Dodge axes entry spec’ Charger EV

DODGE’S electrification ambitions have been turned down a touch following poor sales of the fully electric and problem plagued Charger Daytona R/T two-door entry level model.

Introduced in the United States in December last year, the vehicle failed to generate interest among Charger loyalists, prompting the iconic brand to pull the pin on its production.

Generations of Dodge Charger drivers weaned on loud and proud, petrol-powered Hemi V8s have stayed away from the Charger EVs in droves despite the model being billed as the first fully electric muscle car.

As a result, Dodge dealers stateside are stuck with an estimated 3500 unsold units on their lots.

In turn, this led to heavy discounting as reported in publication MoparInsider which says it has noted the model’s online price slashed, in one instance from an RRP of $US61,590 down to a startling $34,184 with apparently plenty more similar examples across the country.

Dodge’s problem with the Charger Daytona R/T is exacerbated by a higher powered and possibly more marketable fully electric 470kW AWD Charger Scat Pack model, still in production but also being “price adjusted”, and the expectation among rusted-on V8 enthusiasts of a reborn Hemi V8 Charger… even with incoming, powerful petrol straight-six twin-turbo versions which may (or may not) appeal to the V8 brotherhood.

V8 Hemi speculation has been fuelled across many forums including no less than Dodge’s CEO Matt McAlear reported right here at GoAuto earlier this year admitting Dodge (and other Stellantis nameplates) were actively recharting the path of each brand and… “V8 is no longer a bad word around the company”.

GoAuto reported at the time that pundits in the US put Dodge and Stellantis’ change of heart down to continual criticism after launching the six-cylinder and electric Charger from customers who “just want big capacity petrol engines”. In other words, a Hemi V8.

But more recently Mr McAlear has back-pedalled a tad re-asserting Dodge’s commitment to electric powered models and in the Charger’s case, focusing on additional turbocharged straight six-cylinder powered models with which the manufacturer hopes to placate V8 enthusiasts.

Will it work?

Time and market forces will no doubt dictate the outcome.

Bubbling away in the background the cessation of Charger Daytona R/T production seems to underline Charger buyer sentiment adding pressure on Dodge to reintroduce a Charger Hemi V8, a car that is ingrained in US muscle car culture.

Speculation about a return of the Charger Hemi V8 is rife across the internet with various publications talking about “when” and not “if” there will be a new Hemi V8.

Respected publication MotorTrend, for example, reports “Dodge and Ram are said to be refocusing their efforts on bringing the Hemi V8 back to their line-ups in force”.

“Today, only the three-row Durango SUV still offers the V8, but it’s likely coming back to the Ram 1500 and, possibly, even the Charger, soon,” it reported.

MotorTrend’s report notes other Stellantis EV delays, saying “the all-electric Ram 1500 REV is recently delayed again, likely to 2027, while the Ram 1500 Ramcharger extended-range EV that previously was shifted ahead of the REV in the production schedule also is being delayed until next year or beyond”.

From the above, and like many competitors, it is apparent Dodge (and Stellantis) may be adopting a wait and see approach to full or partial line-up electrification that will be dictated by market forces.