Dodge Unveils Electric Versions of Charger Muscle Car, But Gas-Powered Performance Vehicles Will Continue

In a move that combines the best of both worlds for car enthusiasts, Dodge has unveiled two battery-powered versions of the iconic Charger muscle car that will still deliver the performance and roar of a big V8 engine without the pollution from the tailpipe. The electric versions, named Charger Daytona after the NASCAR raceway in Florida, will come with two powertrains, one delivering up to 670 horsepower and the ability to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 3.3 seconds.

The company, known for its high-performance vehicles, will also continue to sell a gas-powered Charger Sixpack, powered by a new 3-liter six-cylinder engine with two turbochargers. With standard versions putting out 420 horsepower and a high-output engine option with 550 horsepower, Dodge claims that the new engine will make more horsepower and produce more torque than the outgoing Hemi V8s.

Both the electric and gas-powered versions of the Charger will be built on Stellantis' global large vehicle underpinnings, giving the company the flexibility to switch between gasoline and electric depending on consumer demand. The electric models are expected to have ranges of up to 317 miles per charge, while the gas-powered version will offer a similar design to the electric models with the added power of a new six-cylinder engine.

Production of the two-door coupe Daytona versions is set to start this summer, while the electric four-door and gas-powered versions will begin production early next year. Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis acknowledged that there may be criticism from environmental groups for emphasizing performance efficiency in the electric models and continuing to produce gas-powered muscle cars. However, Kuniskis defended the decision, stating that people need choices in the 17 million unit industry of new vehicle sales in the U.S. each year.

With the federal tax incentives on electric vehicles and the attractive lease payments that may come with them, Kuniskis remains unsure of which versions will sell better, electric or gas. Nonetheless, Dodge is confident that by offering both options, they are meeting the demands of a diverse consumer base while also hedging their bets in the ever-evolving automotive market.