New for the 2020 Ram 1500 is the innovative eTorque Mild Hybrid system. eTorque is an innovative regeneration system that is proven to improve fuel economy without sacrificing power or torque. It is part of both the eTorque systems on the Pentastar V-6 and HEMI V-8 powertrains.
How does it work?
When the engine is running, eTorque’s motor generator unit delivers 48-volt power to a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery. The battery pack includes a 3-kilowatt 48 VDC-to-12 VDC converter. This allows the battery to power Ram 1500’s accessories and charge its conventional 12-volt lead-acid battery.
About the size of a small suitcase, on a typical model, such as the Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab model, the air-cooled battery pack is mounted to the interior rear wall of truck’s cabin. The battery pack’s case is insulated to hush the noise generate by the dual cooling fans.
eTorque regeneration
Beyond spinning the engine for restarts, the eTorque also recaptures energy during deceleration and braking to recharge the battery pack. There is a slight variation in the eTorque system between the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 applications to optimize performance in both powertrains. The Pentastar sports a liquid-cooled eTorque unit mounted on the front of the engine. The HEMI V-8 features an air-cooled eTorque unit that is mounted toward the top of the engine where a traditional alternator would be located.
Ram eTorque warranty information
The Ram eTorque system is complex and sophisticated. However, Abernethy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram explained that since the factory thought that the added complexity might be of concern to some truck buyers, Ram has covered the system with a comprehensive five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. This warranty covers the cost of all parts and labor needed for repairing a covered powertrain component – engine, transmission and drive system. Additionally, it covers any necessary towing to the nearest Ram dealer. For users who sell their trucks during the warranty period, the coverage is transferable to the new owner.
The standard three-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty delivers bumper-to-bumper coverage for the 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500, from the body to the electrical system.
