Auto Tech
2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV – Electrifying a Legend
Dodge Charger Daytona EV
The automotive world has been holding its breath for this one. A silent muscle car? An electric Dodge Charger? It sounds like a paradox, but Dodge has charged headfirst into the electric era, and the result is the stunning, powerful, and controversial 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV. This isn’t just a new car; it’s a statement. But is it a statement that will resonate with die-hard muscle car fans and EV enthusiasts alike? We at The Tech Review got an up-close look to find out.
A New Breed of Muscle: Specs and Performance
The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV is available in two flavors, both of which are all-wheel drive: the R/T and the more potent Scat Pack.
| Specification | Dodge Charger Daytona R/T | Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 496 hp (with PowerShot) | 670 hp (with PowerShot) |
| Torque | 404 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.7 seconds | 3.3 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 13.1 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 134 mph |
The “PowerShot” feature is a steering-wheel-mounted button that provides a 15-second boost of 40 horsepower. It’s a clever nod to the “go-baby-go” buttons of cinematic car lore and a fun way to unleash the car’s full potential.
Under the Hood: Battery, Range, and Charging
The all-new Dodge Charger presents a distillation of muscle car design through a modern muscular exterior that focuses on function, avoids excess and subtly acknowledges inspiration from the clean, timeless lines of its predecessors.
At the heart of the Charger Daytona is a 100.5 kWh battery pack (93.9 kWh usable). This is a substantial battery, and it needs to be to power this beast. The range, however, varies significantly between the two models:
- Daytona R/T: Up to 317 miles of range, making it a more practical choice for daily driving.
- Daytona Scat Pack: A more modest 260 miles of range, the price you pay for that blistering acceleration.
When it’s time to juice up, the Charger Daytona’s 400-volt architecture allows for DC fast charging. Dodge claims you can go from a 20% to an 80% charge in just over 27 minutes on a Level 3 DC fast charger. For home charging, an 11kW onboard charger is standard.
Design: A Nod to the Past, A Leap to the Future
Dodge has done a masterful job of blending the Charger’s iconic design cues with a futuristic aesthetic. The car is instantly recognizable as a Charger, with its aggressive stance, widebody design, and signature front and rear light bars.
A standout feature is the “R-Wing” on the front of the car. This isn’t just for looks; it’s a functional aerodynamic pass-through that enhances downforce and gives the car a unique profile.
But the most talked-about design feature has to be the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. Yes, an exhaust system on an EV. This patent-pending system pushes sound through an amplifier and a tuning chamber at the rear of the car, creating a synthetic engine roar that mimics the sound of a V8. It’s a bold, and some might say audacious, attempt to preserve the visceral, auditory experience of a traditional muscle car. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it feature, but it’s undeniably a conversation starter.
The interior is a blend of modern tech and classic muscle car feel. A 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen is standard, with an optional 16-inch digital instrument cluster. The pistol-grip shifter is a welcome throwback, and the overall feel is driver-focused and sporty.
The Target Market: A New Generation of Muscle
So, who is the electric Charger for? Dodge is casting a wide net. They’re clearly hoping to retain their loyal base of muscle car enthusiasts by offering a car that’s still unapologetically loud and powerful. The Fratzonic exhaust is a direct appeal to this demographic.
At the same time, they’re aiming to attract a new generation of buyers who are interested in EVs but have been uninspired by the often-subdued styling of many electric cars. The Charger Daytona offers a unique proposition: all the performance and environmental benefits of an EV, with the aggressive styling and in-your-face attitude of a classic American muscle car.
Pricing: What Will it Cost to Electrify Your Muscle?
The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV is not a budget-friendly vehicle. Here’s a look at the starting MSRPs:
- 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T: Starting at approximately $60,000
- 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack: Starting at approximately $70,000
These prices place the Charger Daytona in a competitive segment, alongside high-performance EVs from Tesla, Ford, and others.
The Tech Review Verdict
The all-new Dodge Charger design stands out with a pure widebody stance.
The 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV is a bold and ambitious move from a brand steeped in tradition. It’s a car that’s full of contradictions: it’s an EV that roars, a muscle car with a green conscience, a piece of automotive history that’s hurtling toward the future.
For the tech-savvy consumer who wants an EV that makes a statement, the Charger Daytona is an incredibly compelling option. It’s fast, it’s stylish, and it’s packed with innovative technology.
For the traditional muscle car fan, the transition may be a bit more jarring. The Fratzonic exhaust is a valiant effort, but it will never truly replicate the feel of a rumbling V8. However, the sheer, unadulterated performance of the Charger Daytona might be enough to win them over.
In the end, the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is more than just a car. It’s a sign of the times, a symbol of a changing automotive landscape. And from where we’re sitting, the future of muscle looks surprisingly bright, and shockingly fast.