2019 Ram 1500 eTorque: The Most Efficient Full-Size Truck
Photo Credit/Copyright: autoblog.com
When buying a pickup truck, there are a number of important factors consumers take into consideration – how big the bed is, towing capacities, engine power, price, etc. Another important factor is fuel efficiency, and when buying a pickup truck, fuel economy might not be at the top of the list. Fortunately, times are changing and engine technology is constantly evolving.
Today, a lot of trucks offer impressive horsepower, plenty of torque, and high payload ratings – all while saving consumers money at the pump. And so, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) introduced a new eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system on its 2019 Ram 1500 V6 and V8 engines, resulting in some impressive MPG figures.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2019 Ram 1500, when equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, in a 4×2 configuration, and equipped with the brand’s new eTorque technology, delivers 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined when riding on the rear-wheel drivetrain. Once the four-wheel drive is added, those numbers drop to 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. In comparison to last year, those are some significant improvements, which without the eTorque system, had a maximum fuel efficiency of 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined, respectively.
Additionally, once the 2019 Ram 1500 is equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 eTorque system, the EPA numbers drop slightly but are still good. In the two-wheel-drive configuration, the 2019 Ram 1500 achieves 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined – only dropping the highway number by one mpg. Furthermore, the 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque basically combines the hybrid benefit of idling on battery power when the engine is on and the smooth acceleration of an electric motor before gradually transitioning to all-gas power – thanks to the mild-hybrid capabilities of the 48-volt system.
Ram’s eTorque system takes the place of the trucks standard alternator with a ten-horsepower electric motor, and in addition to the standard lead-acid battery, a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack is also included. Also, the smaller electric motor of the Ram 1500 allows for smoother and more refined gearshifts. This can be associated to the Ram’s innovative multi-link coil and solid-rear axle arrangement, frequency response damping shock absorbers, as well as a diet that shed off 225 pounds thanks to the improved aerodynamics. When it’s all said and done, it’s no wonder why the 2019 Ram 1500 easily takes the title as the most efficient full-size pickup truck on the market. With a towing capacity of nearly 13,000 pounds, the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 certainly doesn’t sacrifice capabilities either.
The 2019 Ram 1500 continues to be making headlines and we look forward to what else might be in store for the 2019 model year. Here at University Dodge, we have the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 in stock and waiting for a new home. Stop by for a test drive at our location in Davie, FL or visit our website for more information on our entire new car inventory selection.