2019 Ram 1500 eTorque: A better truck with hybrid help

The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 launched earlier this year with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine, but a mild hybrid version is now available. 

Ram's eTorque mild hybrid system uses a 48-volt belt-drive motor generator with a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

The battery pack is mounted to the rear wall inside the 1500's cab.

Regenerative braking and a stop/start system are also part of the eTorque system.

On the two-wheel drive truck with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, Ram says fuel economy improves from 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway for the non-hybrid engine, to 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with eTorque.

In addition to fuel efficiency improvements, eTorque on the V8 provides an additional 130 pound-feet of launch torque.

For smoother stop/start operation, eTorque uses its electric motor to spin the engine for quick, seamless engine restarts.

Thanks to a lighter, stronger frame, the 2019 Ram 1500 now features a max payload of 2,300 pounds and max tow capability of 12,700 pounds.

The 2019 Ram 1500 begins at $33,390, including $1,695 destination for the V6 that come standard with the eTorque system.

Upgrading to the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 costs an additional $1,195. The eTorque mild hybrid system is a $1,450 option on the V8.

Click through to see more images of the 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque.