If you disagree, you’re probably not his target market.
Dodge is stepping into a new chapter with the upcoming launch of the 2024 Charger Daytona EV, a car that’s set to redefine what a muscle car can be. While Dodge has long been associated with powerful V-8 engines, the new all-electric Charger is being presented as a “better, faster” version of the classic muscle car, according to Dodge’s new CEO, Matt McAlear.
Even though production of the old Chargers and Challengers ended last December, Dodge made sure there were still a few left on dealer lots. This way, fans could get their hands on the iconic models while the brand prepared to introduce the new Charger Daytona EV. By the time the new EV arrives, fewer than 2,000 of the older models will remain, paving the way for Dodge’s electrified future.
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack, which will be one of the first models to hit the market, won’t disappoint those looking for performance. It will come with 670 horsepower, 627 pound-feet of torque, and all-wheel drive, with a starting price of $75,185. And for those wanting even more power, Dodge has hinted at an upcoming Banshee variant that promises to deliver even greater performance.
McAlear knows that not all Dodge enthusiasts are ready to switch to electric vehicles. After all, Dodge has built a loyal following with its powerful V-8 Hemi engines, and changing those expectations won’t happen overnight. But McAlear remains hopeful, noting that Dodge has the youngest customer base in the mainstream market, a group that might be more open to embracing electric power.
The new Charger is built on the STLA Large platform, a versatile and profitable base designed to meet the demands of electric powertrains. While the Charger Daytona EV will be the first to launch, Dodge hasn’t completely turned away from combustion engines. In 2025, they plan to introduce the Charger Sixpack, a more affordable model powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane straight-six engine. This model will offer between 420 and 550 horsepower, giving traditional muscle car fans something to look forward to.
For McAlear, it’s not just about adding an EV to the lineup; it’s about keeping Dodge’s reputation as “America’s performance brand” intact. He’s committed to ensuring that SRT and ultra-performance elements remain central to the brand, helping Dodge stand out in a market where high horsepower is becoming more common with electric powertrains.
To make the electric Charger unique, Dodge is introducing features like the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which aims to give the car a distinctive sound. However, the real test will be when the Charger Daytona EV hits the streets, and customers can experience it firsthand.
Dodge’s move to electric vehicles has stirred up some debate among its fanbase, with many questioning the brand’s new direction. But McAlear sees this as a good thing, showing that people are deeply invested in what Dodge does next. He believes that if there were no debate or concern, it would be a bigger problem.
As Dodge prepares to launch the Charger Daytona EV, the carmaker is ready to lead the charge into this new era. Whether or not it will win over all its fans remains to be seen, but McAlear is confident that Dodge is on the right track with its bold, electrified muscle car.
