2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Ushers In EV Era, Eyes on Banshee

As the automotive landscape shifts towards electrification, many manufacturers are rolling out battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) that blend into a sea of similar-looking crossovers. Dodge, however, is charting a different course. This week marked the debut of Dodge’s first BEV, a vehicle that shatters the mold of conventional electric cars. Introducing the world’s first electric muscle car, Dodge aims to prove that electrification doesn’t mean sacrificing excitement or identity. While anticipation remains high for the top-tier 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee, the newly unveiled R/T and Scat Pack models lay the groundwork, embodying the spirit promised by the stunning 2022 concept.

When Dodge revealed the Charger Daytona SRT® Banshee Concept, questions arose about whether its striking design would make it to production. Looking at the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack, it’s clear the production team remained remarkably faithful to the concept’s vision. The overall silhouette, signature front and rear LED lighting, the distinctive R-Wing pass-through spoiler, and even the innovative Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system transition from concept to reality. The result is a modern muscle car with unmistakable design cues echoing the legendary 1970 Charger, yet firmly planted in the future. It stands apart, refusing to adopt the ubiquitous “melting jelly bean” profile common among today’s EVs. This Charger looks, performs, and even roars like a true muscle car.

Concept Vision Realized: Design and Sound

The commitment to the original concept’s aesthetic is evident throughout the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona. The exterior design captures the essence of American muscle, featuring a wide stance and clean lines that are both aggressive and aerodynamic. The front R-Wing, a feature carried over directly from the concept, is more than just a visual statement; it enhances downforce by allowing air to pass through the front of the car and over the hood. This maintains a classic Charger profile while improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Crucially, the Charger Daytona avoids the anonymous styling plaguing many EVs. Its presence is bold and unapologetic, instantly recognizable as a Dodge muscle car. This visual distinction is complemented by an auditory one: the patent-pending Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. Unlike silent EVs, this system generates a unique sound profile that rivals the Hellcat V8s in intensity, reaching up to 126 dB. It uses sound amplifiers and a specially tuned chamber to create a visceral, performance-oriented exhaust note that changes based on driving style and mode, reinforcing the muscle car experience even without a combustion engine.

Electrifying Performance: R/T and Scat Pack Power

Alt: Red 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack powersliding on a wet track, showcasing its electric muscle car performance.

Launching later this year as a 2024 model, the Dodge Charger Daytona coupe initially arrives in R/T and Scat Pack trims. Both models utilize a 400-volt architecture with a 100.5 kWh battery pack and dual electronic drive modules (EDMs) – one front, one rear – providing standard all-wheel drive for exceptional traction. The base R/T produces 340 kW (456 horsepower), while the base Scat Pack offers 440 kW (590 horsepower).

However, for the inaugural model year, Dodge is equipping both trims with standard Direct Connection stage kits. The 2024 Charger Daytona R/T receives the Stage 1 kit, boosting output to 370 kW (496 horsepower) and 404 lb-ft of torque. The 2024 Charger Daytona Scat Pack gets the Stage 2 kit standard, pushing power to an impressive 500 kW (670 horsepower) and 627 lb-ft of torque.

This power translates into exhilarating acceleration. The 496-hp R/T sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds. The 670-hp Scat Pack achieves a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds and runs the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds, making it the quickest and most powerful muscle car in its class. Thanks to the instant torque delivery of the electric motors, the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and the PowerShot feature (providing a 15-second, 40-horsepower boost), these performance figures are designed to be consistently repeatable, even on surfaces that aren’t perfectly prepped.

Alt: Front three-quarter view of a silver 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV, highlighting its aggressive muscle car styling and R-Wing.

Looking ahead to the 2025 model year, the Direct Connection stage kits will become optional upgrades, establishing a broader power range. The R/T lineup will include the standard 340 kW/456 hp version, the Stage 1 370 kW/496 hp model, and a Stage 2 option producing 400 kW/536 horsepower. Similarly, the Scat Pack will offer its base 440 kW/590 hp configuration, a Stage 1 upgrade to 470 kW/630 hp, and the top-tier Stage 2 package delivering the same 500 kW/670 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque as the 2024 standard Scat Pack.

Beyond Straight-Line Speed: Handling and Control

While acceleration is paramount, Dodge engineered the Charger Daytona for confident handling as well. Both R/T and Scat Pack models feature uniquely tuned multi-link front and independent rear suspensions with monotube shocks. The Scat Pack receives a slightly stiffer setup for enhanced responsiveness.

For drivers seeking the ultimate handling package, the Scat Pack offers an optional Track Pack. This upgrade includes dual-valve semi-active suspension with adaptive damping. The system monitors vehicle inputs and adjusts damping force based on the selected drive mode, optimizing ride comfort and handling performance for various conditions, from street cruising to aggressive track driving.

Alt: Rear view of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV demonstrating its Drift mode capabilities on pavement.

Speaking of drive modes, the Charger Daytona offers a comprehensive suite tailored to different driving scenarios. The R/T includes Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet/Snow, and Track modes. The Scat Pack builds upon this with specialized modes: Drag, Donut, and Drift. While most modes are familiar from previous Dodge performance vehicles, Donut and Drift are new additions enabled by the EV powertrain and AWD system. Donut mode allows controlled rear-wheel spin while keeping the front wheels planted for classic donut maneuvers. Drift mode offers multiple slip angle settings, enabling controlled oversteer and four-wheel drifts for track-focused fun.

Complementing the advanced suspension and drive modes are powerful braking systems incorporating regenerative braking to recoup energy. The R/T features 13.9-inch (354mm) front and 13.8-inch (350mm) rear rotors, housed within standard 18×8-inch wheels. The Scat Pack upgrades to larger 15.0-inch (380mm) front and 14.2-inch (360mm) rear rotors with standard 20×11-inch wheels. The optional Track Pack pushes braking performance further with massive 16.1-inch (410mm) Brembo rotors front and rear – the largest brakes ever fitted to a factory Dodge Charger. For the 2024 model year, these impressive 16.1-inch brakes are standard on the Scat Pack.

Alt: Detailed view of the large performance brakes and unique wheel design on the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack with Track Pack.

The Track Pack also introduces a staggered wheel and tire setup: 20×11-inch front wheels with 305mm tires and 20×11.5-inch rear wheels with substantial 325mm tires. This represents the largest wheel and tire package ever offered on a Charger, providing immense grip for launching off the line and carving through corners.

Range, Charging, and On-Track Readiness

Alt: Silver 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV driving on a scenic road, illustrating its driving range capabilities.

Practicality remains a key consideration for EVs. Dodge estimates the Charger Daytona R/T will offer a range of 317 miles, while the more powerful Scat Pack is projected to achieve 260 miles on a full charge.

Charging times vary depending on the power source. Using a Level 2 AC charger (common for home installation), charging from 5% to 80% takes approximately 7 hours for both models, while a 20% to 80% charge requires about 5.5 hours. This means an overnight charge can easily replenish the battery for daily driving.

For faster charging on the go, DC fast charging offers significantly reduced times. A common 175 kW DC fast charger can take the battery from 5% to 80% in about 52 minutes (or 42 minutes for 20% to 80%). Utilizing a high-power 350 kW DC fast charger, the 5% to 80% charge time drops to just over 30 minutes (or under 30 minutes for 20% to 80%). In practical terms, using a 350 kW station adds approximately 9.9 miles of range per minute for the R/T and 8.1 miles per minute for the Scat Pack during peak charging.

Further enhancing its performance credentials, especially for the Scat Pack, are systems like Line Lock (for burnouts), Launch Control (for optimized standing starts), and Race Prep. Race Prep optimizes battery temperature for specific high-performance scenarios: warming the battery for short bursts of maximum power in drag racing, or cooling the battery for sustained energy output during road course lapping sessions. The system displays battery level, thermal status, and estimated time until optimal race readiness.

Inside the Cockpit: Tech and Comfort

Alt: Driver’s cockpit view inside the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona featuring the digital gauge cluster, Uconnect 5 screen, and flat-bottom steering wheel.

The interior of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona mirrors the futuristic yet driver-focused theme of the exterior, again drawing inspiration from the SRT Banshee Concept. A new steering wheel features a flat top and bottom design with integrated controls for performance settings and infotainment. Behind it sits a configurable digital gauge cluster – 10.25 inches in the R/T and a large 16 inches in the Scat Pack. Key information is also projected onto the windshield via an available head-up display (HUD).

Dominating the center stack is a 12.3-inch touchscreen running the latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, providing access to navigation, media, vehicle settings, and performance pages. Standard audio comes from a 9-speaker, 506-watt Alpine system, with an optional 18-speaker, 914-watt Alpine premium sound system available for audiophiles. A unique touch is the “Attitude Adjustment” interior lighting system, featuring 64 selectable colors and adjustable brightness via LEDs that wrap 270 degrees around the cabin.

Alt: Interior overview of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona showcasing the sporty cabin design and ambient Attitude Adjustment lighting.

The cabin layout emphasizes a cockpit feel. The linear dashboard design flows into the door panels, visually widened by the ambient lighting strip. The center console and angled infotainment screen are oriented towards the driver, enhancing the sense of control.

Standard front bucket seats offer a sporty design, while the Scat Pack offers optional high-backed performance seats with fixed headrests and pass-throughs for racing harnesses. Opting for these seats, especially with the available Demonic Red leather upholstery, elevates the interior ambiance towards supercar territory, marking a significant evolution from previous Charger generations.

Alt: Close-up of the available racing-inspired bucket seats with fixed headrests in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona interior.

What’s Next: Sedan, Six Pack, and the Anticipated Banshee

While the 2024 model year launches exclusively with the Charger Daytona coupe in R/T and Scat Pack trims, the lineup will expand significantly in early 2025. A four-door sedan version of the Charger Daytona EV will join the family, sharing the same powertrain and features as the coupe, offering similar performance and range with added practicality.

Furthermore, Dodge isn’t abandoning internal combustion entirely. Early 2025 will also see the introduction of the Dodge Charger Six Pack models. These versions will be powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six engine, offered in two states of tune: a standard output (S.O.) version with 420 horsepower and a high output (H.O.) version making 550 horsepower.

Full details on the Charger Daytona sedan and the Charger Six Pack models will be revealed closer to their 2025 launch. For now, the focus is on the groundbreaking two-door Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack EVs hitting the streets later this year.

The arrival of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack marks a pivotal moment for the brand and the muscle car segment. Dodge has delivered an electric vehicle that retains the aggressive styling, thrilling performance, and even the sound associated with its V8 heritage. While these initial models set a high bar for electric muscle, all eyes remain on the future horizon, eagerly anticipating the full reveal and specifications of the ultimate performance iteration: the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee. The revolution has begun, but the pinnacle is yet to come.