New electric Ram

[kevkev]

Thats not a truck....

 

[Narg]

I personally think Ford hit it out of the park. Not a Ford fan though. Chevy did OK, but they should have called that the Avalanche and then did a proper Silverado. I'm afraid RAM will really mess this up. Few folks want a futuristic truck. Most don't. Either make a real truck or forget about it RAM. Hope you are paying attention.

 

[mcarey]

Mcarey
I am happy that you are lucky enough to live in a peaceful area

In California, for one, we have people shooting other people, because the a customer in the cash register line ahead of them has a folder of food coupons & is taking a seemingly long time to check out.
The same thing happens at the Fuel isle, people get their gas, go inside to pay & then use the restroom & other things, while others are waiting for another customer to move, so that they can pull up to fuel up.

I mean, I definitely wouldn't chose to live in a place like you're describing. It does sound like the fuel buyers are quite the problem though.

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

I'll wait till they put the horse in front of the cart again and stop speculating what's going to work. And today we still have the choice to ride a horse or car, that's all I care about is give me a choice to buy a new ICE and stop letting the 2% force me to buy what they think is best for me. I'm ok with you buying what you want, should be ok for me too!

 

[Narg]

I still don't see EV being viable at all pulling my 10,000 pound camper very far. No thanks, I'll keep my Cummins

I guess that they are making EV Semi trucks doesn't mean much?

EV can already do a lot. And, it will do more in the future. All power trains lose a lot of energy when pulling loads. My RAM gets 20 MPG unloaded. Load it up and put a medium sized trailer behind it and I'm lucky to get 10 MPG. less than 1/2. Much like batteries do. No need to make a new issue out of a long standing existing issue. Battery tech will improve, but unless they start to move now the tech won't get there.

I personally don't expect gasoline/diesel to go away, ever. But EV will slowly become preferred as the technology advances and things become much more viable for the market for EV. I've driven a few just to get a feel, and there is a reason people who drive them like them. The flexibility of an EV on the road outshines others easily. Even considering the mileage and charging issues currently at hand. Which should be improved eventually. Plus the flat EV torque curve even outshines Diesels by quite a bit, making towing that much easier.

Give it time...

 

[Marshall]

Reminds me of a shark, unibody? not in a real truck, But I guess you can go to 3/4 or 1 ton for a work truck. When are a couple hrs from town, I just don't see it. But there is this set up , for when the grid goes south .

 

[mcarey]

We just saw last year what can happen when someone hacks a major oil pipeline and shuts it down for ransom. Will a power grid be any different? And people still don't seem to understand the damage being done to the environment to mine the minerals needed to make the batteries. next comes facilities to dispose of dead batteries, because let's face it, you can only re-manufacture something a limited number of times before it's beyond a redo. And my final point; the last 20 or so years should make it very obvious that we are not prepared with electricity generating facilities, whatever type, be it coal, natural gas, hydro-electric, or nuclear, to meet the demands an all electric vehicle country. Remember rolling blackouts and brownouts, hurricanes damaging the grid, taking weeks or months to restore power, facilities going off grid like Texas because they weren't prepared for extremely cold weather? What about someone hacking the grid, as we have been warned so many times in the recent past? I think we are falling victim to people who are so closed minded and zealous that have gained positions of power and are dictating the future. Gonna drive my gas powered vehicles until I leave this rock.

The Texas situation was completely and utterly avoidable, and only happened because Texas does Texas things. And while blackouts and such do happen, you know what also doesn't work when you're in a blackout? Fuel pumps and gas station terminals. I also think it's worth reminding you that creating fuel isn't some environmentally friendly process either. And at least with batteries, they can recycled a handful of times. Unlike fuel.

You do make one decent point though. We aren't prepared to have an all electric country, today. That's completely right. Which is exactly why it's being pushed now. If everyone just sat on their hands and said "doh this doesn't work right now so why bother", innovation would never take place. And the people buying in now, are pushing that innovation. The reality is this whole process is going to take decades upon decades to occur, which you're actually alluding to in your post, but for some reason so many feel like the big bad government is one day away from knocking on their door and trying to rip their ICE vehicle from their cold dead hands.

Personally, I'll be pretty shocked if we see a _full_ EV country in my lifetime, and I'm only 35. But once there is an EV that meets my needs as my Power Wagon does, I'll be all in. And I'll be psyched blowing the doors off the diesels with my nearly unlimited torque, too.

 

[ECONORAM]

Dodge has always been a bit unconventional. DCJR, if you are reading this, try this approach. Sure, make an electric RAM. BUT, instead of a 2,000 pound LiOn battery pack (that no one has figured out how to solve the replacement issue)....put in a 20-40hp Briggs&Stratton engine turning a large electric generator. Which in turn sends power to the drive motors. And that 20" screen in the cab. A 10-gallon fuel tank would last a LONG time. And, DCJR saves the battery replacement headache, drivers don't have to scramble if they can't find the charging station.
Politics is pushing this electric vehicle stuff. What will vehicle manufactures do if the customers do not buy them??
Would I buy one? I doubt it. Why? I am not in any hurry to get rid of my 15-year old pickup. Not at all.

 

[Raminla]

Unlike some folks my age, I’ve learned to embrace change because change is coming whether I like it or not. There are many advances of change that I can point to but this is my choice. In the early 70’s, the Japanese cars were considered too small, low horsepower but got 20-24mpg. When fuel prices rose above $1/gal, the small fuel efficient engines became extremely popular.

For years Energy producing companies successfully lobbied against government subsidized solar panels that benefited consumers but also negatively impacted company revenues.
Im certain that Automotive companies are very aware of the lack of charging stations, but they understand that EV’s are the future.
Battery life and Hp will continue to improve the younger generation will purchase them. Like many my age, I thought my 2020 Ram was my last purchase, buuut, if they work out the kinks in hands-free navigation, I’ll be in the market.. lol

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

I'm curious what's going to happen when the small percentage of people that wants an electric vehicle gets them and they come to a halt selling many more? I know it's just speculation but so is knowing the future of electric vehicles.

 

[Evguy1]

As someone who has been driving an EV for the last 30+ years I can say they have come a LONG way. From an around town car with a 50 mile range in the 90's to a cross country car with 200-400 mile range now. Its always full in the morning so I never have to go to the gas station. EV charging stations are all over the place now. A fast charge takes 15-30 minutes and getting faster (not a few hours). Yes we have to pay for the power just like paying for gas. Most gas stations are now installing EV charging stations so they are just as convenient as gas. Our power bill has gone up a bit but our fuel bill has dropped drastically. I still use my Cummins powered RAM 1500 to tow my 5th wheel but one day that will also be electric. The cars are fun to drive because of the instant power, AC and heat are instant so no need to wait to be nice and cool or warm. People who say they would never drive an EV are just closed minded and really need to test drive an EV, they don't bite, go for a drive! I'm glad I don't live where some of you do where EV's are being forced on you, here in Canada we are free to choose an EV or a gas/diesel vehicle. Yes many obstacles to overcome in the next decade for full adoption like the old power grid and recycling of the batteries but we are an adaptive people, well most of us are. ;>)

 

[mcarey]

Dodge has always been a bit unconventional. DCJR, if you are reading this, try this approach. Sure, make an electric RAM. BUT, instead of a 2,000 pound LiOn battery pack (that no one has figured out how to solve the replacement issue)....put in a 20-40hp Briggs&Stratton engine turning a large electric generator. Which in turn sends power to the drive motors. And that 20" screen in the cab. A 10-gallon fuel tank would last a LONG time. And, DCJR saves the battery replacement headache, drivers don't have to scramble if they can't find the charging station.
cle manufactures do if the customers do not buy them??
Would I buy one? I doubt it. Why? I am not in any hurry to get rid of my 15-year old pickup. Not at all.

I'm not too knowledgable about all you're saying above, so I won't comment directly, but I have long thought that a hybrid option for trucks could be fantastic. My driving of my truck is almost entirely split amongst two things:

1. City trips to the grocery store, hockey games, daycare, etc.
2. Longer range trips to go fishing, hunting, camping, etc.

I would be ecstatic if I could run full EV when doing things listed in option 1, where I am also typically getting the worst MPG my truck gets. And then be able to switch to fuel for the secondary type of driving I listed, while also boosting things a bit with electricity that is also actively regenerated by my driving. My biggest issue, and I know my last few posts have been super pro-EV in this thread, is that I do a lot of stuff that the current EV ranges just won't work with. I'm not comfortable with going 50-75% of the range, spending days in the woods, and then having to get back to somewhere to charge. Especially with my family involved. But a hybrid situation, would really be a perfect world for me at this time. And, I'd imagine many others as well.

A buddy of mine got the new hybrid Wrangler this year. And last time we had connected, he'd only filled the thing up two or three times in the few months since ownership. Granted he does a lot more local driving compared to distance, but that is pretty kick ass either way.

 

[jagman_xjs]

I am a BIG fan of EVs and have been building them before Tesla ever started. SADLY our grid will NOT handle everyone having an EV. I eventually will find myself a 4.7 ext cab 4x4 and build a REAL hybrid NOT like these stupid Prius's (I said 4.7 bc NO WAY I want to do that to a hemi) Prius is a stupid design. We had cars getting 53 mpg back in the late 50s and early 60s. So why do we need a battery pack and computer to get less gas mileage? One last thing is that "truck" gonna be a Ramline?

 

[JRs 17 Ram]

As someone who has been driving an EV for the last 30+ years I can say they have come a LONG way. From an around town car with a 50 mile range in the 90's to a cross country car with 200-400 mile range now. Its always full in the morning so I never have to go to the gas station. EV charging stations are all over the place now. A fast charge takes 15-30 minutes and getting faster (not a few hours). Yes we have to pay for the power just like paying for gas. Most gas stations are now installing EV charging stations so they are just as convenient as gas. Our power bill has gone up a bit but our fuel bill has dropped drastically. I still use my Cummins powered RAM 1500 to tow my 5th wheel but one day that will also be electric. The cars are fun to drive because of the instant power, AC and heat are instant so no need to wait to be nice and cool or warm. People who say they would never drive an EV are just closed minded and really need to test drive an EV, they don't bite, go for a drive! I'm glad I don't live where some of you do where EV's are being forced on you, here in Canada we are free to choose an EV or a gas/diesel vehicle. Yes many obstacles to overcome in the next decade for full adoption like the old power grid and recycling of the batteries but we are an adaptive people, well most of us are. ;>)

Ram makes a 1500 with a Cummins in Canada? I wish that they would offer that down here.

 

[Lee Pedrick]

Here in delaware,, Middletown, A new Wawa was built with 8 Tesla charging stations on the property. But they don't control them. Not sure if this is true ,But I heard when you use one, Tesla bills you for the charge.

 

[mcarey]

Here in delaware,, Middletown, A new Wawa was built with 8 Tesla charging stations on the property. But they don't control them. Not sure if this is true ,But I heard when you use one, Tesla bills you for the charge.

That's how it's been AFAIK, though I have to imagine Wawa gets a cut. Tesla charges $0.25/KW.

Thinking more about all this chatter today, and I think my biggest gripe at the moment is the variance on charging "plug". I usually don't like to recommend the government stepping in to do things, but I do wish there would be a standard plug-type or whatever put in place. Proprietary plugs are definitely a problem, IMO. Imagine only being able to go to certain gas stations, based on your brands fuel filler neck dimensions or whatever.

 

[GTyankee]

Someone will make an adaptor, if they have not already

EVs will have to be billed by the mile, because if anything touches the road, they are wearing it out
Semi trucks already pay a Road Tax, as well as pay fuel taxes
Most semi trucks doing long hauling, can easily drive 600 miles before refueling, so they do not Fuel up in States with high fuel prices

Very few trucking outfits have California License Plates,
but there are many out here that run Arizona, Utah & South Dakota Plates.

Someone mentioned DMV fees as paying for the roads, that is untrue. In California those Fees pay for Highway Patrol payroll & vehicles & DMV personnel & i think there is one other Department & if those Fees don't cover everything, a bit of the fuel tax is used.

California Fuel tax, used to go strictly to Highway Construction & Maintenance.
Then the politicians decided to twist things around.
Now the fuel tax goes to Airports, & any Public Transit, ( buses, trains, etc. & the rest goes to the roads.
That is why California's Highways are falling apart

 

[2012RAM1500RT]

Not to worry..... When our electric company becomes our new fuel source does anyone not believe they will be our new oil tycoons just like we have now?

 

[GTyankee]

Another thought on EVs
State Highways will have dedicated lanes for EVs
The EV driver will drive onto the highway & cross over to the fast lane or Carpool Lane.
Then they will press a button & their vehicle will go into autonomous mode. In the road pavement there will be some sort of electro mechanical setup.
The driver will program in a WAY Point & the vehicles computer will take over & signal the driver when they are near there destination, at that time the driver will take over the vehicle again.

I think that EV Lane will carry electricity & possibly move the car by electro-magnets.
At the end of the month, they will receive a Bill for miles driven, sort of like a Toll Road

Darn it, my mind is revolting against fuel powered vehicles.

Actually, back in the 1990s, i was involved in a Highway program for autonomous vehicles.

All of those cars had gas powered vehicles, but computers ran them

 

[cellguru]

OK, so I have actually ordered a new EV truck, but I doubt it will replace my RAM 2500! And yes, it is kind of homely, we are gonna call it tellatubby LOL.

That said, I am not buying it to save the planet, although every little bit helps. The tellatubby does 0-60 in 3 seconds, which is faster than any Porsche, Corvette, or BMW I have owned.

It has 315 miles of range, probably half that towing a trailer, but it will tow 11,000 lbs.