2024 Dodge Charger Daytona EV First Drive: Electric Muscle Unleashed, Expectation Exceeded

The Dodge Charger Daytona EV: A Real Muscle Car

Activating launch control, I mashed my left foot into the brake pedal and my right foot on the accelerator, waiting for the drag strip "Christmas tree" to turn green. As I anticipated the final yellow light, my twitch muscles readied to release the brake and let it rip to the quarter-mile finish line. It was over almost as soon as I set off, and while no records were set, I reached 118 mph easily and let the exhilaration course through my veins. It was official: the all-new, all-electric 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona is a real muscle car.

The Basics

If you’re a muscle car fan, you’ll intuit the connection to Dodge’s iconic body styling immediately. The company entered the muscle car fray in the late ’60s, grabbed the segment by the teeth, and held on tight. While it’s been clear that the Dodge team would launch an electric car for quite some time, the question remained: Could they pull it off? This new Charger replaces both the old four-door Charger and two-door Challenger in Dodge’s lineup. It’s a coupe at launch, but the sedan version will reportedly be along shortly.

Driving the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona

This car is massive. It’s not afraid to take up space on the road, asserting its dominance via substantial haunches and a long rear overhang. I was surprised by how easy it was to park this beast, considering it’s nearly nine inches longer and four inches wider than the previous Challenger. The doors are long, though, so you don’t want to swing them out too hard lest you ding your neighbor’s door.

Power and Performance

The numbers don’t lie. Equipped with a 400-volt dual motor system, the Scat Pack version is good for up to 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, and Dodge says it can run the quarter mile in 11.5 seconds. I did it in 11.7, which is still respectable. This car’s electric powertrain provides immediate and relentless torque, making it feel more agile and responsive than a traditional muscle car.

The Verdict

While the electric Charger Daytona is a significant departure from traditional muscle cars, it still delivers the thrill and excitement you crave. It’s a statement car, and Dodge has managed to marry its iconic design with a modern, environmentally friendly powertrain. I was blown away by the Charger Daytona’s performance and handling, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any muscle car enthusiast looking for a change of pace.

Related:

• The 2025 Dodge Charger is Even Larger Than the Challenger: Here’s Why
• The Electric Muscle Car: Can the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Fill the Void?
• Is the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona a Real Muscle Car? Yes, It Absolutely Is.

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