While I am not convinced that fuel efficiency is the decisive factor when choosing between trucks, RAM did make the biggest step in the fuel efficiency direction with the new 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque. We saw it some time ago, but the EPA wasn’t ready to publish fuel-economy values for the trucks equipped with the new technology. In truth, I can only describe as a mild hybrid.

Now, the EPA has revealed the numbers for the V-6 eTorque and V-8 eTorque Ram 1500 and the numbers are good. With two-wheel drive, a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and the eTorque system, the 2019 Ram 1500 can return 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. The V-8 powered model, on the other hand, is a bit more thirsty, but still, it will return 17/23/19, respectively. Bear in mind; it uses a big 5.7-liter, V-8.

2019 Ram 1500 eTorque

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What is eTorque?

In the simplest of terms, eTorque is a designation for a truck that is equipped with a 48-volt electrical system that can support an electric ancillary motor located right beside the ICE. Not only does this electric motor provide power when needed, but it acts as a starter as well, essentially taking the task of the start/stop process on itself.

Regardless of the price, the system does deliver refined starts, and it provides a seamless transition between electric power and the internal combustion engine. Of course, you can’t drive using only electricity, but the motor will actually turn the crank and start the engine without you ever actually noticing.

Although fuel efficiency may be the biggest gain, Ram does stress that the towing capacity has been increased to 12,750 lbs thanks to the magic of the electric motor. It will provide up to 130 pound-feet of torque and, roughly, save up to 2 mpg over the non-eTorque V-8 Ram 1500. However, the eTorque will not add up to the total power of the engine. Top end power is the same as before. For example, when starting to move, the electric motor spins up the crank and moves the car while at the same time starting the ICE. The process is seamless, saves a ton of fuel (as you need the most power to actually move the truck from its standing position) and even feels better than starting with the only-ICE engine.

The system is quite advanced as it features a recuperation energy gear when braking or decelerating. Energy recuperated in the process is stored in a battery located in the cabin's rear wall. It’s quite a neat packaging.

Conclusion

With the eTorque technology, Ram became a producer of the most fuel-efficient gasoline powered trucks in the U.S. The system is good enough to beat the fuel consumption figures of all V-8 powered trucks, but, even more importantly than that, it adds a certain aura of sophistication and convenience to the Ram 1500 lineup.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500.

Read more Ram news.