Dodge dealers eager for Charger EV, even if buyers choose gas instead

The next-generation Dodge Charger will give consumers a choice of whether to tear up the streets with an electric or gasoline powertrain.

That's the way it should be as the edgy brand makes its first move into the EV world with the 2024 Charger Daytona, said Michael Harrington, general manager of Huntington Beach Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in California, one of the top-selling Dodge dealerships in the U.S.

"We've got to let the customers make the decisions," Harrington told Automotive News. "I understand that the EV is important and transitioning there is somewhere where we need to be, but at the same time, it's simple economics — supply and demand. The consumers haven't completely got there yet, so it's exciting to have a couple of different options."

The Daytona Scat Pack will deliver 670 hp with a 260-mile range and a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds. The Daytona R/T generates up to 496 hp and has a range of 317 miles.

The electric coupes are scheduled to enter production in mid-2024, followed by four-door variants in the first quarter of 2025.

Buyers sticking with internal combustion can choose from the 550-hp Charger Sixpack H.O., which features a high-output inline-six Hurricane engine, or the 420-hp Charger Sixpack S.O. with a standard-output Hurricane. Production of both is slated to start in the first quarter of 2025.

An even more powerful Charger EV is coming next year as well. Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis said that car, called the Banshee, will be the lineup's "ultimate performer."

It's the dawn of a new age for Dodge, as the rumbling V-8 engines that set the brand's performance standard have been phased out of the Charger and EVs take the mantle as the car's quickest offerings.

"They're really going to try to gear the EV model to be like your Hellcat," said Harrington, who's eager for some "new blood" on the showroom floor. The older Charger and Challenger models that went out of production in December have been selling quickly with some incentive help, so he wonders whether the dealership will be left with no muscle car inventory while awaiting the electric versions.

Those skeptical of an electric Charger should wait and drive one before passing judgment, said Adam Lee, chairman of Lee Auto Malls in Maine. Even if people test an electric Charger before buying the gasoline version, Lee says they'll see what an EV can do.

"When you drive an electric car, whether it's a Tesla or something else, it's a thrill when you step on it," said Lee, whose group has Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram stores in Auburn and Westbrook, Maine. "Even gas-powered cars, not many cars can do zero to 60 in 3 seconds. Before you rule it out, go try it and I think you'll find it's really a thrill."

Configurations liked

Kevin Farrish, chairman of the Stellantis National Dealer Council, likes that the Charger will be offered in two- and four-door configurations.

Previously, the Charger was a four door and the Challenger was a coupe, but Farrish said it’s more efficient to have both options under one nameplate.

He thinks the electric Charger will draw new buyers to the brand and convert some existing customers. Whether someone ends up in that or the gasoline version, Farrish said he appreciates that consumers will get to make the decision.

“If you're EV minded, and you can get that level of performance out of an EV and you're good with the infrastructure charging and what not, and it’s more a local vehicle than a travel vehicle, I definitely think the customers are going to buy those,” said Farrish, who owns Farrish Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram and Farrish Subaru in Fairfax, Va.

“If you’re looking for a go-anywhere [car], without the inconvenience at times of charging, I think those customers are going to migrate to the ICE vehicles. We're all in transition — we all know that. I think the beauty of it is the way Stellantis did it."

He added: "You have a choice."