The Dodge Challenger is not available as a new electric vehicle
Dodge announced in 2023 that it would discontinue the gasoline-powered Challenger after the 2024 model year. The company has not released a battery-electric version of the Challenger under that nameplate. If you are looking for a new electric muscle car or performance vehicle from Dodge, the brand currently offers the Dodge Charger Daytona, which launched in 2024 as a fully electric sedan with performance-focused styling and acceleration.
The Charger Daytona is built on Stellantis's STLA platform, the same architecture that underpins other electric vehicles across the Stellantis group. It is positioned as Dodge's answer to the demand for electric performance cars, but it is a different vehicle with a different name and different design than the classic Challenger coupe.
Key Takeaways
- The Dodge Challenger nameplate ended production in 2024 and has no electric successor under that name.
- Dodge's electric performance offering is the Charger Daytona, a four-door sedan launched in 2024 with 0-60 times under 3.5 seconds in its highest trim.
- The Charger Daytona uses Dodge's modular electric platform and comes with a standard 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.
- If you want a two-door coupe body style, no current Dodge electric vehicle matches the classic Challenger format.
The Charger Daytona as Dodge's electric performance car
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a four-door electric sedan that replaces the gasoline Charger and serves as Dodge's primary electric performance vehicle. It comes in multiple trim levels, with the R/T and Daytona trims offering the most aggressive styling and quickest acceleration. The Daytona trim can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.3 seconds, making it competitive with traditional muscle cars in raw acceleration.
The vehicle uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system in its performance trims and offers a single-motor rear-wheel-drive option in base models. Battery capacity varies by trim, with larger packs in higher trims providing longer range. EPA-estimated range for the Charger Daytona ranges from roughly 260 miles in base models to over 300 miles in some configurations, though this varies based on driving conditions and the specific powertrain chosen.
Battery warranty and long-term ownership costs
Dodge covers the Charger Daytona's battery pack under an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not cover normal degradation of battery capacity over time. Most electric vehicle batteries retain 80 to 90 percent of their original capacity after eight years of typical use, though this varies based on climate, charging habits, and driving patterns.
Operating costs for the Charger Daytona are generally lower than gasoline vehicles because electricity is cheaper than fuel in most regions and electric motors require less maintenance. You will not need oil changes, transmission fluid, or spark plugs. Brake wear is reduced because regenerative braking captures energy when slowing down. Tire wear may be higher due to the vehicle's weight, which is typical for electric vehicles.
Charging infrastructure and home charging options
The Charger Daytona uses the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which was adopted by most major automakers starting in 2024. This means you can use Tesla Supercharger stations as well as other NACS-compatible networks. Charging speed depends on the charger type: a Level 2 home charger (240 volts) typically adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, while DC fast chargers can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
Installing a Level 2 home charger costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your electrical panel capacity and the distance from the panel to where you park. Many utility companies offer rebates or financing for home charging installation. If you do not have a garage or dedicated parking space, public charging networks are expanding rapidly, though availability varies significantly by region.
How the Charger Daytona compares to other electric performance vehicles
The Charger Daytona competes directly with vehicles like the Tesla Model S Plaid, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and Cadillac Lyriq in terms of performance and price range. The Daytona trim's 0-60 time is faster than most competitors in its price bracket, though the Tesla Model S Plaid remains quicker. The Charger Daytona offers more traditional muscle car styling and a larger interior than some competitors, but it is a sedan rather than a coupe or SUV.
If you specifically want a two-door coupe body style, no current electric vehicle from Dodge, Chevrolet, or Ford matches the classic Challenger format. The Dodge Charger Daytona is the closest alternative in terms of performance and brand heritage, but it requires accepting a four-door sedan layout instead of the iconic two-door design.
Incentives and pricing considerations
Federal tax credits for electric vehicles in the United States are available through the Inflation Reduction Act, though may be able to access depends on vehicle price, battery component sourcing, and your income level. The Charger Daytona may may have access to for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits depending on the specific trim and current regulations. State and local incentives vary widely—some states offer additional rebates, while others offer no incentives at all.
Pricing for the Charger Daytona starts in the mid-$40,000 range for base models and reaches into the $60,000s for fully equipped Daytona trims. These prices are before any incentives. Dealer inventory and pricing can vary significantly by region, so comparing offers across multiple dealers is worth your time if you are seriously considering a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Dodge ever make an electric Challenger?
Dodge has not announced plans to revive the Challenger nameplate as an electric vehicle. The company has shifted its performance focus to the Charger Daytona. It is possible that future Dodge models could use the Challenger name, but there is no official timeline or confirmation of this.
Can I get a two-door electric muscle car from any American automaker?
No current American automaker offers a new two-door electric coupe in the muscle car category. Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge have all moved toward four-door sedans and SUVs for their electric performance vehicles. The classic two-door coupe body style has largely disappeared from the new vehicle market across all brands.
How long does it take to charge a Charger Daytona at home?
With a Level 2 home charger (240 volts), a full charge typically takes 8 to 10 hours depending on battery size and charger output. A standard 120-volt household outlet adds only 2 to 3 miles of range per hour and is not practical for regular use. Most owners install a Level 2 charger for overnight charging.
What happens to the battery after the 8-year warranty expires?
The battery is no longer covered by Dodge's warranty, but it typically continues to function. Most electric vehicle batteries degrade slowly—losing roughly 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year. Replacement batteries are expensive (often $10,000 to $15,000), but many owners keep their vehicles well beyond the warranty period without needing replacement.
Is the Charger Daytona faster than a gasoline Challenger?
The Charger Daytona's 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds in Daytona trim is faster than most gasoline Challengers ever produced. However, the Challenger offered higher top speeds and longer sustained acceleration. The Charger Daytona excels at initial acceleration but has a lower top speed due to its electric motor design.