Rad’s upgraded RadRunner Plus and RadRunner 3 Plus e-bikes from $1,299 low, Bluetti AC180P at exclusive new $487 low, more - Related to why, plus, $1,299, ram, is

Here’s Why The Ram Ramcharger’s Usable Battery Capacity Is So Small

The Ram Ramcharger has a [website] kWh battery, but only [website] kWh are usable.

Ram says this is to provide a consistent driving experience between EV driving and when the truck uses its gas engine.

The truck also has a heavy-duty frame and 8-lug wheel hubs to haul more weight compared to its ICE cousin.

I know I’ve railed against too-big batteries in trucks in the past, and that includes the all-electric version of this very vehicle. However, when Stellantis previewed the 2026 Ram Ramcharger’s technical details to the media this week, its [website] kWh battery felt a little small compared to full EV trucks. Stranger still, Stellantis says that only [website] of those kWh are usable, meaning a whopping [website] kWh is just in the battery, unable to be used. I had to find out why.

Turns out, it’s for towing. In fact, it appears that the whole Ramcharger has a little bit more done under the skin than its ICE sibling to make it a more effective hauler than other EV competitors. Its battery is just one part of the pie.

If you’ve driven a first-generation Chevrolet Volt, or a BMW i3 REX, or live in China and have access to the umpteen EREVs in that market, then you’re probably familiar with some of the quirks of an EREV. See, I’ve owned a 2015 Chevrolet Volt and loved it, but occasionally under heavy acceleration when the car was completely out of electric driving range, the car felt straight-up overburdened. It was a little more than, say, me complaining about the driving manners of a slow hybrid car. Rather, I was dealing with the effects of a small engine trying to essentially do two things at once.

I’ll explain: Extended-range EVs effectively use a traditional ICE engine to augment the abilities of its electric drivetrain. A gas engine is included that only recharges the battery but does not drive the wheels. This allows the car to drive much, much further on a smaller battery.

True, it's likely more complex than either a regular ICE car or an EV, but in the case of my Volt, I could go 300+ miles from its [website] kWh battery ([website] kWh usable)—about 40 miles from a battery, while the rest came from its [website] naturally aspirated engine. Similarly, the Ramcharger’s 92 kWh ([website] kWh usable) battery, when depleted, will be kept within specification for normal driving by its [website] Pentastar engine powering a 150 kW generator. This is commonly referred to as “charge-sustaining” mode.

However, when the battery is tapped out, the car is effectively limited to however fast the car’s ICE engine can sustain the battery’s rate of draw. So, in the Volt’s case, its roughly 74-horsepower engine had to do the work of moving the car forward by keeping its battery topped up. For a short burst of acceleration, this is fine; there’s a bit of battery buffer outside the usable capacity to keep the driving experience uniform.

Yet, occasionally under long bursts, that envelope won’t be enough. The car will be limited to however fast the engine can generate electricity, which translates to slow acceleration. Just ask any older Volt owner about the “Propulsion Power Reduced” message and the addition of “mountain mode”, or watch any video of a Chinese EREV when it is out of battery power. Acceleration times can balloon.

Stellantis confirmed that its plan is to head this off by not using all of its battery power, saving a bigger reserve for when it’s really needed.

“What we found is, is that when you get below 10% battery state-of-charge, the power really drops off on what you can deliver,” stated Stellantis Lead Engineer for the STLA Frame platform, Joe Tolkacz. “Even if you run the generator at full power, you’re somewhat limited on what you can pull out of the battery. We found that the customer wanted consistent operation throughout the range. So we purposely backstopped the charge-sustaining threshold to be higher, to stay out of that lower power region.”.

We’ll still have to test this in person when the Ramcharger officially drops, but Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis was adamant that the truck will be a compromise-less solution for towing. Remember, it doesn’t actually take all that much horsepower to keep a vehicle moving, so in theory, the nearly 23 kWh of buffer in that pack should be enough to sustain the times when the truck needs all 647 horsepower and 610 ft/lbs of torque, even when towing.

Kuniskis really harped on the Goldilocks aspect of the truck. The Ramcharger’s battery and the brand’s focus on an EREV is a direct response to the political and economic state of the United States right now.

“I think more people would be more willing to do a BEV if it was cheaper. We thought that a few years ago that battery pricing would be transitory,” Kuniskis stated, referring to the idea that eventually Stellantis’s battery costs would get to around $50 per kWh and in turn bring EV costs down. (At the end of 2024, they were around $115 per kWh.) Stellantis officials declined to share the exact price of its own battery costs, but Kuniskis did say that the Ram’s battery size is partially to keep costs down and keep the truck accessible.

On paper, the Ramcharger seems to have a leg-up towing compared to Rivian, Chevrolet or Ford. We’ll have to see just how well it performs in real life when it comes to roads later this year.

(enhancement 2/24/25 6:46 PM enhancement to attribute quote to Joe Tolkacz, lead engineer for the STLA platform).

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Rad’s upgraded RadRunner Plus and RadRunner 3 Plus e-bikes from $1,299 low, Bluetti AC180P at exclusive new $487 low, more

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Don’t miss out on Rad Power’s upgraded RadRunner Plus and RadRunner 3 Plus utility e-bikes at new lows from $1,299.

There are still a few days left of Rad Power’s latest sale running through February 26, which is also giving us three new low prices on its RadRunner series of e-bikes. Alongside the $999 low hitting the RadRunner 2, there’s also the RadRunner Plus Utility e-bike at $1,299 shipped and the RadRunner 3 Plus Utility e-bike at $1,699 shipped. Normally these two models would run you either $1,799 or $2,199 at full price, with discounts before this sale having only gone as low as $1,499 for the RadRunner Plus and $1,899 for the RadRunner 3 Plus. These are the best new rates we’ve seen on these models, giving you $500 in savings and a versatile option for commutes, running errands, and more.

Hopping on the RadRunner Plus Utility e-bike, you’ll be getting 45+ miles of travel on a single charge of its 672Wh battery when utilizing its five levels of pedal assistance, while the 750W motor provides top speeds of 20 MPH. Of course, there is a throttle for pure electric cruising, though at the cost of mileage, as well as a collection of solid stock attributes. Your riding experience also benefits from the Kenda K-Rad 20-inch tires with fenders over each, Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes, an LED Headlight that can be set to automatically turn on in lower light settings, an integrated taillight with brake lighting and a flash mode, a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, an integrated rear cargo rack with a 120-pound carrying capacity, a half-twist throttle, and a backlit LCD display with a USB port to charge your devices.

The upgraded RadRunner 3 Plus e-bike sports the same 750W motor and 672Wh battery combination to provide 45+ miles of travel through its five PAS levels at up to 20 MPH speeds. There are some notable differences here though, like the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes that provide advanced stopping power (over the RadRunner 2’s mechanical ones), as well as a 350-pound payload (50 pounds more), and a longer step-thru design for a more ergonomic riding position. There are also other capabilities like puncture-resistant fat tires, fenders over both wheels, the LED headlight and brake-light capable integrated taillight (with the auto-on functionality), and LCD display, but surprisingly it doesn’t come with the USB port.

Don’t miss out on these deals while they last, with the other three e-bike discounts on the brand’s folding, cargo, and off-road models lasting until February 26 – plus, there’s the accessory deals accompanying the newest releases. As I stated, the brand is saying these new Utility e-bike lows will last as long as supplies do, so there’s no telling yet if they’ll continue after the sale ends.

Exclusive $412 in savings hits Bluetti’s 1,440Wh AC180P LiFePO4 power station at new $487 low.

We have a 9to5Toys , which gives you the Bluetti AC180P Portable Power Station for $[website] shipped, after using the promo code 9TO5POWER25 at checkout. This model would normally run you $899 here, with a higher $999 price tag accompanying it direct from Bluetti and even going higher to $1,099 at other retailers. While we don’t see many discounts hitting this power station on average, when it does get a price cut it usually only falls to $899, though we did offer similar $499. Today’s deal gives you a 46% markdown that cuts $412 off the tag for a new all-time low price.

The largest of the AC180 series, Bluetti’s AC180P portable power station makes a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts who might also want a backup power option for unexpected emergencies at home. It provides a 1,440Wh LiFePO4 capacity, delivering up to 1,800W (surging to 2,700W) output – plus, it’s rated to hold an 80% charge for three to six months, meaning a short charge time two to four times a year ensures it’s always ready to go. You’ll even be getting more port options than its counterparts, sporting four ACs, four USB-As, one USB-C, one DC car port, and even a wireless charger.

Recharging takes barely any time at all thanks to the turbo-charging tech here, which reaches an 80% battery in 45 minutes or a 100% battery in [website] hours when plugged into a standard wall outlet. There’s also the option to equip up to its maximum 500W solar input to recharge in [website] hours via the sun’s rays, or connect it to your car for a [website] charging period. Of course, you’ll also have full smart controls over its settings and performance, as well, all accessed through the companion app.

Blow it, bag it, mulch it with Worx’s 12A 350 CFM Trivac at $79.

Adding Worx’s Trivac to your arsenal lets you work far smarter over working harder thanks to the 3-in-1 functionality for blowing, collecting, and/or even mulching fallen debris throughout your yard. Using it as a standard blower provides 350 CFM, maxing out at 210 MPH airflow. You can also flip the switch to simply collect it all into the complementary bag, giving you an easier means to transfer everything to a trash bag later. , with its two-stage metal impeller and shredder blades, this Trivac model “mulches 16 bags of leaves down into 1.”.

The operation doesn’t put much strain on the body, as the device only weighs in at [website] pounds, with an angled collection nozzle for easier cleaning under patio furniture or your deck. Keep in mind that this is a corded model, which means you can just plug and go rather than wait for a battery to fill back up first. If you want the latest model with upgraded power, you’ll also find the newer 600 CFM Trivac model down at $95 from its usual $120.

Anker’s PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh power bank station only adds five pounds to your bag at $90.

Anker’s official Amazon storefront is having a Lightning deal on the popular PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Portable Power Bank Station for $[website] shipped in both colorways. Normally posted with a $150 price tag, we saw it spend most of the last year keeping above $100, though since November we’ve been seeing more frequent cuts down to $90 and the occasional fall to the $80 low. You’re looking at the second-lowest price we have tracked here today, which puts $60 back into your pocket and is beating out Anker’s direct site where it’s currently priced at $113. Don’t dawdle too long on decisions, while only 1% has been claimed when writing this, this model tends to sell out fast when stock is limited.

A solid choice for anyone wanting a larger day-to-day backup power option for their devices, Anker’s PowerCore Reserve beats out the usual 5,000mAh to 20,000mAh models with an even greater 60,000mAh/192Wh capacity. Through its two USB-A ports and/or the two USB-C ports, it delivers up to 60W charging speeds – plus, you can’t beat its bag-ready form factor coming in at just five pounds. Speaking of its design, the crown provides a reliable light source via the pop-up light, complete with two brightness levels and an [website] button for emergencies. It offers two methods to recharge its own batteries: either by plugging it into a wall outlet or utilizing up to its 60W solar input limit (sold separately).

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even advanced off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

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This Is BMW's Most Expensive M4 Ever

A special edition of a special edition–that's one way to describe the 2025 BMW M4 CS Edition VR46. It's based on the M4 CS launched last year but with cosmetic changes to celebrate Valentino Rossi's 46th anniversary. While that may seem random, the nine-time motorcycle world champion nicknamed "The Doctor" is a BMW Motorsport works driver. Additionally, his iconic "46" racing number means now's the right time to mark the occasion.

The M4 CS Edition VR46 can be had in either Marina Bay Blue Metallic or matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic, two colors you couldn't get for the regular M4 CS. Aside from the evident "46" motif, the car receives Sao Paulo Yellow accents as a nod to Rossi's signature fluorescent yellow. As if that wasn't flashy enough, the brake calipers have been sprayed in bright yellow.

BMW kept the exposed carbon fiber of the regular M4 CS, but the "46" logos are hand-painted, and the roof has the rider's autograph. There's "VR6" lettering at the back to drive the point home. That striking Sao Paulo Yellow was partially used for the forged wheels to denote where the tire valve stem is located. As you can imagine, there's more yellow inside, and the "VR46" theme is noticeable on the door sills, seats, and other areas.

There are no mechanical changes over the standard M4 CS, so the twin-turbo, [website] inline-six continues making 543 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive are carried over, enabling 0 to 60 miles per hour in [website] seconds, 0 to 124 mph in [website] seconds, and a top speed electronically capped at 188 mph.

BMW is making only 92 cars, with production split evenly between the two colors–46 in Marina Bay Blue Metallic and the other 46 in Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic. Only a "limited number" of cars have been reserved for the US market. You'll have to fork out $155,000 (before destination charges), making the M4 CS Edition VR46 the most expensive M4-badged car ever.

It's a whopping $31,500 pricier than the less , limited to 1,700 units. At the same time, it costs $15,100 more than the hardcore, two-seater M4 CSL (1,000 units). Compared to a base 4 Series Coupe, the rear-wheel-drive 430i, this new flavor is about three times more expensive.

Although this is the priciest M4 ever, BMW did sell a far more expensive car that was largely related to the M4. We're talking about the [website] CSL (50 units), for which official pricing was never disclosed, but the M division allegedly charged around $750,000. The modern-day Batmobile was essentially a re-bodied M4 CSL with a manual gearbox and extra power and was never homologated for the US.

Although not an M4, BMW aficionados will also remember the M3 GTR Strassenversion sold during the E46 days for €250,000 apiece. Just 10 examples were ever made and these were the only M3 E46s to rock a V-8 engine, a naturally aspirated [website] borrowed from the race car version. We in the recent past saw the latter dressed up as the hero car from the 2005 Need for Speed Most Wanted video game.

Buying the M4 CS Edition VR46 gives owners the opportunity to meet Valentino Rossi in Italy at the VR46 Motor Ranch in Tavullia and enjoy a tasty barbecue. The next day, you're invited to the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli to test the newest M models.

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