There’s been confusion about why Ram put big 3.6 liter V6 as a range extender on the 2025 Ramcahrger. Surely that is terribly inefficient?

No, it’s not.

Ram states following specs: 92kWh battery pack, 145 miles of electric range and 690 miles of total range, 27 gallon gas tank.

Electric range of 145 miles with 92 kWh means electricity consumption of 63 kWh/100 miles. Full tank contains 920 kWh of energy and gives 545 miles of range. That is consumption of 168 kWh/100 miles. The electric energy needed for 545 miles is 343 kWh, so the efficiency of the range extender is 37%. The generator and electronics have some energy loss so the efficiency of the V6 engine is closer to 40%. That’s crazy efficient for a gas engine.

Why is it so high? Why not use smaller engine?

Engine efficiency is highest at relatively slow speed and nearly full load. That big V6 can produce the required power at low RPM but needs to work hard. That’s very efficient. Smaller engine would need to run very fast which decreases efficiency.

In summary the V6 is very efficient at this particular application which suits it very well.

  • UnSCo@alien.topBEnglish
    0·
    1 year ago

    Not sure why people care about this truck when it will almost definitely cost six figures (100% once it hits stealership lots), has all of the maintenance and burdening concerns of both ICE and EVs/PHEVs/HEVs (oil changes/ICE frequent maintenance, battery maintenance concerns), and of course is likely not going to be made at very high volume (which ties into stealerships marking them up).

    I love the idea of this truck don’t get me wrong, and I’d almost definitely consider it, but over time those things make it a vehicle that will be short-lived in about 5 years once EV trucks start progressing and evolving. This is also a Stellantis vehicle, I do NOT trust those vehicles at all and wrapping up that much tech into this thing can result in a costly ownership nightmare if it is not engineered tightly.

      • UnSCo@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Technically those last 5 years (supposed to at least) and are in the same category as things like brakes and tires and whatnot

    • King-Of-The-Hill@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      As a Volt owner, I love the RamCharger… But for what a nicely optioned one would cost I’d likely be better off paying for a 1 ton F-350 diesel for the assured extra towing capacity.

      Still… I think towing with Ramcharger could be better than my current F-150 as the Ramcharger would be heavier, and have a lot more HP/Torque. Additionally I could level 1 charge it on site at the campgrounds so would have less gas use while out exploring the areas we camp in, but also likely be at full charge for the drive home. Would definitely increase my towing MPGs a bit.