EV owners of today and tomorrow

[sd455dan]

Assuming you mean pickup trucks and the like, I think they will be among the last to make the switch, which is probably why Dodge's approach with the Ramcharger makes sense. Total HEV, no range or charging issues, and 500 hp to boot.

Yes, PU Trucks. Still ticked that GM missed this Obvious Opportunity because they had the basic drivetrain down with the Volt minus a rear electric motor and a full frame.

RAM needs a winner right now in addition to the HD line the Ramcharger is likely it.

Ohh, of course jmo and everyone else's Mileage May Vary.

 

[Grumpycat]

Just what I've been wanting to see for 10 years or more, only I wanted a small diesel for a power plant with a two speed system to run the auxiliary systems AC and a constant 12 volt. Run at a low rpm when just AC or 12 volt DC then kick the engine up to an 1800 or 2200 rpm run speed for the generator for the main battery. Then use the small engines "waste" heat for battery temperature management and cab heating.

Is a serial hybrid. The least efficient means of implementing a hybrid. Mechanical energy from engine converted to electricity, most stored in battery some used immediately on motors, then later used from battery. Not as efficient as directly driving the wheels from engine.

This is just the sort of solution that sounds attractive to intellectuals who sit in their mother's basement "thinking" about things but never actually getting up to do something and get real experience.

Some will say it is no different from a pure battery-electric vehicle whose electricity comes from natural gas, oil, or coal fired power plants. The difference is those large stationary plants are more efficient, and cleaner. Plus the BEV can be powered from solar, nuclear, hydro, etc, if one cares about such things.

 

[sd455dan]

Is a serial hybrid. The least efficient means of implementing a hybrid. Mechanical energy from engine converted to electricity, most stored in battery some used immediately on motors, then later used from battery. Not as efficient as directly driving the wheels from engine.

This is just the sort of solution that sounds attractive to intellectuals who sit in their mother's basement "thinking" about things but never actually getting up to do something and get real experience.

Some will say it is no different from a pure battery-electric vehicle whose electricity comes from natural gas, oil, or coal fired power plants. The difference is those large stationary plants are more efficient, and cleaner. Plus the BEV can be powered from solar, nuclear, hydro, etc, if one cares about such things.

Shoot I just read up a bit and the Ramcharger cannot do any direct to wheel powertransfer through a planetary gear set like the Volt could, which agrees with your assessment. This may not be as efficient as it could be.

 

[Grumpycat]

Tesla does not have a competitor to a work truck that can tow long distance. Maybe it is in the works. I am not convinced EV trucks will be where they need to be to compete without much lighter and energy dense batteries and more faster high power chargers.

RAM at least knew enough to build an extended range hybrid for the interim.

The RAM website says nothing about MPG or battery size or kWh/mile. Serial hybrids are not MPG efficient, the BMW i3 REx failed flat on it's face in this aspect.

 

[Grumpycat]

View attachment 2105520

There you go again, projecting EVs onto your Flat Earth.

 

[sd455dan]

The RAM website says nothing about MPG or battery size or kWh/mile. Serial hybrids are not MPG efficient, the BMW i3 REx failed flat on it's face in this aspect.

I may already be regretting that post. I firmly believe the the engine should be able to drive at least one pair of wheels in certain conditions, which apparently the Ramcharger cannot. That ability could help when pulling a trailer up a long grade etc.

 

[DarkBlack]

Some will say it is no different from a pure battery-electric vehicle.

From what I’ve read, it is, essentially, a pure EV. An AWD EV with a V6 “portable” generator onboard.
They’re claiming 145 miles range on electric. Assuming that’s true, many could charge daily without using the gasoline engine? If so, the drawback over a standard EV , would be the weight of the engine, and initial price tag, but it does give a high >700 miles range, which many should like

 

[WM75Guy]

What GM could have done almost a decade ago by upsizing the Volt technology to get an extended Range truck and been out ahead of RAM on this but they killed it instead. Now they are behind in extended range hi MPG trucks that can tow long distance that don't require a 200KWH battery. GM missed a big opportunity. Ford has done pretty well with theirs.

I think the Ramcharger will do well and a lot of truck owners that actually use their trucks will buy it before a Cybertruck.

GMC has an extended range package for the 2025 Sierra Denali. It extends the range from 390 miles to 460 miles. Not sure the $9,500 cost is worth it. I hope the seats are comfortable. According to my wife I would be sleeping in it if I brought one home.

 

[ning]

From what I’ve read, it is, essentially, a pure EV. An AWD EV with a V6 “portable” generator onboard.
They’re claiming 145 miles range on electric. Assuming that’s true, many could charge daily without using the gasoline engine? If so, the drawback over a standard EV , would be the weight of the engine, and initial price tag, but it does give a high >700 miles range, which many should like

145mi on electric is fantastic and tbh somewhat overkill, unless the 145 is very generous.

Most likely the engine etc weighs about the same as a very large battery pack, so I'd guess the efficiency should be similar on battery power. Replacing a relatively small battery pack *should* be much cheaper than a large one, when the time comes for that...

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

GMC has an extended range package for the 2025 Sierra Denali. It extends the range from 390 miles to 460 miles. Not sure the $9,500 cost is worth it. I hope the seats are comfortable. According to my wife I would be sleeping in it if I brought one home.

View attachment 2105528

Who would pay $100,000 for a pickup truck?????