The Dodge Charger Daytona: A Two-Door Electric Muscle Car with Hellcat Performance

Dodge has always been synonymous with muscle cars, but the brand is now entering a new era of electrification. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona is the world’s first and only electric muscle car, according to the company, and it promises to deliver Hellcat-level performance with zero emissions.

The Charger Daytona is not just a regular Charger with an electric motor. It is a completely new vehicle that features a two-door body style, a 400-volt propulsion system, and a patent-pending front R-Wing that pays homage to the original Charger Daytona from 1969.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona is also the first model to use the STLA Large platform, which is part of Stellantis’ global strategy to launch 14 electric vehicles by 2025. The platform is modular and scalable, allowing for different battery sizes, power outputs, and driving ranges.

The Charger Daytona EV Lineup

The Charger Daytona EV lineup consists of two trim levels: the R/T and the Scat Pack. Both trims feature dual electric motors that provide standard all-wheel drive and instant torque. The R/T has a system output of 496 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque, while the Dodge Charger DaytonaScat Pack has a system output of 670 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona also comes with a high-voltage battery pack that has a capacity of 93.9 kWh and a peak discharge rate of 550 kW. The battery pack is designed to allow the motor to use maximum battery power for a quarter-mile sprint, which is the benchmark for muscle car performance.

The Dodge Charger Daytona R/T can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and cover a quarter mile in 12.1 seconds. The Scat Pack can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and cover a quarter mile in 11.5 seconds. These numbers are comparable to the Charger Hellcat Redeye, which has a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 797 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque.

Despite its focus on performance, the Dodge Charger Daytona also has a respectable driving range. The R/T is expected to have a range of 317 miles on a single charge, while the Scat Pack is expected to have a range of 260 miles. The Charger Daytona EV can be recharged using a Level 2 charger or a DC fast charger. The DC fast charger can replenish up to 150 miles of range in 20 minutes.

The Charger Daytona EV Features

The Charger Daytona EV is not only fast but also fun to drive. It comes with a variety of features that enhance its handling, braking, and driving modes. Some of these features are:

PowerShot: This feature adds an extra 40 horsepower boost to the system output for a short time, giving the driver a burst of speed when needed.
High-performance brakes: The Charger Daytona EV has Brembo six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers that provide superior stopping power and fade resistance.
Brake-by-wire eBoost: This feature replaces the traditional hydraulic brake system with an electric one that allows for more precise and responsive braking control.
Multi-link front suspension: The Charger Daytona EV's new front suspension design improves the steering feel, cornering stability, and ride comfort.
Race options: The Charger Daytona EV has several race-inspired options that let the driver unleash the full potential of the electric muscle car. These options include donut mode, drift mode, line lock, launch control, and race prep.

The Charger Daytona EV Design

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona is a stunning vehicle that combines the classic muscle car look with modern design elements. The Charger Daytona EV has a wide and aggressive stance, a sculpted hood, a sleek roofline, and a distinctive rear spoiler. The Charger Daytona EV also has a unique front fascia that features a patent-pending front R-Wing, which is a nod to the original Charger Daytona that had a large nose cone and a rear wing to improve its aerodynamics.

The Dodge Charger Daytona also has a futuristic and functional interior that blends digital and analog elements. Its 10.1-inch touchscreen displays the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Charger Daytona EV also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that shows the speed, battery level, range, and other vital information. It also has a head-up display that projects key data onto the windshield.

The Charger Daytona also has a Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system, which is the world’s first electric exhaust system. This system uses speakers and sound generators to create a realistic and customizable exhaust note that mimics the sound of a V8 engine. The driver can choose from four different sound modes: Quiet, Normal, Sport, and Track.

The Charger Daytona EV Price and Availability

The Charger Daytona EV is expected to go on sale in the fall of 2024, with a starting price of $59,995 for the R/T and $69,995 for the Scat Pack. The Charger Daytona will be eligible for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, as well as other state and local incentives. The Charger Daytona will also come with a five-year/60,000-mile warranty and a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty.

The Charger Daytona EV is the first of many electric vehicles that Dodge plans to launch in the coming years. The brand has already announced that it will introduce a max-performance SRT Banshee model with an 800-volt system and a two-speed transmission in 2025, as well as a four-door version and a Sixpack variant with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine.

The Charger Daytona EV is a bold and innovative vehicle that proves electric vehicles can be exciting. It is the ultimate electric muscle car that delivers the best of both worlds: power and performance with zero emissions. The Charger Daytona EV is the future of Dodge and the future of muscle cars.