The Dodge Charger Daytona SRT isn’t just a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by Dodge. It’s a new muscle car by Dodge, and the automaker is pretty confident about attracting new consumers for the Dodge Charger BEV. A few years back, Dodge introduced its new electrified lineup, eMuscle, and dipped its toes into the water with the Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid. Not a true eMuscle model, still donning the SRT double slash logo, but this year (2024), the Charger Daytona SRT BEV was unveiled, with the Fratzog logo situated in the front fascia, and boasting 496 horsepower as the standard. It truly is the future of Dodge muscle cars.

Let’s take a look at STLA platforms. The new underpinning of all future models coming from Stellantis, every BEV and new model will be situated on an STLA platform, starting with the STLA Large platform. And yes, the new Charger Daytona SRT is built on the STLA Large platform, as is the new generation of the all-gasoline Dodge Charger. Announced to come in four sizes - Small, Medium, Large, and Frame – the STLA Large platform is designed for class D- and E-vehicle segments. The flexibility of STLA platforms is the main selling point of these new platforms, because not only will they be able to cover a large spectrum of automobiles, but they will also make technologies like the STLA SmartCockpit easier to integrate into a vehicle.

We won’t delve too deep into the SmartCockpit in this article, but just know it’s a part of Stellantis connected services to turn interior cabins into mobile, digital lounges in the coming years. As for the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT BEV, Dodge brand's new CEO, Matt McAlear, sees a bright future for eMuscle, starting with the Charger Daytona. Even though not all fans are pleased about the change, Dodge still has a strong chance of converting consumers into BEV buyers.

“Some are [ready to convert and] some aren't…[however, Dodge has] the youngest demographic in the mainstream industry, and they have the highest propensity to adopt [an] electric [vehicle]… If there wasn't debate, if there wasn't consternation, I think I'd be more worried.” – McAlear.

Dodge also has a new game plan to bring in new BEV consumers. Alongside the Charger Daytona SRT BEV, the new generation of the Charger was revealed with two new gasoline options – a 420-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK Standard Output (S.O.) and a 550-horsepower Dodge Charger SIXPACK High Output (H.O.). So, yes, gasoline-powered Dodge models will still be on the lot, but don’t expect to find many. Dodge will only have about 2000 units on a lot at any given time. In other words, there will be a lot more BEV units to purchase. It sounds a little like the automaker will be strong arming consumers to buy a BEV, but if it works, it works.

Consumers today may be wary about buying a BEV due to the lack of BEV chargers there are, but more and more apps are making it easier to find an available charging station. There’s also the joint venture IONNA with plans to create a new nationwide charging network right here in the U.S. It may take a few years, but consumers won’t have as much trouble finding a place to charge up. To get a jump start, consumers can also join the Stellantis Free2move Charge movement and get a BEV charger installed in their home, or free charging credits.

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Photo Source/Copyright: Dodge