Folks, it’s an astonishing sight—waking up, brewing your morning coffee, and peering out the kitchen window only to spot a Dodge muscle car stationed in your driveway. But here’s the kicker: it’s got a plug running into a Level 2 electric vehicle charger in your home. Definitely something I never anticipated encountering.
Yet, here I am, in the driver’s seat of the Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack for the next few days. This powerhouse is Dodge’s ambitious response to the growing desire for electrification in performance vehicles, tackling the challenges that come with transitioning from traditional gas engines. With an impressive 630 horsepower, which can push up to a staggering 670 hp in boost mode, dual-motor all-wheel-drive, and an astonishing 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds, this car is undeniably a serious contender in the performance market. It combines the exhilarating experience of muscle cars with the comfort and tech-savvy features that modern drivers crave.
But here’s a burning question: Is this EV really as great as it seems? Can it appeal to those diehard Hemi-loving enthusiasts who may remain skeptical about leaving behind their beloved gas-guzzlers for an electric future? I’m eager to delve into this and discover the answers. Meanwhile, what curious inquiries do you have about this muscle car transformation?
This vehicle’s full moniker is quite the mouthful: the Charger Daytona Scat Pack Track Package. It boasts a substantial 93.9 kWh battery pack, providing an estimated range of 241 miles. While that range might seem underwhelming compared to some high-performance contenders, it’s not surprising given the sheer power packed into this vehicle. The Scat Pack trim is currently the most advanced version you can buy; the lower-trim R/T starts at $59,995 but offers a less exhilarating 496 hp, which feels like a serious compromise for enthusiasts.
I’ve got the high-end version here, fully loaded with add-ons such as the Scat Pack Stage 2, Plus Group, and Track Package. These upgrades introduce a range of enticing features like adaptive suspension for better handling, Brembo brakes adorned with striking red calipers, heated second-row seats, a wireless charging pad, and so much more. By the time all the bells and whistles are included, I’m sitting behind the wheel of an $85,965 dream machine.
Now, that price tag may raise eyebrows and sound steep, but trust me—in terms of performance, this car is a showstopper. On my way home after a work trip last night, the Dodge Charger Daytona kept me absolutely thrilled with its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, a feature that skillfully imitates the unmistakable rumble of a V8. Inside the car, the sound is subtly enjoyable, and even as an admirer of silence in electric vehicles, I found it invigorating. It seems like Dodge has preserved that sense of drama you’d expect from an American muscle car.
As you’d guess, acceleration is nothing short of exhilarating—it feels like you could potentially lose your license in mere seconds. While some electric vehicles strive for a noble mission of green driving, this Charger has you glancing nervously for speed traps as you feel that electric thrill underfoot. And can we take a moment to appreciate how refreshing it is to drive a coupe EV? In a market flooded with electric crossovers and SUVs, it’s a rare but welcome change of pace.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows—I’ve got some qualms. The sport seats, while designed to keep you in place during high-speed maneuvers, feel uncomfortably firm. Add to that a software interface that stutters at times, haptic buttons that can be finicky, and a rather rough interpretation of key EV functionality. For instance, the regenerative braking experience is a bit erratic, and the one-pedal driving often feels more like a rollercoaster than the smooth ride I’m hoping for. Although it’s electric, you can sense Dodge’s effort to capture the essence of their traditional Hemi V8 driving experience—perhaps to a fault in this case.
Then there’s the efficiency side of things. Given the chilly weather here in upstate New York and my heavier foot than usual, I cranked out a mere 1.8 miles per kWh during my drive home. I might need to tweak my driving habits to improve that figure a bit—after all, I wouldn’t want to push my luck with the juice.
I understand this vehicle is generating quite a buzz (and some controversy) among the Mopar fanbase, which makes sense. Notably, even Dodge acknowledges that battery power isn’t exactly the heartbeat of the Hemi crowd. It’s worth pondering whether this car was born out of genuine passion or simply a response to the changing automotive landscape. However, despite my mixed feelings, I’ve genuinely enjoyed the driving experience thus far. Will I continue to feel that way after living with it for a few days? Only time will tell.
For now, I’d love to hear your thoughts or any burning questions you might have about the new electric Charger. Please drop me a note in the comments or shoot me an email; I’m eager to chat!
Image Source: quiggyt4 / Shutterstock
