Dodge’s groundbreaking Charger Daytona EV won’t be hitting the streets this summer. Here’s what went wrong.
Dodge fans are in for a bit of a wait. The all-electric 2024 Charger Daytona has been delayed by 90 days due to electrical issues discovered during testing. Originally slated for a summer release, the launch has now been pushed to the fall.
According to dealer sources, the delay was necessary to address several problems that surfaced during the car’s road testing. One prototype was seen being hauled back to the Chrysler Technical Center on a flatbed wrecker, with tow straps running through its open windows. In another instance, engineers were locked out of the vehicle’s hatch and had to climb through the interior to access the cargo area. These issues explain why some prototypes have been spotted with cords hanging out from their hatches, as the upscale models feature power hatches.
Dealer documents indicate that Dodge has delayed allocation orders, ordering processes, and even the official presentation of the new Charger Daytona from May to August. This three-month delay will allow engineers to resolve the issues and ensure a smoother debut for the e-muscle car. With all eyes on Dodge’s newest electric vehicle, the company must do everything it can to ensure a successful launch.
Indeed, the Charger Daytona is a crucial model for Dodge, marking a significant shift from traditional gasoline-powered muscle cars to electric vehicles. As such, the carmaker is under considerable pressure to get this launch right. The car’s First Edition models are expected to come with a high price tag, reflecting their fully loaded features. This has raised some concerns among fans, especially given the uncertainty surrounding government incentives for electric vehicles. Changes in administration following the upcoming November elections could impact these incentives, potentially making the cars even less affordable.
Looking ahead, Dodge plans to expand the Charger Daytona lineup in 2025 with a more budget-friendly rear-wheel drive (RWD) GT model. These models are expected to feature a single electric drive module (EDM) producing around 300 horsepower, utilizing the same 400-volt electrical system as the R/T and Scat Pack models. This should make the Charger Daytona more accessible to a broader range of customers.
Despite the delay, anticipation for the Charger Daytona remains high. This new model represents a bold step into Dodge’s electric future, a brand known for its powerful gasoline engines. The company must ensure that the Charger Daytona meets the high expectations of its loyal fanbase and successfully navigates the transition to electric vehicles.
In the meantime, Charger enthusiasts will have to exercise a bit more patience as they await the arrival of this electric muscle car. The road to the fall release may take longer than expected, but hopefully, the wait will be worth it.
