ETorque Battery Life - Will Your Hemi eTorque Live Long?

If you're an auto enthusiast or an owner of a vehicle produced by any of the brands under the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, you probably know already about the new eTorque technology. This innovative system uses an electric motor instead of an alternator and makes the fuel mileage better. While this system is definitely impressive, some are wondering how long the eTorque battery will last.

Battery lifespan highlights

• Average lifespan:4-5 years for 12V,10years for Li-Ion
• Average price:$150 - $250 for 12V, $1,000-$4,500 for Li-Ion
• Reasons for death:deep discharge, constant drains, age
• Prevention:regular charging, good contacts
• Ways to fix:charging, replacement
• DIY repairs:possible

What is eTorque?

For the uninitiated or prospective buyer of a vehicle carrying the tech, eTorque is a mild hybrid system that uses a 48-volt battery pack to power an electric motor. This electric motor assists the gasoline engine during acceleration, providing a boost of up to 90 lb-ft of torque. However, its active function is only limited at times when the V8 engine is in its lower RPM levels, and it does not add up in any way to the peak torque of the vehicle.

The system also enables the engine to shut off when the vehicle is at rest, such as at a stoplight, and restart quickly and smoothly when needed. In addition, eTorque regenerates electricity while braking and decelerating, which is used to recharge the battery pack.

How Does It Work?

The eTorque system consists of three main components: a battery pack, an electric motor, and a belt-driven starter. The battery pack is located under the rear seat and provides power to the electric motor. The electric motor is connected to the engine via a belt-drive system and assists the engine during acceleration. The belt-driven starter is used to start the engine and also regenerates electricity while braking and decelerating.

The eTorque system is transparent to the driver and requires no input from the driver. The system automatically engages when needed and disengages when not needed.

What are the Benefits of eTorque?

There are several benefits provided by the Hemi eTorque compared to the standard Hemi and engines similar to it. The advantages provided by the system include improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, quicker acceleration, and smoother engine operation. Additionally, the eTorque system helps to improve the towing and hauling capabilities of the vehicle making it very handy if you regularly have to pull or carry some load with serious weight.

Why Battery Life is so Important for the Hemi eTorque?

The battery in the Hemi eTorque system is critical for its performance. This is because the battery provides the power to the electric motor that helps the engine start and stop. Without a strong battery, the eTorque system would not be able to provide the same level of performance, and it would eventually fail.

How Long Can the eTorque Battery Last?

The eTorque is a relatively new tech for Hemi-equipped vehicles under Chrysler and its associated brands like Jeep, Ram, and Dodge. The first model to benefit from it was the 2019 Ram 1500. As of writing in the year 2022, the tech is only three years old so we are yet to get the actual realized figures pertaining to its maximum life.

So far, it appears that some of the claims that eTorque uses a lot of battery life are all but unfounded based on interviews with actual owners of vehicles bearing the equipment and actual data. There were only a handful of complaints about its stalling but their number was not significant enough to form a consensus establishing whether or not it is a general flaw experienced by the product. A careful examination of the isolated cases also revealed that the stalling they were getting was but a part of another problem stemming from some other component of their ride.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Chrysler's "Warranty Information" for the Ram 1500 with Hemi V8 and eTorque is backed by a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. It covers the repair plus labor costs for powertrain components encompassing the engine, transmission, and drive system. With that, owners of vehicles equipped with the Hemi eTorque are reassured of the performance of their units for at least five years.

How Can You Maximize Your eTorque Battery Life?

There are things that can affect battery life, such as temperature and driving habits. However, one of the most important factors is how often the vehicle is driven. The more a vehicle is driven, the more wear and tear on the battery there will be. This is why it's important to make sure that the battery in your Hemi eTorque system is regularly serviced and replaced when necessary.

If you're not sure how often to service or replace your battery, consult your mechanic, the dealership where you brought your auto, or contact the customer care provider of the automaker through its official website. They'll be able to advise you on the best course of action to keep your eTorque system running smoothly.

There are a few more things you can do to prolong the eTorque's battery life, such as:

• Avoid deep discharge: Deep discharging the battery can damage the cells and shorten its lifespan. If possible, try to keep the battery above 50% charge when not in use.
• Avoid excessive heat: Heat is one of the biggest enemies of batteries. If the battery gets too hot, it can degrade the cells and shorten their lifespan. Try to keep the battery cool, either by using it less often or by storing it in a cool place.
• Keep it clean: Dirt and debris can cause the battery terminals to corrode, which can lead to decreased performance and shortened lifespan. Clean the terminals regularly with a cloth or brush to prevent this from happening.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your eTorque battery lasts for many years.

How to Tell if Your Hemi eTorque is Functioning Properly?

The eTorque battery is a reliable and long-lasting power source for your vehicle. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years without needing replacement. But bearing in mind the cliché that says "nothing lasts forever", your eTorque battery will eventually succumb to the rigors of time after years of use. You can somehow slow down its aging through regular maintenance and care though.

If you have a Chrysler, Jeep, or Ram vehicle with an eTorque system, it's important to be aware of the signs that could indicate a problem. By knowing what to look for, you can prevent serious issues and keep your car running smoothly for a long time.

Here are four red flags that you should watch out for because they may indicate a problem with your eTorque system:

1. Your vehicle is sluggish or slow to start.
2. The battery charging system light comes on.
3. You notice strange noises coming from the engine area.
4. The engine temperature gauge is reading higher than normal.

If you notice any of these issues, it's important to have your vehicle checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to serious engine damage. Keep your eTorque-equipped vehicle running smoothly by being aware of these potential problems and getting them checked out right away.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope that by now, we have provided you with an idea of the crucial role of the eTorque system and its battery in providing fuel economy, smooth operation, and other benefits to your vehicle. Due to the technology still being relatively young, as it only came out in 2019, we cannot arrive at a conclusive answer about how long is its actual battery life at this stage.

Nevertheless, it is comforting to know that Chrysler has a five-year/60,000-mile warranty for repairs and labor associated with the eTorque system in order to keep it running at an optimal level for a long time. Moreover, we have found out that it doesn't really eat up much of the battery's life and it's not as unreliable as the isolated cases claim to be.

Lastly, with regular maintenance and proper care, you can surely prolong your eTorque and its battery for years to come.

So, should you buy a pickup or SUV with the eTorque? It's for you to decide after you analyze everything we say in the article.