Dodge Officially Unplugs the Charger Daytona R/T EV
Yes, you read the title correctly. Dodge plans to discontinue the base model Charger Daytona R/T EV for the 2026 model year, while resuming production of the HEMI V8. The higher grade model, “Scat Pack,” will remain in production. In an era where the internal combustion engine is under threat of going extinct due to mounting pressure from government and conglomerate regulations, could this regression be a sign of a downshift back to petroleum-powered vehicles? What lessons will automotive manufacturers learn from this when going forward in the future? What sort of impact will this have within the car community? There are many questions that comes with this developing story, let’s delve into it.
After barely being on the market for the 2024 model year, the highly controversial Dodge Charger Daytona R/T EV discontinuation should come as no surprise. Dodge cites discrepancies such as abysmal sales stemming from the impact of the U.S. tariffs and a high price margin for this modern day “muscle car” deterring potential customers. But let’s be brutally honest here, what did Dodge expect? They believed by adhering to Stellantis’ (automotive conglomerate who owns Dodge) wish to transform a beloved American Muscle icon into a 5,800 pound vacuum, it would garner success. I mean, who would want to pay the starting price of $61,000 to roll up to a car meet with speakers integrated into this behemoth of a vehicle to give off the illusion of having a HEMI V8 powered Charger? You’re essentially telling the consumer that we’re not going to give the people what they want. Instead, you now need a Dodge Charger to charge your Dodge Charger.
Dodge Charger Daytona R/T EV. Stock photo provided by Dodge Website
To be fair to Dodge, they subsequently planned on introducing the Hurricane Inline-Six engine as a future option, which I believe they still plan to do so; however, it would be more conducive to resurrect the Dodge Neon SRT or build a lighter vehicle more appropriate to house this powertrain. Now that the EV R/T is being discontinued, Dodge will resume production of it’s HEMI V8 at their Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan starting in August of 2025. This revival includes the 5.7-litre, 6.4-liter “Apache” (392), and the 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine. Also, Tim Kuniskis has returned to Dodge as CEO in December of 2024 after a short retirement, and he is regarded as the godfather of the Hellcat V8. The former Charger was outdated and in need or a redesign, but Dodge went too radical when retrofitting it with a battery. Dodge should be admired for their ambition, they just chose the wrong vehicle to pursue this with. I am hopeful that under Kuniskis’ leadership, he will provide a better balance in regards to allowing the consumer to have more of a choice when selecting their preferred method of throttle response.
Dodge 6.2-litre Hellcat V8 specifications. Photo credit unknown
Other leading automotive manufacturers should take note and learn from the mistakes that Dodge has made. While every car company has a different culture, they all ultimately have the same goal of amassing quarterly/yearly profits. But if excessively high markups and lack of choices causes sales to suffer, you best believe that they are going to go back to the drawing board. With this dynamic shift, it is not too late to rely on ICE (Internal Combustion Engines), as many modern engines have become more fuel efficient and emissions efficient. What’s more, other contributing factors such as the U.S. Senate block on California’s ban on new gas-powered cars by 2035, EV range anxiety, unreliability in extreme climate, the outlandish cost, our inadequate infrastructure to support an EV grid, as well as depriving consumers of choice have gravely deterred the future sales of electric vehicles.
Individuals who are involved within the car community have earned a well-deserved celebration as Dodge announced this admission during uncertain times in the automotive industry. I believe that car culture has become more united than ever as their pursuit of happiness has been threatened in recent years. Granted, there will always be competition, and it seems that there is a mutual respect amongst JDM tuners, American Muscle enthusiasts, European tuners and other subcultures who proudly partake in expressing themselves through their pride and joy. What are your thoughts on this matter?
I understand companies having an interest in the EV trend, especially with all the money to be made in its popularity. However, these name brand powerhouse companies seem to not pick their battles well. It’s as though someone said in the board room “hey, what’s one of our most loved products? Charger! What’s the most loved trend right now? EV! Logically we need to put those together and we will make a Sh*t load of money”
EV goes agains everything the Charger represent. You can’t take an aggressive modern muscle car and make it timid for the sake of a trend. – they should have created a new line with its own name, specifically for the EV movement, instead of redefining and moving their multi generational best seller in the opposite direction. They probably would have made more money that way by keeping eco and muscle separated.
Ps. Also love the line about “you need a charger for your Charger.” So funny.
Take note, they could have Dodged a bullet there, but no… they Rammed right into a lil conundrum there. Guess they’ll have to leave their regrets in the Dakotas. Sigh, guess they’ll have to face the next Challenger head on.
You need a Dodge Charger for your Dodge Charger got me so good. Well written Scott. Your insight into the mechanics of not only cars, but car culture, are a joy to read.