Summary
- The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is an all-electric muscle car with a 400-volt powertrain and all-wheel drive system, offering up to 455 horsepower.
- The car retains the iconic design elements of Dodge Charger models, including the R-Wing Front End for enhanced aerodynamics and downforce.
- The interior of the Daytona EV features high-tech amenities such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a multicolored Attitude Adjustment Lighting System, creating a futuristic and artistic ambiance.
When you think of Dodge and American muscle, your mind probably defaults to that iconic, all-black modified 1970s Charger from Fast and the Furious. Dodge as a brand started over 100 years ago, and you wouldn’t have guessed that it started off as a bicycle company. It was only in 1914 that the company dwelled in the automobile-making business. At the peak of the Second World War, Dodge pivoted its production towards radar units to help with the war efforts. However, it was in 1950 that Dodge produced its first ever hard-top coupe, the Dodge Diplomat.
Now, in the 21st century, many companies are starting to manufacture more eco-friendly, electric vehicles. Dodge also seeks to retire the Charger and Challenger models after this year, pushing aside the all-American roaring V-8 engines, and moving towards electric models with the reveal of the Dodge Charger Daytona EV concept. But does that mean it's the beginning of the end for American muscle? Not really, just think of it as a rebranding; a step into a new direction. Here are the 10 things to know about the company’s entrance into the EV segment.
1 The First Of Its Kind All-electric Muscle Car
Yes, it is quite strange to have an all-electric muscle car, but the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is still unmistakable as one. Powering the car, at the base, is an all-electric powertrain, making use of 400-volt architecture. Sadly, you probably won’t see this car lose control of its backend as much, as Dodge is foregoing the previous rear-wheel-drive systems of the previous muscle cars.
The Daytona EV instead comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system. The car theoretically is going to be able to push around 455 horsepower as standard. However, its signature ‘Banshee’ trim will make use of an 800-volt architecture and is expected to produce more power and outperform the current V-8 Charger Hellcat; a feat to look forward to once it releases. Also, no, the Mustang Mach-E isn't an electric muscle car, despite the Mustang name.
2 The Dodge Charger DNA Infused Into An EV
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV takes design cues from the Dodge models of the past. With its sleek body lines fitted with 21-inch turbine-style wheels, it incorporates the usual bluntness of Dodge vehicles, exuding confidence on the road and playful performance. The car might look very familiar from a distance, as its silhouette might remind you of the famous 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona with its classic muscle car feel; making it the perfect car to continue on the Charger legacy.
The car introduces a brand-new concept, called the R-Wing Front End. It is a patent-pending design from Dodge which is both an homage to the original Daytona front end, and also provides better aerodynamics and increased downforce; it manages airflow and also helps to minimize drag, improving the car’s general stability. The front facade of the car ensures an aggressive, simple, and modern design with the subtle and seamless integration of the headlights into the front surface.
3 A Mesmerizing, Spaceship-like Interior Design
The Dodge Charger Daytona EVs interior is loaded with tech, placing every piece of technology at the convenience of the driver. It comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, large enough to display everything you might need without being too much of a distraction. Featured as well is an all-digital 16-inch instrument cluster with a large heads-up display, just to ensure everything you might need to know can and will be seen upfront. The car also features a three-spoke, flat top and bottom performance steering wheel, complete with paddle shifters and a push-to-pass (or Powershot) button. Complementing the race-car-like interior is a pistol-grip shift knob, as well as a panoramic glass roof which is also available for those scenic night drives.
Dodge also makes use of a brand new multicolored Attitude Adjustment Lighting System which is in charge of Illuminating every inch and crevice of the interior cabin, to remind you and make you feel like you’re driving your very own spaceship. Ensuring that the car also looks and feels like a visual arts piece whenever you’re seated inside, the Daytona features its own artisanal touch. The car is said to make use of a lot of new materials and designs, such as the use of exposed carbon fiber, and a three-dimensional parametric texture pattern hidden across the entire interior.
4 It's A Two-Door Coupe That's Capable Of Seating Four
You don’t exactly think of a muscle car when you think of a practical vehicle, you probably default to a crossover, an SUV, or a full-sized sedan. However, you’d probably be surprised to know that the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is capable of fitting in a family of four. Keep that in mind when trying to sell the idea of buying one for the family.
Dodge has said that it built this car not just with the idea of making a powerful EV-muscle car, but also kept the practicality and utility of the vehicle in mind. The car also makes use of a panoramic lift gate-style hatch. While the design specifications and exact dimensions of the interior are still not available, it's said that the rear lightweight racing seats can be folded to fit in more cargo should it be necessary. So, while you might be taking the Daytona EV out for highway pulls and drag races, you can definitely go ahead and get the groceries right after.
5 Dodge Claims A Range Of Up To 500 Miles
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV sits atop Stellantis' new STLA large platform, which is capable of supporting a sizable amount of battery ranges. While there are still no specifics on the car's exact range, other electric vehicles can be used as a baseline to compare just how much range the Dodge Charger Daytona EV can have. Here are a couple of models to compare ranges with based on their battery sizes:
| Model | Battery Size | EV Range |
| 2022 Lucid Air (Dream Edition R) | 118 kWh | 520 miles |
| 2022 Tesla Model S AWD | 100 kWh | 405 miles |
| 2020 Tesla Model X | 100 kWh | 351 miles |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ | 107 kWh | 350 miles |
Now, what does this say exactly? This would mean that if the Dodge Charger Daytona EV makes use of the STLA large platform, it could squeeze out over 500 miles of range; now while range still relies on numerous things such as the right battery optimization, management, usage, and even weather conditions, this could make the car a proper contender to some of the electric cars with the best ranges in the market.
6 You’ll Hear It Roaring From A Mile Away
Enthusiasts often complain about the silence and how boring it can be when driving electric vehicles, but Dodge simply won’t let that pass for the Dodge Charger Daytona EV. Spicing the car up is a custom-made, patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust System capable of generating an artificial exhaust noise which is claimed to be at around the same 126-decibel level as the Dodge Hellcat.
The first of its kind, the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust creates a roaring performance sound, reminding you of the glorious V-8 engines of the past. It makes use of an amplifier and tuning chamber to give a distinct “Dark Matter” sound profile. While many might question the cool factor of a fake exhaust, it's certainly great to know Dodge wants to be an outlier in the EV world filled with quiet electric motor spool-ups.
7 A Playful And Unique Transmission System
Simulating a shifting effect, the car makes use of a unique transmission system called eRupt. The eRupt is a multi-speed transmission simulating distinctive shift points, allowing the driver to ‘change gears’ like in a non-electric vehicle. Dodge claims this transmission will give you the ability to "throw shoulders into the seatbacks" in true Dodge fashion.
If the car's hefty amount of power still doesn’t cut it for you, you have your very own ‘nitrous-oxide’ system installed. As mentioned, the transmission system also incorporates a PowerShot, or a push-to-pass feature, which can be activated by pushing a button on the steering wheel. This gives you that extra jolt of 25 horsepower when you need just a little bit more acceleration, perhaps, should you ever decide to take the Dodge Charger Daytona EV to the drag strip.
8 The Iconic Fratzog Logo Has Made Its Way Here
The Fratzog Logo is a logo from Dodge which was used and showcased many years ago on Dodge muscle cars from the '60s and '70s. In the past, the triangular badge did not mean anything special; but now, the Fratzog logo marks the entrance and debut of Dodge into the EV segment.
The logo is adorned all over the Dodge Charger Daytona EV concept, and it is now the symbol of commitment towards the all-electric path Dodge is taking, and a symbol that means the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is a force to be reckoned with. The Fratzog isn't just a cool logo for Dodge, but is also the marker of an all-new beginning for the company.
9 Multiple Trims For Different Levels Of Fun
Currently, there are no specific details on the cars’ performance statistics, but Dodge claims it’ll be a lot more powerful than the current existing V-8 engine powering the Hellcat. Buyers can expect the Dodge Charger Daytona EV to have three trim levels: The Charger 340, 440, and the Banshee. However, the fun doesn't stop if you feel underwhelmed by the power provided, as Dodge also gives you the option to upgrade the performance of the car with the use of Dodge Direct Connection which are 'over-the-air' downloads to the system software. The performance specifics for the 340 and 440 are as follows:
| Dodge Charger 340kW | Dodge Charger 440kW | |
| Base Output | 449 Horsepower | 582 Horsepower |
| eStage 1 | 488 Horsepower | 621 Horsepower |
| eStage 2 | 528 Horsepower | 661 Horsepower |
The top-of-the-line Banshee model will also receive the same Dodge Direct Connection treatment when it comes to performance upgrades, but Dodge hasn't released any specific details: it's speculated to push comfortably near 1,000 horsepower.
10 The Charger EV Is Set To Arrive In 2024
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is probably set to leave the concept pretty soon, considering it was showcased in 2022 and was seen debuting on-screen in a Fast and Furious movie. Nothing on the exact date just yet, but Dodge has announced that we can expect the production model of this vehicle in 2024. If anything, there are also (again) no specific details on the price ranges of Dodge's brand-new EV. Just to speculate, the previous Dodge Charger models ranged from $40,000 to $50,000, with higher-spec models such as the Dodge Hellcat Redeye going upwards in prices close to $100,000.
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV is an ambitious, promising step into the EV world from a muscle-car company standpoint; keeping the promise of staying in touch with car enthusiasts, while lessening carbon emissions for the environment.