2019 Ram 1500 Etorque Hybrid System | Toronto, Mississauga

With exciting new developments promised for the 2019 Ram lineup, we’re stoked about news of better fuel economy, more payload and improved towing capacity, all of which will be welcome to those of you driving in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Oakville. These benefits can be attributed to a buzz-worthy new technology, eTorque.

What is eTorque?

Etorque replaces your alternator (a vehicle's electrical generator). The 2019 Ram no longer has a traditional alternator now that eTorque tech provides the required electricity. The automatic stop-start system Ram drivers have come to know and love is controlled by this new system that also keeps the 12-volt battery charged. This stop-start assist to the motor and generator behaves as a mild-hybrid system. You read that right-- the 2019 Ram is technically a hybrid. It comes with either of the two gasoline engines offered, V6 or V8.

Most Ram 1500 electrical systems will still use traditional 12-volt power, but eTorque operates with a 48-volt system. Using the motor/generator, the eight-rib belt with two tensioners and a DC-to-DC converter convert those 48 volts to 12 (for the more traditional electrical systems). It’s all contained in a suitcase-sized battery pack, storing energy for up to 430 watt-hours. The eTorque system adds approximately 100 pounds of weight to the truck, cables included, tucked inside the rear wall of the truck cabin.

What the extra weight demands is rewarded with 90 lb-ft of torque boost on the V6 model and a whopping 130 lb-ft worth of heft on the V8. Packaging constraints on the V6 make the two different levels of output necessary. The V6 requires a slightly smaller, front-mounted eTorque unit. Though there’s loads of space under the Ram’s hood, the eTorque V6 will also turn up in other models, such as the Jeep Wrangler. The bigger V8 system is exclusive to Rams just now and is mounted where the traditional alternator once was.

You can have your 2019 Ram with a 3.6-liter V6 outputting 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque or go for the V8 5.7-liter with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft. Peak numbers are not impacted at all by the eTorque system. The extra power kicks in when these gas engines are operating at low speed, between idle and 1,500 rpm, before they produce bigger torque numbers on their own. The hybrid system actually broadens the torque band rather than adding to the accessible peak torque.

Ram says that while the 5.7-liter Hemi makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of twist, it can also gain a 130 lb-ft boost with the eTorque motor. Both the V6 and V8 come standard with upgraded eight-speed automatic transmissions with more than 40 shift maps. Nice! You don’t really need peak torque except in instances where you might but hauling a boat out of the water at a super-low speed anyway. Adding extra torque down low helps move heavy loads from standstill positions, relieving undue stress on the powertrain while performing the tow.

We realize that some of you may feel resistant to the hybrid movement. Is it still a real-deal truck if it has eTorque? Do you magically turn into a hipster if you drive even a mild hybrid vehicle? Naw. We’re going to encourage you to rethink your conceptions about what hybrid means. Why would you turn down more torque that come standard? The eTorque system also adds comfort features over the standard all-gas engine. When idling, the engine shuts down and/or turns off cylinders. This saves fuel, which is always a bonus, but it also reduces cabin vibrations and engine noise while you’re sitting still at traffic lights. Also beneficial: the eTorque system keeps AC and heat running while the other systems rest when the truck isn’t moving. When the time comes to move forward again, eTorque gives the engine instant response. How? The eTorque system powers that first half-rotation of the wheels, allowing the engine to start back up seamlessly without delaying movement of the vehicle movement or impacting passenger comfort. As you may know from direct experience, some of the older start-stop systems were quite rough and hard to ignore. The eTorque system is the complete opposite.

Speaking of enhanced smoothness, another area where the eTorque system helps out the driver experience is during eight-speed transmission up- and down-shifts. The eTorque system helps rev match in both situations, providing you with seamless, extremely smooth gear changes. Who doesn’t love a smooth ride? Your pickup passengers will appreciate your shifting skills.

While a mild hybrid pickup doesn’t magically cut your typical fuel costs in half, it will keep your costs consistent even when you’re putting your truck through the paces of towing and other more demanding actions. Which in effect, does save you money as well as placing fewer demands on the powertrain overall. Throw in an optional panoramic sunroof on the 2019 Ram 1500 and it could be a very good year ahead for you and your 2019 Ram pickup. You’ll be a triple threat in Mississauga and Toronto, helping the environment, saving cash at the gas pumps, and while zipping around town. Mild hybrids aren’t for wimps: they just make really good sense for truck lovers.

Check out our inventory on 2019 Ram trucks. We’re always more than happy to talk Ram truck options with you at Ontario Chrysler.

Where is Ontario Chrysler located?

Ontario Chrysler is located at 5280 Dixie Road in Mississauga, Ontario.