2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV: The Electric SRT Era Begins?

As the automotive landscape shifts towards electrification, many manufacturers are rolling out sensible yet often uninspiring crossovers. Dodge, however, is taking a dramatically different path. The brand recently unveiled its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, shattering the mold of typical EVs. This isn’t just another electric car; it’s the world’s first electric muscle car, proving that BEVs can deliver exhilarating performance and head-turning style. While the ultimate expression, potentially a future 2024 Electric Srt based on the Banshee concept, is still anticipated, the newly revealed R/T and Scat Pack models signal a bold new chapter for American muscle, infused with electric power.

When Dodge showcased the Charger Daytona SRT® Banshee Concept in 2022, skepticism lingered about whether the production model would retain its aggressive look. Looking at the 2024 Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack, it’s clear the design team stayed remarkably faithful to the concept’s vision. From the commanding silhouette to signature elements like the front and rear LED lighting, the aerodynamic R-Wing pass-through feature on the hood, and the innovative Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system designed to give the EV a distinct roar, the production car embodies the concept’s spirit. The design cleverly incorporates cues from the iconic 1970 Charger, resulting in a modern muscle car that looks unlike anything else on the road, especially in the EV space. It defiantly avoids the generic “melting jelly bean” profile common among electric sedans and crossovers, asserting its identity as a true muscle car.

Front three-quarter view of the silver 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV showcasing its muscular design and R-Wing feature

Design: Staying True to Muscle Car Roots

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona doesn’t just look the part; its design is a deliberate statement against the homogenization of electric vehicles. The production model successfully translates the aggressive stance and key features of the SRT Banshee concept into a road-ready car. The distinctive R-Wing at the front isn’t just for show; it enhances downforce by allowing air to pass through the front opening and over the hood. Combined with the full-width front and rear LED lighting signatures, including the illuminated center Fratzog logo, the car possesses an unmistakable presence, day or night. This commitment to bold design ensures the Charger Daytona stands out, offering a visual connection to its muscle car heritage while embracing futuristic elements.

Performance: Redefining Electric Power

Beneath the striking exterior lies a powertrain engineered to deliver the performance expected from a Dodge Charger, potentially setting the stage for future high-performance variants like a production 2024 Electric Srt. The initial 2024 lineup proves that electrification can amplify muscle car thrills.

Powertrain Overview

Both the R/T and Scat Pack models are built on a 400V architecture featuring a 100.5 kWh battery pack. Power is delivered through front and rear electric drive modules (EDMs), providing standard all-wheel-drive for exceptional traction and control under acceleration. This AWD system is crucial for managing the instant torque characteristic of electric motors.

2024 Launch Models: R/T and Scat Pack

For their debut year, the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack come standard with Direct Connection stage kits, boosting their performance figures significantly.

• Charger Daytona R/T: Comes standard with the Direct Connection Stage 1 kit, increasing output from a base 340 kW (456 hp) to 370 kW (496 horsepower) and 404 lb-ft of torque. This enables a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.1 seconds.
• Charger Daytona Scat Pack: Includes the Direct Connection Stage 2 kit as standard, elevating power from a base 440 kW (590 hp) to a potent 500 kW (670 horsepower) and 627 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds and an impressive quarter-mile run in 11.5 seconds.

Both models benefit from the PowerShot feature, providing an extra 40 horsepower boost for 15 seconds, activated via a button on the steering wheel. The combination of instant torque, AWD, and PowerShot ensures these performance figures are consistently achievable.

Close-up of the Dodge Charger Daytona badge on the electric muscle car highlighting its next-generation performance branding

Post-2024 Power Levels

Starting in 2025, Dodge will offer a wider range of power outputs for the Charger Daytona coupe lineup, allowing customers more choice beyond the initial launch specification:

• Charger Daytona R/T:
  • Base: 340 kW (456 hp)
  • Stage 1: 370 kW (496 hp)
  • Stage 2: 400 kW (536 hp)
• Charger Daytona Scat Pack:
  • Base: 440 kW (590 hp)
  • Stage 1: 470 kW (630 hp)
  • Stage 2: 500 kW (670 hp)

Beyond Straight-Line Speed: Handling and Braking

While acceleration is impressive, Dodge engineered the Charger Daytona for balanced performance, ensuring it handles corners with confidence. Both R/T and Scat Pack trims feature uniquely tuned monotube dampers, with the Scat Pack receiving a stiffer setup for enhanced handling.

The available Track Pack for the Scat Pack significantly upgrades handling dynamics. It introduces a dual-valve, semi-active suspension setup with adaptive damping that adjusts based on the selected drive mode, offering optimized performance whether cruising or attacking a track.

Detailed view of the large performance wheel and brake caliper on the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV indicating its advanced handling capabilities

Drive modes further tailor the driving experience. The R/T includes Auto, Eco, Sport, Wet/Snow, and Track modes. The Scat Pack adds Drag, Donut, and Drift modes. Donut mode allows controlled rear-wheel spin for effortless donuts, while Drift mode offers multiple slip angle settings for controlled slides, engaging all four wheels.

Braking performance is equally robust, incorporating regenerative braking to recoup energy.

• R/T: Features 354mm front and 350mm rear rotors, housed within standard 18×8-inch wheels.
• Scat Pack: Comes standard with larger 380mm front and 360mm rear rotors under 20×11-inch wheels.
• Track Pack (Scat Pack): Upgrades to massive 410mm (16.1-inch) rotors front and rear – the largest brakes ever offered on a factory Dodge Charger. For the 2024 model year, these impressive 16.1-inch brakes are standard on the Scat Pack.

Rear three-quarter view of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV emphasizing its wide stance and performance-oriented design elements

The Track Pack also includes staggered wheels (20×11 front, 20×11.5 rear) wrapped in wide 305mm front and 325mm rear tires, marking the largest wheel-and-tire package ever factory-fitted to a Charger. This setup maximizes grip for launches and cornering. Additional track-focused features like Line Lock, Launch Control, and a sophisticated Race Prep system optimize battery conditions for either drag racing (warmer battery for short bursts) or road course work (colder start for sustained energy use).

Range and Charging Capabilities

Addressing key EV considerations, Dodge has provided competitive range and charging figures for the Charger Daytona.

• Range: The R/T targets an estimated range of 317 miles, while the more powerful Scat Pack aims for 260 miles on a full charge.

Close-up of the charging port on the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV illustrating its electric powertrain technology

• Charging Times:
  • Level 2 (AC): Using the onboard charger, charging from 5% to 80% takes approximately 7 hours (5.5 hours for 20% to 80%). This means an overnight charge is typically sufficient for a full battery.
  • Level 3 (DC Fast Charging):
    • At a 175 kW station: 5% to 80% takes around 52 minutes (42 minutes for 20% to 80%).
    • At a 350 kW station: 5% to 80% takes just over 30 minutes (under 30 minutes for 20% to 80%).
  • Charging Speed: On a 350 kW charger, the R/T gains approximately 9.9 miles of range per minute, while the Scat Pack gains about 8.1 miles per minute during peak charging.

Inside the Cockpit: High-Tech Meets High-Performance

The interior of the Charger Daytona mirrors the futuristic yet functional design of the exterior, drawing heavily from the SRT Banshee Concept to create a driver-focused cockpit. A new steering wheel with a flat top and bottom incorporates controls for vehicle performance and infotainment. Ahead of the driver sits a configurable digital gauge cluster (10.25 inches standard on R/T, 16 inches optional/standard on Scat Pack), complemented by an available head-up display (HUD).

Driver's view of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV cockpit featuring the digital gauge cluster Uconnect 5 infotainment screen and flat-bottom steering wheel

Central to the dashboard is a large 12.3-inch touchscreen running the latest Uconnect® 5 software, providing access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Standard audio comes from a 9-speaker, 506-watt Alpine system, with an 18-speaker, 914-watt premium Alpine system available as an upgrade. A unique touch is the “Attitude Adjustment” interior lighting, featuring 64 selectable colors with adjustable brightness flowing across 270 degrees of the cabin.

Interior shot showcasing the sporty front bucket seats available in the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV possibly with optional Demonic Red leather

The cabin’s design emphasizes sportiness. A linear dashboard design wraps seamlessly into the door panels, highlighted by the ambient lighting strip. The angled center screen and console design enhance the driver-centric feel. Standard front bucket seats offer good support, while the Scat Pack offers optional racing-inspired seats with fixed headrests and pass-throughs for harnesses. Opting for these seats in Demonic Red leather elevates the interior ambiance, approaching supercar territory and marking a significant evolution from previous Charger generations.

Wide angle view of the futuristic and driver-centric interior of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV highlighting the Attitude Adjustment lighting and console design

Looking Ahead: Sedan and Six Pack Join the Family

Following the launch of the 2024 Charger Daytona coupe later this year, the lineup will expand significantly in early 2025. A four-door sedan version of the Charger Daytona will debut, sharing the same electric powertrain options and likely similar performance and range figures as the coupe.

Additionally, Dodge will cater to internal combustion enthusiasts with the introduction of the Charger Six Pack, also arriving in early 2025. This model will feature the potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane inline-six engine, offered in two states of tune: a standard-output version with 420 horsepower and a high-output variant making 550 horsepower. Full details on the sedan and Six Pack models will be revealed closer to their launch.

Conclusion: A Bold Electric Statement

The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T and Scat Pack represent a monumental step for Dodge, proving that the transition to electric power doesn’t mean sacrificing the soul of a muscle car. By blending heritage-inspired design with cutting-edge EV technology and staggering performance figures, Dodge has created an electric vehicle that stands apart from the crowd. While enthusiasts eagerly await confirmation of a fully-fledged production electric SRT model, the 2024 Daytona lineup already embodies the spirit of high performance associated with the 2024 electric srt moniker. This isn’t just a new car; it’s a declaration that the future of muscle is electric, loud (thanks to Fratzonic sound), and undeniably Dodge.