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For years, towing 14,000 pounds meant stepping up to a three-quarter-ton truck. Not anymore. Ram just rewrote the rulebook, unleashing the first half-ton pickup rated to tow as much as some heavy-duty rigs. The 2026 Ram 1500 Ramcharger blends electric torque with a V6-powered generator, making it the most capable half-ton ever built. And in a world where EV trucks struggle to tow long distances, this one just solved the biggest problem in the segment with unlimited, gas-powered range.

Half-ton truck, heavy-duty numbers

According to Edmunds, the Ramcharger’s 647 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque give it a towing capacity that outperforms some HD trucks—more than a 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD with a gas engine. That’s big-league towing power in a truck that still fits in the half-ton segment.

So, what’s the secret? A 91.8-kWh battery powers dual electric motors, delivering instant torque for smooth acceleration, even under load. But when the charge runs low, a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 kicks on as a generator, topping off the battery to keep the truck moving indefinitely. No charging station required. No range anxiety.

The new diesel?

As I previously wrote, range-extended electric vehicles (EREVs) are the new diesels. Much like diesel pickups in the 1980s, they offer more efficiency, more durability, and more work-ready torque than traditional V8s. The Ramcharger is built to tow indefinitely, with a 690-mile total range that makes regular EV pickups look like golf carts.

This truck isn’t just for weekend warriors—it’s built for working folks. The fast-charging capability means job site crews can top off at lunch, while the onboard generator can power tools or even an entire worksite. It’s tougher than a traditional half-ton, yet cheaper to run.

The future of towing

The Ramcharger is fast, efficient, and capable, making it a true game-changer. Car and Driver estimates a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, putting it within striking distance of a Hellcat-powered TRX. And with 14,000 pounds of towing and a 2,625-lb payload, it hauls like a diesel—but without the emissions headaches, DEF fluid, or sky-high fuel costs. If this is the future of half-tons, other automakers better take notes.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.