# Why 22 kWh of the Ramcharger’s 92 kWh Battery is Not Usable
Ram stands as the final major automaker from Detroit to unveil an electric truck, taking a distinctive route with the **1500 Ramcharger**. In contrast to the fully electric models offered by **Ford** and **General Motors**, the Ramcharger is a **range-extended EV** that integrates a **substantial battery** with a **gasoline-powered generator**. A particularly unexpected feature of the Ramcharger’s battery system is the fact that **22 kWh of its 92 kWh battery is unavailable for use**.
## Grasping the Ramcharger’s Battery System
The **Ram 1500 Ramcharger** boasts a **91.8 kWh battery pack**, yet only **69.7 kWh** is usable for driving. This indicates that almost **24% of the battery capacity is not accessible** to the driver. While this may appear to be an inefficient use of energy storage, there are multiple reasons behind Ram’s design decision.
### 1. **Enhancing Battery Longevity and Performance**
A key rationale for restricting battery use is to **prolong battery lifespan**. Lithium-ion batteries naturally degrade over time, particularly when regularly charged to **100%** or drained to **0%**. By reserving a segment of the battery’s capacity, Ram can:
– **Minimize battery wear and diminish wear and tear**, promoting a longer lifespan.
– **Ensure reliable performance**, even as the battery ages.
– **Avoid deep discharges**, which can adversely affect battery cells.
This approach is typical in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Numerous manufacturers, including **Tesla, BMW, and GM**, apply comparable battery management strategies to **enhance durability** and **mitigate warranty claims**.
### 2. **Guaranteeing Consistent Towing and Performance**
The design of the **Ramcharger** takes into account towing and heavy-duty functionality. Unlike a standard EV, which might suffer from **noticeable performance declines** with a low battery, Ram intended for the truck to maintain optimal performance even when the battery is running low.
As noted by **Joe Tolkacz, Ram’s chief engineer**, the **power output from a battery significantly decreases below a 10% charge**. Should the Ramcharger permit the battery to completely deplete, it could yield:
– **Diminished towing capacity** during low battery scenarios.
– **Reduced acceleration and compromised performance** when operating in charge-sustaining mode.
– **Variability in driving experience** between electric and generator-assisted propulsion.
By keeping a **buffer of 22 kWh**, Ram guarantees that the **truck can consistently deliver robust performance**, even when the battery appears nearly empty.
### 3. **Maximizing Charge-Sustaining Mode**
The **Ramcharger** functions in three powertrain modes:
1. **Fully Electric Mode** – Operates solely on battery power (providing up to **145 miles** of range).
2. **Charge Depletion Mode** – Initially utilizes battery power, then activates the generator as needed.
3. **Charge Sustaining Mode** – Keeps a predetermined battery level, avoiding drops below a specific threshold.
The **reserved battery capacity** is vital in **Charge Sustaining Mode**. This mode guarantees that the truck can operate effectively, even with a low battery. If the battery were allowed to drain completely, the **gasoline-powered generator** would need to work extra hard, which might lead to:
– **Elevated fuel consumption**
– **Increased wear on the engine**
– **Diminished efficiency**
By keeping a section of the battery inaccessible, Ram ensures that the **generator can function efficiently**, delivering a smooth and dependable driving experience.
## How Does This Compare to Other EVs?
Ram’s choice to **reserve 22 kWh** of battery capacity is not without precedent. Numerous EV manufacturers employ similar methodologies:
– **BMW i3 REx** – The initial **BMW i3 range extender** featured a compact battery, but a significant fraction was set aside to guarantee efficient generator functionality.
– **Chevrolet Volt** – GM’s plug-in hybrid also set aside portions of its battery capacity to preserve performance and longevity.
– **Tesla Model S & X** – Tesla has utilized **software-locked battery capacities** to prolong battery life and enable future upgrades.
Nevertheless, the Ramcharger’s **22 kWh reserve is notably substantial**, equating to the **entire battery capacity of some early EVs**. This underscores Ram’s emphasis on **performance, towing capacity, and long-term dependability** over simply maximizing range.
## Conclusion
While some individuals may perceive the **22 kWh of unusable battery** in the **Ram 1500 Ramcharger** as a limitation,
