The first electric Ram prototype is here. The Ram 1500 Revolution previews some of the features we can expect in the production Ram EV, due in 2024. But it’s also working on a version of its electric van with a petrol generator to charge its batteries. The result—the Ram Extended Revolution—will be a truck with an engine much like a .
The Ram 1500 Revolution is a lot of an EV
The Ram 1500 Revolution is the company’s first electric truck prototype, and it’s all about big trucks. Because electric motors are smaller than internal combustion engines, Ram was able to move the pickup’s firewall forward four inches. The resulting truck has a full-size bed and 35-inch tires.
power. If Ram offers a configuration with its two largest electric motors, the truck could produce up to 885 horsepower.
The automaker hopes to offer this new truck with a large battery and a range of up to 500 miles. To extend this even further, Ram is working on a revolutionized range extender.
The cupping revolution will go like a locomotive
The CEO of Ram’s parent company attended the unveiling ceremony of Ram Revolution. He revealed that while the test truck is a regular battery electric vehicle, the production version will also offer a built-in petrol generator for rapid charging.
The industry has already introduced range extenders in electric vehicles, such as the BMW i3 and Chevy Volt. Ford also patented a bed-mounted range extender for the F-150 Lightning, but has not yet sold it.
Like a normal alternator, a Ram range extender will run at a constant RPM, making it more efficient than an internal combustion engine. If it’s powerful enough, it’ll be able to produce enough electricity for the new Ram to drive—or even tow—on gasoline power indefinitely.
Combine that unlimited range of gasoline with a Ram EV’s hundreds of horsepower and torque (all), and you have one of the most capable trucks on the road. Buyers can configure the extended-range Ram Revolution with a large gas tank and a smaller lithium-ion battery, giving it a superior power-to-weight ratio.
An internal combustion generator powered by an electric motor is not a new technology. In fact, locomotives have been using a similar powertrain for decades.
Diesel locomotives have a generator and electric motors
Modern diesel locomotives require so much torque that it doesn’t make sense for their diesel engines to connect directly to their wheels. Instead, modern locomotives have a huge diesel generator powered by electric motors.
Just like the Ram EV, the locomotive’s engine motors achieve maximum torque at zero rpm. This makes this drivetrain ideal for towing and hauling.
Unlike the Ram EV, locomotives do not have high-horsepower motor batteries. Locomotives must run their own diesel generator when they are moving.
But the Ram Revolution electric truck and extended Ram Revolution will also have a large traction battery. This means that you can leave it plugged in all night and potentially pass on cheap electric power. But if you need to tow a heavy trailer or go on a long road trip, you can fill up the gas tank and use a range extender.
Then, spot the difference between or watch the official unveiling of the Ram Revolution in the video below:
Learn more about the 2024 Ram 1500 Revolution in this latest video:
