The Charger Daytona is Dodge's electric muscle car, built for speed and range

The Charger Daytona is Dodge's all-electric version of its classic Charger muscle car, released in 2024. It comes in two main versions: the Charger Daytona R/T and the Charger Daytona Scat Pack. Both are designed to deliver the acceleration and handling that Dodge's traditional gas-powered Chargers are known for, but powered entirely by electricity instead of a gasoline engine.

The R/T version produces around 420 horsepower, while the Scat Pack produces around 670 horsepower. The Scat Pack can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 3.5 seconds. Both versions use a large battery pack that Dodge rates for a range of roughly 250 to 260 miles per charge, depending on driving conditions and which trim level you choose.

If you're considering an electric vehicle and want something with performance-focused engineering, the Charger Daytona represents one option in the growing market of electric muscle cars. Understanding what it offers, what it costs, and how it compares to other vehicles in its category can help you decide whether it fits your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The Charger Daytona R/T starts around $43,000 to $45,000, while the Scat Pack starts around $55,000 to $58,000, though prices vary by dealer and current incentives.
  • Both versions offer roughly 250 to 260 miles of range per full charge, which is competitive with other mid-size electric vehicles.
  • The Scat Pack's 670 horsepower and sub-3.5-second 0-60 time make it one of the fastest production electric vehicles available.
  • Charging time depends on your equipment: a Level 2 home charger takes 8 to 10 hours for a full charge, while a DC fast charger can add 200 miles in roughly 30 minutes.
  • Federal tax credits up to $7,500 may reduce the purchase price if you meet income and vehicle assembly requirements, though not all trims may have access to.

Pricing and trim levels

The Charger Daytona R/T is the entry-level electric Charger, with a starting price in the $43,000 to $45,000 range before any incentives or dealer markups. The Scat Pack, which offers significantly more power and performance, starts around $55,000 to $58,000. Prices can shift based on your location, the dealer, current market demand, and any active manufacturer incentives.

Both versions come in multiple trim levels with different features and options. Higher trims add things like premium audio systems, advanced driver information features, leather seating, and upgraded infotainment displays. Adding options like all-wheel drive, larger wheels, or premium paint can push the final price higher.

It's worth checking with local Dodge dealers for current pricing and any regional promotions, as prices and incentive programs change throughout the year. You can also look at manufacturer websites to see the base price and common option packages.

Range, battery, and charging speed

Dodge rates the Charger Daytona for a range of approximately 250 to 260 miles on a full charge. This estimate comes from EPA testing and assumes average driving conditions. Real-world range varies based on how you drive (highway driving uses more energy than city driving), weather (cold temperatures reduce range), and terrain (hills and mountains reduce range compared to flat roads).

Both the R/T and Scat Pack use the same battery chemistry and capacity, so range is similar between them. The Scat Pack's higher power output does not meaningfully reduce range compared to the R/T in normal driving.

Charging speed depends on the equipment you use. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges very slowly and is not practical for regular use. A Level 2 charger (240 volts) installed at home or found at public charging stations takes roughly 8 to 10 hours to fully charge the battery. A DC fast charger, available at many public charging networks, can add approximately 200 miles of range in about 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity.

Performance and handling

The Charger Daytona R/T delivers 420 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 4.7 seconds. The Scat Pack produces 670 horsepower and reaches 0 to 60 in under 3.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest production vehicles available regardless of powertrain.

Electric motors deliver their maximum torque when ready, which is why even the R/T feels responsive off the line. The low center of gravity created by the floor-mounted battery pack also improves handling compared to traditional muscle cars with engines mounted high in the engine bay.

Both versions use independent double-wishbone suspension and offer multiple driving modes that adjust throttle response, regenerative braking intensity, and steering feel. The Scat Pack adds all-wheel drive as standard, while the R/T offers it as an option.

Federal tax credits and incentives

The Charger Daytona may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when you purchase it, though not all trims and configurations meet the requirements. The credit phases out based on your household income and the vehicle's final assembly location. As of 2024, the credit requires the vehicle to be assembled in North America and your income to fall below certain thresholds (roughly $300,000 for joint filers, though this varies by year).

Some states and local areas offer additional incentives for electric vehicle purchases, such as rebates or tax credits. These vary widely by location and change frequently. Checking your state's energy office or environmental agency website can show what programs may be available where you live.

Dealer incentives and manufacturer promotions also shift throughout the year. When you're ready to purchase, ask dealers directly about current offers, as these are not always advertised publicly.

Warranty and maintenance costs

Dodge covers the Charger Daytona with a standard three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, plus an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. The battery warranty covers defects in the battery pack itself, though normal degradation over time is not covered.

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gas-powered cars, which means lower routine maintenance costs. You won't need oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking (where the motor slows the car and recovers energy) does much of the stopping work. Tire wear depends on your driving habits and road conditions, just as with any vehicle.

Tire replacement, cabin air filter changes, and coolant flushes are the main maintenance items you'll encounter. Costs for these are similar to what you'd pay for other vehicles in this size and price range.

How the Charger Daytona compares to other electric vehicles

In the performance-focused electric vehicle category, the Charger Daytona Scat Pack competes directly with vehicles like the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray (which is a hybrid, not fully electric). The R/T competes with mid-range performance EVs like the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The Charger Daytona's main advantages are its distinctive design, American muscle car heritage, and strong acceleration. Its main trade-offs compared to some competitors are slightly lower range and fewer public charging networks specifically optimized for Dodge vehicles (though Chargers use standard charging connectors and can use any public network).

If you prioritize maximum range, vehicles like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 6 offer 300+ miles per charge. If you prioritize affordability, entry-level EVs like the Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf cost less upfront. The Charger Daytona sits in the middle: strong performance, reasonable range, and a price point that reflects its power and brand positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge a Charger Daytona at home?

With a Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes roughly 8 to 10 hours. Most owners install a Level 2 charger in their garage or driveway for overnight charging. A standard 120-volt outlet charges extremely slowly and is not practical for regular use.

Can I tow with a Charger Daytona?

Dodge has not published towing capacity for the Charger Daytona. Electric vehicles can tow, but towing significantly reduces range because it requires more energy. Check with Dodge directly or your dealer for current towing specifications if this is important to your use case.

Does the Charger Daytona may have access to for the full $7,500 federal tax credit?

Some trims may have access to for the full $7,500 credit, while others may may have access to for a reduced amount or none at all, depending on assembly location and your household income. Ask your dealer which specific configuration you're interested in and whether it meets current federal requirements.

What's the difference between the R/T and Scat Pack?

The Scat Pack produces 670 horsepower versus the R/T's 420 horsepower, accelerates faster (under 3.5 seconds 0-60 versus roughly 4.7 seconds), and includes all-wheel drive as standard. The R/T is the more affordable option and still delivers strong performance for most drivers.

How does cold weather affect the Charger Daytona's range?

Cold temperatures reduce electric vehicle range by roughly 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the cabin heater uses significant energy. In very cold climates, a 250-mile range estimate might drop to 150 to 200 miles in winter. Preheating the cabin while plugged in helps minimize this loss.