Stellantis announced plans to roll out the auto industry's first plug-in hybrid pickup truck, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. The company is betting hybrids will play a large role on the road to full electrification, and that many truck buyers will prefer the convenience that an electric and gas powered engine can give.
The new plug-in hybrid is scheduled to hit dealer floors by 2025 and operates as a zero-emissions EV until its battery runs out, then an onboard electric generator, powered by a 27-gallon, 3.6-liter V6 engine kicks in. The plug-in hybrid truck promises 690 miles of range with 615 pound-feet of torque that can tow up to 14,000 pounds with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
Stellantis also plans to phase out its V-8 Hemi engines as part of an overall strategy to cut the CO2 emissions of its North American fleet. A Hemi V-8 will still be offered in Ram heavy-duty trucks.