The era of gas-powered muscle cars is drawing to a close at Dodge — but the story is far from over. Dodge recently retired the iconic Charger and Challenger in their traditional combustion-engine forms, acknowledging that the industry’s sweeping shift toward electrification leaves little room for high-displacement, high-performance V8s. Yet the brand made a clear promise: these legendary nameplates aren’t disappearing. Both the electric Dodge Charger and a future Dodge Challenger EV will return, reimagined for an electric future. Here’s everything we know so far.
Will There Be a Dodge Challenger EV?
The short answer is yes — eventually. Senior executives within Dodge’s division of Stellantis have publicly confirmed that the Challenger nameplate will come back as a fully electric vehicle. That’s essentially the extent of confirmed details at this point. No specifications, no release timeline, and no design previews have been officially shared.
The last major news surrounding the Challenger was published in August 2023, covering the ownership experience of the legendary SRT Demon 170 — widely regarded as one of the most extreme factory muscle cars ever built. Since then, silence.
What we can reasonably expect is that the electric Challenger will draw inspiration from the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona’s formula. If that blueprint carries over, fans won’t be disappointed. For now, the Challenger EV remains a promise on the horizon.
2024 Dodge Charger Daytona: The World’s First Electric Muscle Car
While the Challenger EV stays wrapped in mystery, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona has already been revealed in impressive detail — and it makes a compelling case for electrified muscle.
Unveiled in March 2024, the Charger Daytona holds the distinction of being the world’s first — and currently only — electric muscle car. It’s not just a novelty, either. The numbers back up its performance credentials convincingly.
Performance Figures
- Up to 670 horsepower in top-spec configuration
- 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds
- Retains its titles as both the quickest and most powerful muscle car in the world
These figures place the electric Charger firmly in supercar territory for straight-line acceleration, demonstrating that Dodge has no intention of compromising performance in the transition away from gasoline.
Available Trims at Launch
When the Charger Daytona reaches dealerships, buyers will choose between two trim levels:
- 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack – the performance-focused flagship
- 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T – the more accessible entry point
Both variants entered production during the summer of 2024 and are expected to be available before year’s end. Notably, these initial models are two-door coupes, staying true to the classic muscle car silhouette.
Four-Door Variants and Plug-In Hybrid Models Coming in 2025
Dodge isn’t stopping at a two-door coupe. A broader lineup expansion is planned, with four-door Charger Daytona variants scheduled to enter production in the first quarter of 2025. This move widens the Charger’s appeal to buyers who want muscle car energy with everyday practicality.
Introducing the Dodge Charger SIXPACK
Running alongside the fully electric models, Dodge will also launch two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions under the SIXPACK banner. These models combine a combustion engine with electrification, offering a middle ground for drivers not yet ready to go fully electric.
Both SIXPACK variants feature a 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6 Hurricane engine — a sophisticated, modern powertrain that replaces the old pushrod V8s with something altogether more technically advanced.
| Model | Doors | Horsepower | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIXPACK H.O. | 2 | 550 hp | PHEV, 3.0L TT I-6 Hurricane |
| SIXPACK S.O. | 4 | 420 hp | PHEV, 3.0L TT I-6 Hurricane |
The H.O. (High Output) two-door positions itself as the sportier option, while the S.O. four-door caters to those needing extra doors without sacrificing the Charger’s bold identity.
What This Means for Dodge’s Future
The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona represents a pivotal moment — not just for Dodge, but for the American muscle car segment as a whole. By delivering 670 horsepower and a 3.3-second 0-60 time through electric power, Dodge has proven that performance and electrification aren’t mutually exclusive.
The layered approach — offering a fully electric variant alongside plug-in hybrids — also signals a pragmatic strategy. Dodge understands that its customer base spans from tech-forward early adopters to traditionalists still attached to the rumble of a combustion engine. The SIXPACK lineup serves the latter while the Charger Daytona EV points firmly toward the future.
As for the Dodge Challenger EV, the blueprint being laid by the Charger Daytona gives reason for genuine excitement. If Dodge applies the same performance-first philosophy to the Challenger, the result could be even more electrifying — in every sense of the word.
Conclusion
Dodge’s transition into the electric era is well underway, led by the groundbreaking 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona — the world’s first electric muscle car. With up to 670 horsepower, blistering acceleration, and a range of body styles and powertrain options planned through 2025, the Charger is making a strong case that muscle car culture has a future beyond gasoline.
The Dodge Challenger EV, while still shrouded in uncertainty, has been confirmed as a coming reality. When it arrives, expect it to build on everything the Charger Daytona is establishing right now.
If you’re curious about getting behind the wheel of one of these next-generation muscle cars, reach out to a Dodge dealer near you or explore available inventory online. And if you have thoughts on where Dodge is taking the muscle car — let us know in the comments below.
References
- Jim Glover CDJRF. (2024). Electric Dodge Charger & Challenger: What We Know. Jim Glover Dodge. https://jimgloverdodge.com
- Stellantis Media. (2024, March). 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona reveal. Stellantis Newsroom. https://media.stellantis.com
- Car and Driver. (2024). 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV review and specs. https://www.caranddriver.com
- Motor Trend. (2023, August). Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 ownership experience. https://www.motortrend.com