The Dodge Charger Demon is a high-performance muscle car with significant fuel consumption and emissions output

The Dodge Charger Demon, produced from 2018 to 2023, is a supercharged V8 muscle car designed for straight-line acceleration rather than fuel efficiency. It achieves 0 to 60 mph in the low 2-second range, which requires an 840-horsepower engine and premium fuel consumption to match. Because of its performance focus, the Charger Demon ranks among the least efficient vehicles sold in the United States during its production years.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the Charger Demon at 11 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway, with a combined rating of 13 mpg. These figures assume regular driving patterns; actual consumption varies significantly based on driving style, terrain, and how often the vehicle operates in its high-performance mode. The Charger Demon requires 91-octane gasoline at minimum, and Dodge recommends 93-octane for optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Charger Demon's EPA rating is 11 city / 17 highway / 13 combined mpg, making it one of the least efficient vehicles on the road.
  • The vehicle requires premium fuel (91-octane minimum, 93-octane recommended) and produces emissions consistent with a high-displacement supercharged engine.
  • Annual fuel costs and emissions taxes vary by state, but owners should expect significantly higher fuel expenses than mid-size sedans or crossovers.
  • The Charger Demon does not meet California's stricter emissions standards and cannot be registered in states that follow California's rules without a waiver.

How the Charger Demon's engine produces its emissions

The Charger Demon uses an 840-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. Supercharging forces more air into the combustion chamber, which increases power output but also increases the volume of exhaust gases and emissions per mile driven. The engine produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and carbon dioxide (CO2) at rates higher than naturally aspirated engines of similar displacement.

Because the Charger Demon is designed for maximum acceleration rather than emissions control, it carries emissions equipment typical of performance vehicles: a catalytic converter and particulate filter, but tuned for power delivery rather than emissions reduction. Owners who modify the vehicle—removing or disabling emissions equipment—can face federal fines and state registration penalties, as the vehicle becomes non-compliant with Clean Air Act standards.

EPA emissions classifications and what they mean for registration

The EPA classifies the Charger Demon as a Tier 2, Bin 10 vehicle under the Light-Duty Vehicle Emissions Standards. This classification places it in a higher emissions category than most passenger vehicles, reflecting its large engine and high power output. The vehicle meets federal emissions standards for the 49 states that follow the federal baseline.

California and 10 other states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont) follow California's stricter emissions standards under a waiver granted by the EPA. The Charger Demon does not meet California's standards and cannot be registered in those states unless the owner obtains a state-specific waiver or the vehicle was originally sold there before the standards took effect. If you live in a California-standard state and want to own a Charger Demon, you must verify with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles whether registration is possible for your specific model year.

Fuel economy standards and gas guzzler taxes

Vehicles rated at 12.5 mpg or lower are subject to the federal Gas Guzzler Tax, a penalty added to the purchase price. The Charger Demon's 13 mpg combined rating places it just above the threshold, so it does not trigger the federal Gas Guzzler Tax. However, some states impose their own fuel-economy-based fees or taxes on low-efficiency vehicles; these vary by state and model year.

Annual fuel costs for the Charger Demon depend on driving distance and local fuel prices. At 13 mpg combined and assuming 12,000 miles per year (the national average), an owner would consume approximately 923 gallons of premium fuel annually. At current average premium fuel prices, this translates to significantly higher annual fuel expenses than a typical sedan or crossover. Some states also factor fuel economy into annual registration fees or impose carbon-based fees on high-emission vehicles.

Comparing the Charger Demon to other high-performance vehicles

The Charger Demon's 13 mpg combined rating is comparable to other supercharged or turbocharged performance cars of its era. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack (supercharged) achieves similar fuel economy. The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (supercharged) rates at 14 mpg combined. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (supercharged) rates at 12 mpg combined. Among high-performance vehicles, the Charger Demon sits in the middle range for fuel consumption.

Hybrid or turbocharged alternatives with smaller engines achieve significantly better fuel economy—often 20 to 30 mpg combined—but do not deliver the same acceleration or power. The trade-off between performance and efficiency is the core design choice that separates the Charger Demon from more economical vehicles.

What happens if you modify the Charger Demon's emissions equipment

Removing, disabling, or modifying the catalytic converter, particulate filter, or engine control software on the Charger Demon violates the Clean Air Act and federal emissions regulations. The EPA can impose civil penalties of up to $43,792 per vehicle (adjusted annually for inflation) on manufacturers or dealers who sell non-compliant vehicles, and owners can face fines for operating a modified vehicle on public roads.

State environmental agencies and the EPA conduct emissions testing and roadside inspections. If your vehicle fails inspection or is found to have disabled emissions equipment, you may be prohibited from registering it, required to repair it at your own expense, or subject to fines. Some states also impose criminal penalties for intentional tampering with emissions systems.

Resale value and future emissions regulations

The Charger Demon's production ended in 2023, making it a final-generation muscle car before Dodge shifted to electric powertrains. As emissions standards tighten and more states adopt California's rules, the resale market for high-emissions vehicles may narrow. Buyers in California-standard states face registration barriers, which can reduce demand and resale value in those regions.

If you own a Charger Demon and plan to sell it, the vehicle's value depends partly on the buyer's location. A vehicle registered in a state following federal standards may have broader appeal than one in a California-standard state, where future registration may become more difficult as standards evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a Dodge Charger Demon in California?

The Charger Demon does not meet California's emissions standards. You cannot register it in California or other California-standard states unless you obtain a specific waiver from the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact your state's DMV to learn whether a waiver is possible for your model year.

How much will I spend on fuel for a Charger Demon per year?

At 13 mpg combined and 12,000 miles per year, you would use approximately 923 gallons of premium fuel annually. Costs depend on local premium fuel prices, but expect significantly higher annual fuel expenses than a typical sedan or crossover.

Does the Charger Demon have a gas guzzler tax?

No. The federal Gas Guzzler Tax applies to vehicles rated at 12.5 mpg or lower. The Charger Demon's 13 mpg combined rating places it just above the threshold. However, some states impose their own fuel-economy-based fees; check your state's DMV website for details.

What are the penalties for removing the catalytic converter or disabling emissions equipment?

Federal penalties can reach $43,792 per vehicle, and you may be prohibited from registering the vehicle. States can impose additional fines and criminal penalties. Operating a modified vehicle on public roads violates the Clean Air Act.

Will a Charger Demon lose value because of emissions regulations?

Possibly. As emissions standards tighten and more states adopt California's rules, the resale market for high-emissions vehicles may narrow. Vehicles in California-standard states face registration barriers, which can reduce demand and resale value in those regions.