The All-Electric Dodge Charger will come in 2 variants , and the IC version will still continue stay in market.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, an all-electric marvel, has officially debuted, boasting a 400-volt system and a 100.5kWh battery capable of delivering a staggering 670 horsepower. This electric powerhouse is set to hit the market later this year, although pricing details are yet to be revealed.
Dodge’s latest creation can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 3.3 seconds and cover a quarter mile in slightly over 11 seconds. Gone are the days of rumbling V8 engines, as the Charger Daytona now features dual electric motors and a clever gimmick—external speakers that simulate a traditional engine noise.
Dodge’s journey into the realm of electrification began nearly two years ago with the concept Charger Daytona SRT. Three years ago, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis announced the brand’s shift away from gas-powered muscle cars like the Charger and Challenger, paving the way for an electric future. Despite a slowdown in EV sales and some automakers retracting their electrification plans, Dodge is steadfast in its commitment to electrification.
The electric Charger will be available in two trims: R/T and Scat Pack, with deliveries expected to start later this year. Both trims will offer a two-door coupe version as well as a four-door sedan. Additionally, next year, Dodge plans to release a refreshed internal combustion engine Charger, featuring a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine, alongside a performance-focused Banshee version of the electric Charger Daytona.
Dodge’s strategy appears to be a blend of the old and the new, catering to customers who still crave the power of gas-guzzling muscle cars. Kuniskis emphasized that the electric Charger prioritizes power over range, stating, “It’s not designed to get you 500 miles of range. This is designed to be the ultimate performance muscle car.”
The R/T trim will deliver 456 horsepower (496 with a Power Shot), 404 lb-ft of torque, and a 0–60mph time of 4.7 seconds. On the other hand, the Scat Pack will offer a whopping 630 horsepower (670 with the Power Shot), 627 lb-ft of torque, and a blistering 0–60mph time of 3.3 seconds. However, the increased power comes at the cost of range, with the Scat Pack estimated to cover 260 miles by the EPA, while the R/T is expected to reach up to 317 miles.
The Charger will feature various drive modes, including Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet/Snow, with the Scat Pack trim offering two additional modes: Track and Drag. Track mode optimizes performance on dry surfaces, while Drag Mode enhances dragstrip launch and acceleration.
The release of the first electric Dodge muscle cars marks a significant milestone for the company, which has been somewhat secretive about its EV plans. Kuniskis previously stated that Dodge would not “sell electric cars—it will sell eMuscle,” highlighting the brand’s commitment to maintaining its muscle car heritage in an electric era.
To add a touch of humor to the unveiling, Dodge screened a video showing Kuniskis traveling back in time in the electric Charger to 1900, giving the original Dodge brothers, Horace and John, a tour of the company’s electrification efforts. Despite the amusing tone of the video, it underscores the tension between Dodge’s long-standing legacy and its future in a cleaner, less polluting automotive landscape.
Kuniskis proudly asserts, “The car we designed doesn’t look like a typical battery electric melted jelly bean,” as CGI versions of Horace and John nod in approval, highlighting Dodge’s commitment to preserving its distinctive design language even in the age of electrification.