Dodge clings to gas-powered Charger despite its first electric muscle car finally arriving

Dodge seemingly can’t let go of the gas-powered Charger even with its first electric muscle car finally arriving. A new report claims Dodge is prioritizing the launch of an upcoming gas Charger model months ahead of schedule.

The iconic muscle car is finally going electric. Dodge revealed the Charger Daytona EV in March, deeming it “the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.”

Tim Kuniskis, Dodge’s CEO, even claimed that the next-generation of Dodge muscle has just arrived.

You can see Dodge stayed true to its roots with its traditional muscular-looking widebody design. However, new elements like a full-length LED front light bar and red “ring of fire” LED rear taillamps, distinguish it from its predecessors.

With “Hellcat Redeye levels of performance,” the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack model is fitted with a stage 2 upgrade kit straight from the factory, delivering up to 670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque for a 0 to 60 mph sprint time in just 3.3 seconds.

New features like PowerShot (an added 40 hp boost) and race options (including donut, drift, launch control, and race prep) add to the Charger’s already impressive performance.

Dodge accelerates gas-powered Charger launch

Meanwhile, its patent-pending “world-first” Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system makes it sound like you’re driving a Hellcat model.

Despite the hype, Dodge is reportedly accelerating the launch of the gas-powered Charger SIXPACK models.

According to MoparInsiders.com, the gas Chargers are now expected to arrive at dealerships as soon as next summer rather than the late 2025 target.

Dodge initially said the electric Charger Daytona EV First Edition would roll out first, followed by the SIXPACK model in Q1 2025. However, the gas-powered model was pushed back shortly after.

Sources close to the publication claim the adjustment comes as a response to higher demand for its performance comubustion-engine muscle cars. As the report notes, the shift could also be due to the potential changing regulatory priorities and policies under President-Elect Donald Trump.

The electric Charger will still hit the market first, but Dodge has yet to officially release the First Edition models. According to MoparInsiders‘ sources, Dodge engineers are working to fix issues with the shock components, software update reflashes, and other minor issues.

Dodge opened orders for the electric Charger in September, with a starting price of $59,995. That’s for the base Dodge Charger Daytona R/T.

The “Hellcat-like” Scat Pack model starts at $73,190. Both models qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit.