New Ram 1500 introduces a hybrid system called eTorque
New Ram 1500 introduces a hybrid system called eTorque
Posted on January 28, 2020
Ram introduced new hybrid technology to two versions of its Ram 1500 pickup truck to help make them as efficient as possible. Standard on the 2020 Ram 1500 truck with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine and an option on the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, the eTorque Mild Hybrid System replaces the traditional alternator on the engine with a 48-volt battery-powered, belt-driven motor generator.
There are a few slight differences between the eTorque systems found on the two engines. On the V6, the liquid-cooled eTorque motor is reverse-mounted on the front of the engine, adding length. It provides 12 horsepower and a 90-lb-ft assist. It also adds 105 pounds of mass to the V6 designs. On the V8, the air-cooled eTorque motor is mounted on top of the engine, adding height. It provides 16 horsepower and 120-lb-ft assist. It adds 90 pounds of mass in V8 applications.
Those are the only real differences between the eTorque applications on the V6 and V8 motors. Both engines use the same 48-volt, 0.4-kWh lithium-ion battery and DC-DC converter, which charges and runs the truck's 12-volt electrical system. No interior space is lost to the air-cooled battery because it is mounted behind the rear seat.
As mentioned before, eTorque is a mild hybrid system. This means that some energy is recaptured by a motor/generator, but it does not have the strength to power the vehicle on its own without the gasoline engine. This means that is might allow the engine to shut off when waiting at traffic lights while decelerating or coasting, and more, and that is just what a 2020 Ram 1500 with eTorque does. It provides a consistently smooth stop-start system, which allows the V6 or V8 to shut off without you even noticing. While eTorque offers benefits in any type of driving, Ram 1500 drivers save the most in energy (and improve fuel economy the most) when in stop-and-go traffic. But eTorque does a lot more than just enable stop/start and take some load off the engine.
The eTorque motor helps efficiency by providing a significant push and quickening the launch for the first half wheel rotation. In addition, when you lift off the accelerator at higher speeds, the deceleration you feel is mostly from the eTorque system recovering energy. These things all make the Ram 1500 more efficient, which equates to a fuel economy that is up to two miles per gallon higher than trucks without the eTorque system.
The eTorque Mild Hybrid System has a positive, direct impact on performance, payload, efficiency, and drivability, in addition to the towing capabilities. The 5.7 HEMI V8 engine with eTorque Hybrid Technology allows you to tow up to 12,750 pounds. You can now tow whatever you need to wherever you need it.
There are few downsides to choosing a 2020 Ram 1500 with an eTorque engine, whether you pick the V6 that comes with it standard or upgrade to eTorque with the V8 engine. It offers improved fuel economy and helps to reduce the stress on other mechanical equipment, so you can keep using your truck for years to come.