Dodge: 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Achieves 28 MPG and Tows
By Mike Garcia
Diesel power has come a long way since the 1970’s. The stigma still reigns over the United States. In other countries, especially in Europe, diesel is predominant among the public. Not only does diesel power provide considerably more gas mileage, but there is a large boost in torque, perfect for city driving and passing.
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Dodge released the most economical truck of 2015.
The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28-mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EcoDiesel-powered Ram 1500 earned a 28-mpg rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best highway-cycle test result ever achieved by a full-size, half-ton pickup. It also exceeds the EPA highway rating for the top-ranked small pickup. The previous half-ton fuel efficiency record was set by the Ram 1500 with the available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 gasoline engine at 25 mpg highway. The Ram 1500 now owns the half-ton pickup segment’s top two spots in the EPA’s current highway fuel-economy rankings.
The Dodge Ram 1500 uses more than just a proper diesel engine to achieve great fuel economy. The engine is attached to a TorqueFlight eight-speed automatic transmission, a stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-widge modulation, and active aerodynamics. Similar features can be found on domestic hybrid vehicles. The use of grille shutters and air suspension brings sedan-like freeway mileage for the long distance haul.
Dodge had two specific goals in mind. They wanted to achieve great fuel economy and tow ratings.
With the added technologies for the 2015 Ram 1500 model, they have accomplished their goals.
Moving into the 2015 model year, Ram continues to beat the competition in the two most sought-after titles, fuel economy and towing capacity:
- Best-in-class fuel economy with exclusive EcoDiesel – 28 mpg with Ram 1500
- Best-in-class towing capability – 30,000 pounds with Ram 3500
Results like these should bring the diesel market into better focus into the U.S. Who knows? With sedan-like fuel economy, it may just have enough efficiency to lure buyers away from the sedan market altogether.