Electric Dodge Daytona R/T Trim Discontinued, EV Rollout Faces Delays
The Dodge Charger holds a legendary status in muscle car culture, largely due to its iconic Hemi V-8 engines. Because of this deep-seated heritage, the transition to an all-electric future for the Charger—initially revealed as the electric dodge daytona before the gasoline-powered models arrive later this year—was always going to face skepticism. Indeed, reports across the internet highlight heavily discounted Charger Daytona EVs that aren’t moving quickly off dealer lots. It appears many traditional Dodge enthusiasts are holding out for the rumored return of the V-8 or, at least, the upcoming Sixpack versions powered by twin-turbo inline-six engines.
This lack of market enthusiasm for the electric Charger Daytona is prompting strategic adjustments at Dodge’s parent company, Stellantis. Stellantis has now confirmed to Carscoops that it is discontinuing the entry-level Charger Daytona R/T for the 2026 model year, leaving its future uncertain beyond 2025. For the 2025 model year, the R/T is available exclusively as a two-door coupe. The planned spring 2025 arrival of the four-door Charger Daytona has also been pushed back, now expected later this year or early next, launching as a 2026 model. This delay for the four-door electric variant is corroborated by a report from Car and Driver.
The revised launch timeline for the four-door electric models now coincides with the anticipated release of the gasoline-powered “Sixpack” Chargers. These ICE-powered Chargers are reportedly still on schedule for a late 2025 arrival as 2026 models. They will be available as four-door vehicles powered by the high-output Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 engine.
With the R/T trim gone, Dodge’s Charger lineup will primarily feature the two-door Charger Daytona Scat Pack for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, delays are also impacting other Stellantis electric vehicle projects. The all-electric Ram 1500 Rev has been delayed again, potentially pushing its launch to 2027. The Ram 1500 Ramcharger, an extended-range EV with a gasoline generator, which had previously leapfrogged the Rev in the production schedule, is also now delayed until next year or beyond.
Front view of the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack electric muscle car.
R/T Trim Falls Victim to Strategy Shift
The Charger Daytona R/T appears to be a casualty of factors including “U.S. tariffs” and Dodge’s renewed focus on gasoline-powered models. Interestingly, despite being the entry-level trim with a starting price of $61,590, the all-electric dodge daytona R/T is seeing significant price reductions. Configuring a 2025 model on Dodge’s website currently shows a potential price around $47,000 for an optionless model, factoring in tax credits and manufacturer incentives. The higher-performance $70,190 Scat Pack is currently being offered at prices comparable to the R/T’s undiscounted MSRP. This aggressive discounting on the R/T suggests Dodge may be clearing the path for the incoming gas-powered Chargers, which are expected to offer between 420 hp and 540 hp, compared to the R/T’s 496 hp (the Scat Pack boasts 670 hp for similar current market money).
Dodge CEO Matt McAlear explained the strategy shift: “Production of the Dodge Charger Daytona R/T is postponed for the 2026 model year as we continue to assess the effects of U.S. tariff policies. The Charger’s flexible, multi-energy STLA Large platform allows us to focus on the Charger Daytona Scat Pack’s performance as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car, add the new four-door model to the Charger mix for the 2026 model year and lean into the new Charger SIXPACK models that will launch in the second half of the year.”
The remaining Charger Daytona Scat Pack could potentially see further price adjustments. Standard packages and options on the 2024 and 2025 models, such as the Track Pack kit, might become optional, potentially lowering the base price. Meanwhile, the ICE-powered Chargers, including the four-door and high-output Hurricane Twin Turbo I-6 variants, seem on track for their planned 2026 model year launch in late 2025.
The all-electric 2025 Ram 1500 Rev pickup truck.
Delays Across the Stellantis EV Portfolio
As mentioned, the 2026 Ram 1500 REV, already delayed once, is now reportedly pushed back even further, potentially to summer 2027, according to Car and Driver. Joining Stellantis’ list of delayed electric offerings is the Ramcharger EREV, which was originally slated to arrive by the end of 2025 but is now delayed to the first quarter of 2026. These delays highlight broader challenges in Stellantis’s electric vehicle rollout strategy.
Action shot of a 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV on the road.
Amidst these EV delays and strategic shifts, there are whispers that Dodge and Ram are increasing efforts towards potentially bringing back the Hemi V-8 to their lineups. Currently, only the three-row Durango SUV still offers a V-8 engine. However, leaks suggest the Hemi is likely returning to the Ram 1500, and there is speculation it could even make a comeback in the Charger lineup, tapping into the heritage shared with classics like the 76 chevelle ss.
In summary, the market’s reception to the all-electric dodge daytona has prompted significant changes, including the discontinuation of the R/T trim and delays for other electric models, while Dodge and Stellantis appear to be accelerating plans for gasoline-powered alternatives, potentially even resurrecting the beloved Hemi V-8 in other models.
This report was originally published in May 2025 and has been updated to include clarifications regarding Charger and Charger Daytona production plans for the 2026 model year.
