Why Dodge Is Launching the First Electric Muscle Car

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by Sofia Brontvein

Why Dodge Is Launching the First Electric Muscle Car

12 Mar 2024

When you hear the brand Dodge, you immediately envision a powerful muscle car with a roaring engine. The Charger and Challenger are undoubtedly the most coveted and celebrated vehicles from the brand, adored and respected by millions of speed enthusiasts, street racers, and NASCAR fans.

However, times are changing, and like any other successful automotive brand, Dodge aims to keep pace with the times. While voluminous and powerful engines have their appeal, concerns about sustainable development are increasingly troubling people worldwide. It is clear that a compromise is needed. Muscle cars must remain in the market but become more environmentally friendly. Therefore, in 2024, Dodge announced the development of the electric Charger Daytona.

Source: Sellantis North America

Despite the futuristic appearance of the car (something straight out of the movie "Back to the Future"), the innovation is actually inspired by Dodge's rich archives. This eco-friendly vehicle pays homage to the legendary HEMI Charger Daytona of the 1960s and 1970s. Racer Buddy Baker made history by achieving a speed exceeding 200 mph during the Daytona 500 race at Talladega in March 1970, driving this very car. Back then, the vehicle was equipped with the iconic Hemi EX-144 V-8 engine.

1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona Race Car. Source: Mecum Auctions

Any Dodge car must remain fast, sharp, bold, and sporty. Muscle car enthusiasts often view the trend towards electric cars with scepticism because they seem unlikely to match the endurance and speed of vehicles equipped with V6 and V8 engines. However, it seems that Dodge is set to revolutionise this perception.

The Dodge Charger Daytona is expected to deliver up to 670 horsepower and achieve 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds, retaining its title as the world's fastest and most powerful muscle car. This is made possible by the new BEV-native platform Scat Pack, capable of covering the quarter-mile in an estimated 11.5 seconds. The 400V propulsion system includes a high-voltage battery pack, a dual integrated charge module, and both front and rear electric drive modules. The battery pack has a capacity of 100.5 kWh and a peak discharge rate of 550 kW. On a single battery charge, the Dodge Charger Daytona is expected to travel approximately 500 km (let’s be honest — quite a good range).

Source: Sellantis North America

"The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance and announces its presence through the world’s first Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, while Hurricane engine-powered Dodge Charger SIXPACK models will give the Brotherhood of Muscle a gas option that produces better horsepower and torque numbers than the outgoing 5.7- and 6.4-liter HEMI engines," said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand chief executive officer.

by Sofia Brontvein