The roar of the muscle car is evolving, and leading the charge is the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV. This isn’t just an electric vehicle; it’s a statement, heralding a new era of high-performance American muscle. Dodge has boldly stepped into the electric age, promising and delivering “Electric Hellcat” performance in a package that’s both innovative and fiercely loyal to its heritage.
Tim Kuniskis, Dodge brand CEO, succinctly captured the magnitude of this moment: “The electrified 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers Charger Hellcat Redeye levels of performance.” This isn’t just marketing hyperbole; it’s a declaration that the soul of Dodge muscle, the raw power and visceral thrill associated with the Hellcat name, has been successfully translated into the electric realm. The Charger Daytona EV is not merely replacing its gasoline-powered predecessors; it’s electrifying the legacy, creating a new benchmark for electric muscle cars.
Dodge proudly proclaims the new 2024 Charger Daytona EV as the “world’s first and only electric muscle car.” This bold claim underscores their commitment to carving out a unique space in the burgeoning EV market. Underpinning this groundbreaking vehicle is Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, a foundation designed for power and performance, which will also support future Jeep EVs in the US. This platform is crucial for delivering the “electric Hellcat” experience, providing the robust architecture necessary for high-performance electric powertrains.
Standard all-wheel drive ensures that the immense power of the electric Charger Daytona EV is effectively translated to the road. The 400V propulsion system is engineered to deliver what Dodge calls “supercharged V-8 performance,” offering instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions – a potent combination of power and responsibility. At the heart of this system is a high-voltage battery pack working in concert with a dual-integrated charge module and front and rear Electric Drive Modules (EDMs).
To enhance both range and performance, the front EDM incorporates a wheel disconnect feature, while the rear EDM includes a mechanical limited-slip differential for superior traction. Each EDM contributes 355 hp (250 kW) and 300 lb-ft of torque to the overall system. The battery pack itself is a marvel of engineering, boasting up to 100.5 kW of installed capacity and a staggering 550 kW peak discharge rate. This is specifically designed to unleash maximum battery power for rapid acceleration, essential for achieving those coveted quarter-mile sprint times reminiscent of the Hellcat.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV offers a tiered performance structure within its 400V system, presenting six distinct levels of power. The base 2024 Charger Daytona R/T starts strong and includes a Direct Connection Stage 1 upgrade kit, boosting output by 40 hp to a total of 496 hp. Stepping up to the Daytona Scat Pack, equipped with the Stage 2 kit, unleashes an additional 80 hp, culminating in a system output of 670 hp. This positions it squarely in “electric Hellcat” territory, matching and even exceeding the performance figures of its gasoline-powered predecessors.
With up to 670 hp on tap, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack is projected to achieve 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds and conquer the quarter mile in an estimated 11.5 seconds. These figures are not just impressive for an EV; they firmly place the Charger Daytona EV within the elite ranks of high-performance vehicles, living up to the “electric Hellcat” moniker. Dodge has also indicated that future Daytona models will offer further performance enhancements through Direct Connection Stage Kits, suggesting that the potential for even greater “electric Hellcat” power is on the horizon.
The Charger Daytona EV is loaded with performance-enhancing features, including PowerShot, which provides a burst of 40 extra horsepower. High-performance brakes, brake-by-wire eBoost, and a multi-link front suspension contribute to its dynamic handling. For enthusiasts seeking track-ready capabilities, race options like donut mode, drift mode, line lock, launch control, and race prep mode are included, further solidifying its “electric Hellcat” credentials.
The design of the new Dodge Charger Daytona EV is a masterful blend of heritage and modernity. It retains the muscular widebody stance that is synonymous with the Charger lineage while incorporating forward-thinking aerodynamic elements. The patent-pending front R-Wing, a nod to the original Charger Daytona design, is not just an aesthetic feature; it channels airflow to enhance downforce, improving stability at high speeds.
The rear fascia proudly displays a Daytona text logo, while the Fratzonic logo near the innovative Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust signals Dodge’s forward leap in technology. This “exhaust system,” a groundbreaking feature, utilizes passive radiators to generate sound intensity comparable to a Hellcat engine. This ensures that the “electric Hellcat” experience is not just about raw power but also about the auditory thrill that muscle car enthusiasts crave. The sound is performance-based and even includes a stealth mode for quieter operation when desired.
The new Charger features a full-width LED front light bar and distinctive red “ring of fire” LED rear taillamps, creating a modern and aggressive lighting signature. The front of the vehicle is also adorned with a lit Fratzog logo, symbolizing Dodge’s commitment to this next generation of vehicles.
Inside, the electric Charger offers a tech-forward and driver-focused cabin. A standard 10.25″ driver display, with an optional upgrade to 16″, and a 12.3″ center infotainment screen provide a wealth of information and connectivity.
The interior design draws inspiration from the iconic 1968 Dodge Charger instrument panel, blending classic muscle car aesthetics with modern technology. New Attitude Adjustment interior lighting, offering 64 colors that react to vehicle functions, adds a personalized and dynamic ambiance. The performance-oriented steering wheel features a flat top and bottom design, paddle shifters for regenerative braking control, and the PowerShot button for on-demand power boosts, all contributing to the “electric Hellcat” driving experience.
Beyond performance, the new Charger prioritizes practicality. Dodge boasts best-in-class cargo and rear cargo capacity, featuring a “hidden hatch” and folding rear seats. This expands the maximum cargo area to 38.5 cubic feet, a significant 133% increase over its predecessor, making it surprisingly versatile for a vehicle with “electric Hellcat” capabilities.
In terms of range, the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is expected to offer over 317 miles, while the higher-performance Scat Pack is projected to deliver 260 miles. Both models are designed for rapid charging, capable of recharging from 20% to 80% in just over 27 minutes.
Production of the two-door coupe versions of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack and R/T is set to commence in mid-2024, with four-door models following in the first quarter of 2025. Alongside the electric models, Dodge will also launch gas-powered two-door Charger SIXPACK H.O and four-door Charger SIXPACK S.O versions in 2025, providing options for a range of preferences. All new Dodge Chargers will be manufactured at the Windsor (Ontario) Assembly plant.
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV is more than just an electric car; it’s the dawn of the “electric Hellcat” era. It retains the raw power and aggressive styling that define Dodge muscle cars while embracing the future of automotive technology. This vehicle is poised to redefine the electric muscle car segment and solidify Dodge’s place at the forefront of automotive innovation.
