The RAM 1500 eTorque

The RAM 1500 eTorque has been available for some time now; but what exactly is this hybrid system that everyone is talking about? It is a mild-hybrid system found on all 305 horsepower 3.6- litre Pentastar V6 engines; the RAM eTorque is also standard offered with the 395 horsepower 5.7- litre V8 engine, while on previous models it was only available as an added option.

How does it work? The RAM eTorque technology includes a belt-drive motor generator, a 48- volt battery with a 0.43 kWh capacity and a management system; together they increase the amount of available torque. For example, when it is coupled with the V6, up to 90 lb-ft of additional torque is available.. When coupled with the V8 engine, this amount of added torque can reach up to 130 lb-ft.

Contrary to a hybrid model, the RAM 1500 cannot run on electricity alone. However, the RAM 1500 eTorque system provides the truck with a very smooth driving experience, without sacrificing on performance in any way. Moreover, it also includes the start-stop system for traffic lights, which helps maximise energy efficiency.

The eTorque technology also smooths transmission upshifts on accelerations, by lowering the RPMs ever so slightly to match the next gear, while also storing energy to recharge the battery. Moreover, the deactivation of the cylinders ‒once you have reached cruising speeds- also allows you to optimize your energy efficiency.

Energy is also maximised when slowing down; the eTorque system no longer pushes fuel and takes advantage of this time to recuperate a maximum of energy. The regenerative braking system also allows the battery to recharge.

Depending on the RAM 1500 you choose, it will either be standard equipped with the V6 or the V8:

• 6 L V6 with e-Torque and 305 HP/269 lb-ft.: standard offered on the Tradesman and Big Horn
• 7 L V8 with e-Torque and 395 HP/410 lb-ft.: standard offered on the Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited

Take note that the V8 is also available as an added option on the 2 entry-level trims; however, only the RAM 1500 TRX model comes with a powertrain that does not have the eTorque technology, just like the 2024 electric RAM.

Finally, the trims equipped with the V6 come with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, while this capacity climbs up to 12,750 pounds with the V8, depending on the bed/cab/drivetrain configuration you have selected.

As you can see, despite offering greater fuel efficiency and performance, the RAM trucks equipped with the eTorque technology do not take away from RAM towing capacities. To find out more about this wonderful technology, come and speak with a representative at Rive-Sud Chrysler, close to Brossard and St-Hubert, on the South Shore of Montreal.