The Dodge Charger Hellcat Electric is a planned high-performance EV, not yet in production

Dodge announced plans for an electric version of its Charger Hellcat muscle car, but as of now, no Hellcat Electric model exists for purchase. Dodge has committed to an all-electric Charger lineup by 2024, with performance variants under development. The company has not released a firm production date, pricing, or detailed specifications for an electric Hellcat variant.

What Dodge has confirmed is that future electric Chargers will use a modular platform capable of supporting high-output motors. The brand has stated that electric performance models will deliver power comparable to or exceeding current gas-powered Hellcats, which produce 797 horsepower in the 2024 model year. However, these are design goals, not confirmed final specs.

If you are researching this vehicle because you are considering a purchase, you should know that you cannot order one yet. If you are interested in high-performance electric vehicles available now, several alternatives exist from other manufacturers.

Key Takeaways

  • Dodge has announced plans for an electric Charger but has not released a production date or confirmed specifications for a Hellcat Electric variant.
  • The company stated that future electric Chargers will be built on a platform designed to support high-performance motors with output in the 700+ horsepower range.
  • Current high-performance electric vehicles from other brands—including the Tesla Model S Plaid, Porsche Taycan Turbo S, and BMW iX M60—are available now if you need performance today.
  • Dodge's timeline for the full electric Charger lineup has shifted multiple times, so announced dates should be treated as targets rather than guarantees.

What Dodge has officially said about the Hellcat Electric

In 2021, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis announced that the brand would move to an all-electric lineup by 2024. This statement was later clarified: Dodge would introduce electric models starting in 2024, not complete a full transition by that date. The company has not separated out a specific Hellcat Electric announcement from its broader electric Charger plans.

Dodge has shown concept images and renderings of electric Chargers but has not displayed a production-ready Hellcat Electric prototype. The brand has emphasized that electric Chargers will retain the Charger's design language—wide stance, aggressive front end, muscular proportions—while housing electric drivetrains underneath.

In 2023 and early 2024, Dodge delayed its full electric Charger launch and revised its timeline. The company cited supply chain challenges and the need to finalize platform engineering. As of mid-2024, Dodge has not announced a firm production start date for any electric Charger variant, including a Hellcat model.

How the electric Charger platform is supposed to work

Dodge is developing the electric Charger on a modular platform that can support multiple motor configurations. A modular platform means the same underlying structure can house different battery sizes and motor setups, allowing Dodge to offer base models, mid-range variants, and high-performance versions on the same architecture.

For a Hellcat Electric to deliver the power Dodge has promised, it would likely use dual motors—one on the front axle and one on the rear—or a single high-output rear motor paired with a large battery pack. Dual-motor setups are common in performance EVs because they allow independent control of front and rear power, improving acceleration and handling.

The battery pack would need to be substantial to support sustained high performance. Current performance EVs in the 700+ horsepower range typically use battery packs between 100 and 130 kilowatt-hours. Dodge has not disclosed what battery size it plans for a Hellcat variant, so range and charging speed remain unknown.

How the Hellcat Electric compares to current performance EVs

Several high-performance electric vehicles are available now and offer a point of comparison for what a Hellcat Electric might deliver. The Tesla Model S Plaid produces 1,020 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 1.99 seconds. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S produces 938 horsepower and offers a more traditional sports car driving experience with a lower center of gravity. The BMW iX M60 produces 619 horsepower and prioritizes luxury and interior space alongside performance.

The current gas-powered Dodge Charger Hellcat produces 797 horsepower. If Dodge delivers on its stated goal of matching or exceeding this output in an electric version, the Hellcat Electric would fall in the middle of the performance EV range—more powerful than the BMW iX M60 but less powerful than the Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo S.

One advantage a Hellcat Electric could offer is size and interior space. The Charger is a full-size sedan with a spacious back seat and trunk. Most current performance EVs are either smaller sports cars or crossovers. If Dodge delivers a large, four-door sedan with 700+ horsepower, it would fill a niche that few other manufacturers currently serve.

What delays and timeline changes mean for buyers

Dodge's shifting timeline reflects real challenges in bringing a new vehicle to market. Developing a new platform, engineering high-performance electric motors, securing battery supply, and setting up manufacturing all take time. When a company announces a date and then misses it, the second date is usually more reliable than the first—but it is still not a may provide.

If you are waiting for a Hellcat Electric, you should assume the vehicle will not be available for at least another year or more from now. Dodge has not provided a specific month or quarter for production to begin. The company has also not opened pre-orders or reservations, which is typically the first step before production ramps up.

If you need a high-performance vehicle now, waiting for an unconfirmed product is not practical. The alternatives listed above are all available for purchase today. If you want to stay informed about the Hellcat Electric, following Dodge's official announcements and automotive news outlets that cover the brand will give you the most accurate information as timelines change.

Why Dodge is moving to electric performance vehicles

Dodge is transitioning to electric vehicles because federal emissions regulations require automakers to reduce the average carbon output of their fleets. Muscle cars and high-performance vehicles produce high emissions, so manufacturers must offset them with electric models or face penalties. Dodge's shift to electric is partly regulatory compliance and partly a business decision to keep the Charger and Challenger brands alive as gas engines phase out.

Electric motors also offer performance advantages that appeal to enthusiasts. An electric motor delivers maximum torque when ready, with no gear shifting. This allows EVs to accelerate faster than gas-powered cars in the 0-60 range. Dodge is positioning the electric Charger as a modern muscle car that preserves the brand's performance identity while meeting regulatory requirements.

The challenge for Dodge is that electric vehicles cost more to manufacture than gas-powered cars, primarily because batteries are expensive. A Hellcat Electric will likely cost more than the current gas Hellcat, which starts around $70,000. Dodge has not announced pricing, but performance EVs from other brands typically cost $80,000 to $120,000 or more.

What to do if you want a high-performance electric vehicle today

If you are interested in a powerful electric car and do not want to wait for the Hellcat Electric, you have several options. The Tesla Model S Plaid is the fastest production sedan available and offers Supercharger access across North America. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S delivers a traditional sports car experience with excellent handling and a lower ride height. The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV offer performance and space at lower price points, though with less extreme power output.

You can also consider waiting for other announced performance EVs. Chevrolet has confirmed an electric Camaro is in development. Cadillac is launching the Lyriq performance variant. Ford is developing electric versions of the Mustang and F-150. If you prefer to stay within the Dodge and Chrysler family, you could explore the Jeep Wagoneer S, which Jeep has announced as an upcoming performance electric SUV.

Before purchasing any EV, research charging infrastructure in your area. Most performance EVs require access to fast-charging networks like Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, or EVgo. If your home has a garage and you can install a Level 2 charger, daily charging becomes convenient. If you rely on public charging, confirm that fast chargers are available on your regular routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order a Hellcat Electric now?

No. Dodge has not opened pre-orders or reservations for any electric Charger variant. The company has not announced when pre-orders will open. You can sign up for email notifications on Dodge's official website to receive updates when the vehicle is closer to production.

How much will the Hellcat Electric cost?

Dodge has not announced pricing. The current gas Hellcat starts around $70,000. Performance EVs typically cost $80,000 to $120,000 or more, so expect the Hellcat Electric to be priced in that range, but this is an estimate based on competitor pricing, not an official figure.

What will the range be on a Hellcat Electric?

Dodge has not released range specifications. High-performance EVs typically achieve 200 to 300 miles of range per charge, depending on driving style and conditions. A Hellcat Electric would likely fall in that range, but without confirmed battery size and motor efficiency, no specific number can be stated.

Will the Hellcat Electric have a manual transmission?

No. Electric vehicles do not have traditional transmissions. Some manufacturers offer simulated gear shifts for feel, but the Hellcat Electric will use a direct-drive electric motor. Dodge has not announced whether it will include simulated shifting for driver engagement.

Is the Hellcat Electric real or just a concept?

It is a planned production vehicle, not a concept car. Dodge has committed to building electric Chargers, including high-performance variants. However, no prototype has been shown to the public, and no production date has been confirmed, so it remains in development rather than ready for sale.