Ram’s decision to bring the Hemi V8 back already made plenty of truck enthusiasts happy. Now, the company is doubling down by doing something many buyers were hoping for: more future Ram trucks will ditch the controversial eTorque mild-hybrid system altogether.
The news comes directly from Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, who confirmed during an interview with The Drive that the simpler non-hybrid 5.7-liter Hemi V8 will expand beyond the recently revealed 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee lineup. According to Kuniskis, removing the 48-volt mild-hybrid hardware opens the door for cheaper, simpler, and more enthusiast-focused V8 trucks.
For years, Ram equipped many Hemi-powered trucks with the eTorque system, which added a belt-driven motor generator and small 48-volt battery pack designed to improve efficiency and smoothness.
While the setup offered minor fuel economy gains and slightly better stop-start behavior, it also became a point of frustration for some owners who viewed it as unnecessary complexity. Ram now appears ready to lean heavily into the exact opposite approach.
Ram Removed eTorque From The Rumble Bee
The first sign of the shift came with the launch of the 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee models. While much of the attention focused on the return of aggressive street-truck styling and powerful Hemi engines, Ram also confirmed the trucks no longer use the eTorque mild-hybrid system. Kuniskis later explained that the decision was very intentional.
“When we launched the Rumble Bee, I made the joke because I didn’t want to overtly say, ‘Hey, we dropped the mild hybrid on the Hemi,’” Kuniskis told The Drive. He referenced joking that the truck “only has one battery,” which many enthusiasts immediately understood as a subtle shot at the outgoing hybrid-assisted setup.
The reaction from dedicated Ram fans appears to have validated the move almost instantly. According to Kuniskis, many buyers saw removing the hybrid hardware as a positive rather than a downgrade. That feedback now seems to be shaping Ram’s future product strategy.
Simpler V8 Trucks Could Also Become Cheaper
One of the biggest advantages of dropping eTorque is cost reduction. Without the additional hybrid hardware, Ram can simplify production and potentially offer V8-powered trucks at lower price points.
Kuniskis specifically mentioned the possibility of expanding the non-eTorque Hemi into lower-cost Express trims and Black Express models. He even floated the idea of a Hemi-powered Black Express truck landing around the $50,000 price range after incentives.
For buyers frustrated by rising truck prices, that could be a major selling point. Modern full-size pickups have become increasingly expensive, especially performance-oriented trims loaded with technology and luxury features. Ram’s strategy appears to focus on bringing back a more traditional formula: a straightforward V8-powered truck without unnecessary electrification systems driving up cost and complexity.
That approach also fits neatly with the growing enthusiasm surrounding the return of naturally aspirated V8s across the truck market.
What eTorque Actually Does
To be fair, the eTorque system is not entirely pointless. Ram designed the 48-volt setup to improve throttle response, smooth out stop-start operation, and provide small torque boosts during acceleration.
In day-to-day driving, many owners barely notice it working. The system replaces the traditional alternator with a motor-generator unit connected to a small battery pack that assists the engine during launches and low-speed driving situations.
Ram also uses eTorque to help improve fuel economy ratings, something increasingly important under tightening emissions and efficiency regulations.
Still, the system developed a mixed reputation among enthusiasts. Online forums are frequently filled with complaints about reliability concerns, electrical gremlins, and drivetrain issues tied to the mild-hybrid components.
Whether all of those concerns were widespread or simply amplified online, the perception obviously had an impact. For many traditional truck buyers, simpler often equals better.
Questions Still Remain
While Ram has confirmed the non-eTorque Hemi is expanding, several major questions remain unanswered. The company has not yet clarified whether the eTorque-equipped Hemi will disappear entirely or continue in certain trims.
Pricing also remains uncertain. While removing the mild-hybrid system should theoretically reduce costs, Ram has not announced final pricing adjustments for future Hemi-powered trucks.
Timing is another unknown. Aside from the Rumble Bee lineup, Ram has not confirmed exactly when additional non-hybrid Hemi models will begin arriving at dealerships.
Still, after years of downsizing, electrification, and turbocharged replacements dominating the industry conversation, Ram is leaning hard into what many truck enthusiasts still want most: affordable V8-powered pickups with fewer complications, and judging by the reaction online, plenty of buyers are ready to welcome them back.