the Ramcharger has the potential to leverage advancements in EV technology to deliver a more successful and efficient range-extended electric pickup. With a V6 engine powering a generator to charge a battery that drives electric motors, the Ramcharger aims to provide a practical and reliable electric towing solution for consumers looking for eco-friendly transportation options.
Bob Lutz’s involvement in the Via Vtrux project underscored his belief in electrification and innovation in the automotive industry. Despite the challenges faced by the Vtrux in terms of performance, charging capabilities, and efficiency, Lutz’s support for electrified vehicles continued to drive progress in the development of range-extended electric pickups. The experience with the Vtrux served as a learning opportunity for the industry, highlighting the need for continued advancements in EV technology to improve performance, efficiency, and overall consumer satisfaction with electric vehicles in the market.
In conclusion, the story of the Via Vtrux and the Ram 1500 Ramcharger demonstrates the evolution of electric vehicle technology and the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of range-extended electric pickups. While the Vtrux faced challenges and fell short of expectations, the experience served as a stepping stone for future developments in electrified vehicles. The Ramcharger, with its innovative design and promising features, has the potential to deliver a more successful range-extended electric pickup that meets the needs and expectations of consumers in the ever-changing automotive landscape. By leveraging advancements in EV technology and learning from past experiences, the Ramcharger aims to set a new standard for electric towing capabilities in the pickup truck market.
Read the full article here
