Dodge Pulls the Plug on Its Newest Muscle Car
Dodge’s foray into the all-electric muscle car market has hit a roadblock. The automaker has announced it will discontinue the Charger Daytona R/T, its entry-level electric model, after just one model year. The decision comes as Dodge faces slow sales, customer apathy, and shifting priorities within the company and its parent, Stellantis.
The Charger Daytona R/T, a two-door EV with a starting price of $61,590, was introduced without the traditional Hemi V-8 engine, instead offering 496 horsepower. However, the model failed to gain traction among Dodge enthusiasts, who preferred more powerful versions like the Daytona Scat Pack, which offers 670 horsepower at a similar price point.
Industry insiders suggest that many buyers were deterred by the lack of the signature Hemi V-8 and were holding out for the return of this iconic engine or the arrival of Dodge’s new Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six models. Additionally, factors such as tariffs and pricing confusion contributed to the EV’s poor reception, despite steep tax credits and advertised prices as low as $47,000 with incentives.
Moving forward, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack will remain the sole electric model in Dodge’s lineup. The company is expected to continue producing gas-powered Chargers, including new four-door versions, through 2026. The decision underscores a broader trend in the automotive industry, with buyers showing a continued preference for vehicles with ‘grit, growl, and gasoline’ over electric alternatives.
