Dodge ended the Charger in 2023, but the nameplate is returning in 2024 as an electric vehicle
Dodge stopped making the gas-powered Charger after the 2023 model year. The last traditional Charger rolled off the assembly line in July 2023. However, Dodge announced that a new Charger would debut in 2024 — but it will be fully electric, not a gasoline engine like the versions that came before it.
This shift reflects a broader industry move toward electric vehicles. Dodge, owned by Stellantis, is phasing out its traditional muscle car lineup and replacing it with electric alternatives. The Charger nameplate itself is not gone; the car is being reimagined for a different powertrain.
Key Takeaways
- The gas-powered Dodge Charger ended production in July 2023 after more than 50 years in the market.
- Dodge introduced a new electric Charger in 2024, marking the brand's shift away from traditional combustion engines.
- The 2024 electric Charger is built on a different platform and offers different performance characteristics than previous generations.
- If you want a traditional gas Charger, your options are limited to used models from 2023 and earlier.
Why Dodge discontinued the gas-powered Charger
Stellantis, Dodge's parent company, set a target to transition its lineup toward electric vehicles. The Charger, as a gas-powered muscle car, did not fit that strategy. Dodge announced in 2022 that it would end production of its traditional V8 and V6 engines by 2024, which included the Charger and Challenger.
Regulatory pressure also played a role. Federal fuel economy standards and emissions regulations have tightened over time, making it harder for manufacturers to sell high-performance gas vehicles profitably. Electric vehicles face fewer regulatory hurdles and align with corporate environmental goals that major automakers have committed to publicly.
The decision was not unique to Dodge. Other manufacturers have discontinued or are discontinuing iconic gas-powered models — Chevrolet ended the Camaro in 2024, and Ford has shifted focus away from traditional muscle cars toward electric performance vehicles.
The 2024 electric Charger and what changed
The new Charger is not a direct replacement for the previous generation. It sits on a different platform, uses electric motors instead of a gasoline engine, and targets a different buyer. Dodge positioned the electric Charger as a performance vehicle, not a traditional muscle car.
The 2024 Charger comes in multiple versions with different power outputs. Dodge offered both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with horsepower figures that compete with high-performance gas vehicles. The vehicle also includes modern features like over-the-air software updates and advanced infotainment systems that the previous generation did not have.
Charging time, range, and battery capacity are now the key specifications instead of engine displacement and fuel economy. Buyers interested in the new Charger need to consider access to charging infrastructure and their typical driving patterns, which are different concerns than those who owned the gas version.
What happened to the 2023 and earlier Chargers
The 2023 model year was the final year for the traditional Charger. Dodge produced limited quantities in the final year, and many sold quickly. The 2023 Charger came in several trims, including the R/T (with a 5.7-liter V8) and the SRT (with a 6.2-liter V8).
Used 2023 and earlier Chargers remain available on the secondhand market. Prices for used models vary based on mileage, condition, and trim level. The final year of production may hold some collector interest, though it is too early to know whether 2023 Chargers will appreciate significantly.
If you are looking for a gas-powered Charger, you will need to search the used market. Certified pre-owned programs from Dodge dealers may have inventory, though selection depends on your location and timing.
How the electric Charger compares to the gas version
The electric Charger offers when ready torque and quick acceleration, which appeals to performance enthusiasts. However, the driving experience differs from a gas engine — there is no engine sound, no gear shifts, and different weight distribution due to the battery pack.
Range on a single charge varies by model and battery size, but most versions offer between 200 and 300 miles of range. This is sufficient for daily driving but requires planning for longer trips. The gas Charger, by contrast, could travel 300+ miles on a single tank and refuel in minutes.
Operating costs are lower for the electric version — electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and electric vehicles have fewer moving parts to maintain. However, the upfront purchase price of the electric Charger is higher than the final gas models were.
What Dodge owners and enthusiasts should know
If you own a gas-powered Charger, your vehicle is not affected by the discontinuation. Parts and service remain available through Dodge dealers, and the used market for older Chargers continues to function normally.
For buyers deciding between a used gas Charger and the new electric version, the choice depends on driving habits, budget, and access to charging. Gas Chargers offer familiar technology and lower purchase prices on the used market. The electric Charger offers lower operating costs and modern features but requires charging infrastructure.
Dodge has signaled that the Charger nameplate will remain part of its lineup, even though the powertrain has changed completely. This is different from discontinuation — it is a transformation of the brand's direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy a new gas-powered Dodge Charger?
No. Dodge stopped producing gas Chargers after 2023. New Chargers sold by Dodge dealers are electric only. If you want a gas Charger, you must purchase a used model from 2023 or earlier through the secondhand market or certified pre-owned programs.
Will Dodge bring back the gas Charger in the future?
Stellantis has not announced plans to return to gas-powered Chargers. The company's strategy is to transition its entire lineup to electric vehicles. It is unlikely the traditional gas Charger will return, though the Charger nameplate will continue on electric models.
Is the 2024 electric Charger a good replacement for the old one?
That depends on your needs. The electric Charger offers strong performance and lower operating costs, but it drives differently and requires charging access. If you value engine sound and quick refueling, the gas version may suit you better. If you want modern technology and lower fuel costs, the electric version is worth considering.
What is the price difference between a used 2023 Charger and the new electric one?
Used 2023 Chargers vary in price based on mileage and condition, but typically cost less than a new electric Charger. The new electric Charger starts at a higher price point, though it may may have access to for federal tax incentives depending on your income and location. Compare total cost of ownership, including fuel or electricity costs, over the time you plan to own the vehicle.
Are parts and service still available for older gas Chargers?
Yes. Dodge dealers continue to service and supply parts for gas Chargers from all previous years. The discontinuation of new production does not affect the availability of maintenance and repairs for vehicles already on the road.