Hybrid RAM? Hybrid Jeep? Say What? Although it’s a very mild hybrid system the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 RAM 1500 pickup both get FCA’s new eTorque system based around a belt alternator/starter system. In this video we dive into how this system works, what it is, what is isn’t and why you might want one or not.
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Great video! E-torque is probably going to be very useful for off-road driving.
Firstly love your new technical explanation videos Alex. Secondly this system reminds me of the old GM e Assist used in the 2.4L Malibu and Regal but running off the 48v system instead of the 12v. Honestly e Assist was so mild it didn’t live past 2 model cycles which brings me to this; is it really worth the cost in the age of integrated starter motors and hybridization?
I’m a little confused, probably because I’m from Europe and different engines are available here. Is this eTorque the same engine line that gets sold under the name E.torQ here in Europe and in South America? Or is this something new for the US market? The E-torQ sold in South America is a petrol / ethanol flexifuel engine. Here in Europe we use it as a regular gasoline engine available on a few FCA models.
Professor Alex. Today’s class was truly an imformative one. Thank You Sir.
E-torque for when it breaks you will want lots of $$$ to fix. Fiat Fix it again tony!
Great vid, very informative
So we no longer need diesel for low rpm torque?
I dont want it cause dodge put it out
That’s really an interesting system, looks very simple to keep it reliable.
I’ve been watching my notifications waiting for this video. My hope is that in future the 12V system will deprecated in favor of 48V and maybe we can have cabin preconditioning and everything that comes along with a higher capacity and more powerful battery system
Is this an option? I don’t want it
Love your videos, and everyone knows that FCA and electricity go together very well ha ha
Thanks Alex…I suspected a system like this as you explained. However the only concern for me is the serpentine belt and the unknown reliability of this FCA e-assist. I would consider this a positive engineering idea but would like to see the durability data/intel from FCA before “I” spend “my” money.
Alex: Nice job (as usual). Question: I’ve searched, including the comments below and the official Dodge site (and others), but can’t find a straight answer. Can you list the horsepower (HP) ratings of the three Motor/Generators (MG) please? I know you provide the torque and voltage but HP seems to be calculated from those figures based on RPM (unless I’m mistaken). Without the MG RPM figures very tough to guess at the HP equivalent value. I get why torque is the key figure in this use case but I have my reasons for wanting to know the HP. Can you help a nerd out? 🙂 Watts at full power out (in motor mode) would provide the same answer if you have that. Thank you!
You never go full hybrid
They need a hybrid system if they use start stop . Cause the delay is problem if pulling out in traffic
Top shelf explanation Alex. You should be a teacher.
This needs to be a Mopar part you can put on a older model, like a 14-17 be like a e-supercharger.
I saw a e-charger on a 57 chevy in a video last year i think not for fuel saving but for added power when kicked in but they used a cogged tooth belt my thought is a serp belt wont be able to hold up to this system thus resulting in short belt life and stranded cars due to broke belts
A picture is worth a thousand words, and your illustrations convey some quite complex technical concepts beautifully.
Very informative, quick, and to the point. I love it. Thanks Alex.
I believe these systems will become very common in the next few years. They make a great deal of sense in vehicles like the Ram and Wrangler. The improved fuel economy is nice, but the added torque off the line is really what makes this system worth the extra cost to the consumer.
48V hybrids will be a really big thing. I expect significant part of the vehicles will have that within like 5-8 years (1/3-2/3 of all non EV non PHEV non HEV).
Alex, some mild hybrids will likely be able to drive the vehicle in start-stop traffic (5-10kW is enough for low speed crawling). But motor must be further down the drivetrain. Therefore be prepared for that. Mild Hybrids can move on electric propulsion. And electric AC. And electric PS. And electric turbocharger. And electric heating even. So every time new 48V vehicle is being reviewed, mention those capabilities 🙂
Abbreviation for this class of vehicles should be MHEV.
So it doesn’t work well in the southern part of USA. TX, AZ, NM , CA and so on due to hot wearther . Seeing it has an extra battery in the back of the cab I’m thinking it could help to power the outlet in the tool box when plugging in power tools outside
The major car manufacturers did NOT come up with this concept. It’s been around for years now.
Thank you Alex
The way I understand this is, the eTorque is an Electrial Supercharger, as it is belt driven and essentially an electric generator. Pretty interesting.
@Alex On Autos does the new CLS use 48 system for all its electronics or very similar to the FCA iterations here?