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.
Personally, I think they should have only targeted a 50 mile all electric range and made it more of a true PHEV. I think when the volt was released, a study showed that 40 miles range covered like 90% of all trips. I think going with the big pack is a waste of resources and drives up cost too much for little additional benefit.
Then they should have released an all EV model with a battery closer to 200 kWh and no engine for those who are into that.
The Volt was very heavily criticized for only having 40 miles range. Expectations of range have gone up quite a bit since then.
Gen2 Volt owner here. 53 miles is the spec for the gen2 range. That does indeed cover us most of the time.
In reality - I would love for it to be about 80 miles to account for impact of winter on range.
I can’t really complain though. Bought the car brand new after they announced end of production. Nicely loaded for roughly $30k and essentially $24k after the tax rebate. That was cheaper than the previous sedan we had bought 13 years prior for $20k after factoring for inflation.
21,000 miles on battery and roughly 15,000 miles on gas thus far. Has been the perfect daily driver for my wife.