Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, has revealed its plans to introduce a previously undisclosed plug-in hybrid model for its Ram pickup truck, which will be known as the Ramcharger. This move is part of Stellantis’s broader strategy aimed at reducing the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of its North American fleet.
Transition away from hemi V-8 engines
Starting in 2025, Stellantis will no longer offer the popular Hemi V-8 engine in its light-duty Ram pickup trucks. Instead, the company will provide customers with six-cylinder combustion engines. This transition is a significant shift in Stellantis’s approach to its Ram pickup lineup. In addition to the Ramcharger, Stellantis had previously announced plans for the battery-electric Ram REV.
Environmental compliance
Reducing emissions and improving the fuel efficiency of Ram models is a key component of Stellantis’s strategy. The company is currently facing fines for non-compliance with U.S. emissions standards, and the penalties could become more severe as regulations tighten.
Continuation in heavy-duty trucks
While the Hemi V-8 engines will be phased out in light-duty Ram pickup trucks, they will still be offered in Ram heavy-duty trucks. Stellantis has not disclosed its future production plans for light-duty Ram Classic trucks, which are based on previous-generation Ram designs. Currently, Hemi engines are available on select Ram Classic models.
Transition to smaller, more efficient engines
In the short term, combustion engines will continue to power most Ram trucks. Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, the iconic eight-cylinder Hemi, a staple of light-duty Ram marketing since 2003, will be gradually phased out. Instead, 2025 light-duty Ram trucks will be equipped with 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder “Hurricane” engines, including a 540-horsepower version, as well as an older 3.6-liter V-6.
Historically, inline six-cylinder engines were common in U.S. pickup trucks. However, the shift towards V-8 engines took place in the 1980s and 1990s in response to customer demand for greater power. Today, automakers are once again moving toward smaller, high-output engines and electrified powertrains to meet stricter CO2 emissions standards.
Industry shift towards hybrid powertrains
This shift towards electrification and hybrid powertrains is not unique to Stellantis. Ford, for example, revealed plans for up to 20% of its redesigned F-150 lineup to feature hybrid powertrains. Similarly, General Motors offers four-cylinder and eight-cylinder gas engines, along with a diesel powertrain in its Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. GM is also increasing the production of all-electric Silverado and Sierras but has not yet announced hybrid models.
Ramcharger: an affordable and practical alternative
The Ramcharger plug-in hybrid is positioned as a more affordable and practical option for customers seeking improved fuel economy while still having concerns about driving range, access to charging infrastructure, and towing capability. This model will use a six-cylinder gasoline engine as a generator to recharge its 92 kWh battery pack. In contrast, the all-electric Ram REV has a larger 168 kWh battery pack in its base model, which comes at a higher price point.
The introduction of the Ramcharger plug-in hybrid, along with the shift away from V-8 Hemi engines, reflects Stellantis’s commitment to reducing emissions and embracing more sustainable transportation solutions.