I recently purchase a gen 5 RAM 5.7 1500 4x4 Crew Cab with e-torque. It was a MUST HAVE after having owned and traded in a Gladiator with Stop/Start, then driving the RAM with it over a weekend.
Nearly Every time I got into the Jeep, the Stop/Start switch got pressed, turning it off. If I forgot, I got reminded to turn it off at the first stop. This is due to the annoying starter based start up at traffic lights, stop signs, etc. Having turned wrenches my entire life, I can only imagine the strain of the starter and flywheel the starter based system creates.
Conversely, the stop/start on the RAM with e-torque is left on all the time. I've yet have to found the need to press that Stop/Start OFF button on the dash. The motor/genrator is very smooth and quiet. Also, since it supplement the engine during up/downshifts, its improves the driving experience, which may also extend band/clutch life of the tranny.
Since the RAM has a broad complement of gauges, I've left the center screen on "Stop/Start" Monitoring which displays the system's readiness or reason for not turning off. Eliminating questions as to why its not turning off at times.
Does it have extra components which could fail? Absolutely as it requires computer monitoring to execute any of its 6 modes of operation, more wiring, it has an extra batter, etc. However, unlike the JEEP where the extra battery is buried under the power distribution module requiring electrical surgical access, this one is reasonable accessible and not of a wet cell design. It is a lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt-graphite battery which in theory will last significantly longer than a wet cell. Will it go bad, sure. Only Time will tell.
In the meantime, the generator, battery, control module, etc. is covered under Federal Emissions warrantee for 8 years or 80K miles. While I only have a few K miles on the truck, I've not had any problems.
MPG wise, I'M getting 19.5 locally, 21 on the highway 70 and under, 20.5 when driving consistently over 75. This is about 10-15% better than the Gladiator with a 3.6. If this vehicle follows the same MPG curves as the Jeep, I am anticipating an increase when I get over 10K miles. Time will tell on that.
Frankly, I'm truly impressed with the e-torque, and have 8 years/80K of FCA factory coverage miles if problems develop.