The automotive world is buzzing with excitement over the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV. This isn’t just another electric vehicle – it’s a bold statement that muscle cars can thrive in the electric age.
What makes this year special? Dodge finally delivers the four-door sedan version alongside the existing coupe. The wait is over for families who want muscle car thrills with practical space.
What’s New for 2026: Four Doors Meet Electric Power
The Sedan Finally Arrives
After months of anticipation, the four-door Charger Daytona officially joins the lineup. Dodge kept us waiting, but the result proves worth every second of delay.
The sedan shares identical styling cues with the coupe version. Same aggressive front end, same muscular proportions, just with added practicality for rear passengers.
Simplified Trim Strategy
Gone is the entry-level R/T trim for 2026. Political tariffs and market response forced Dodge to streamline offerings to just the Scat Pack.
This means every 2026 Charger Daytona starts with serious power. No compromises, no base models – just pure electric muscle from day one.
Performance That Puts Gas Cars to Shame
670 Horsepower Standard
The dual-motor setup delivers devastating acceleration numbers. Front and rear electric motors combine for 670 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.
PowerShot feature adds an extra 40 horses for 10 seconds when you need maximum punch. Think of it as electric nitrous oxide for the modern age.
Lightning-Fast Acceleration
Zero to 60 mph happens in just 3.3 seconds for the sedan. The coupe manages it in 3.2 seconds, making both versions quicker than many supercars.
All-wheel drive comes standard on every model. No spinning wheels, no drama – just immediate traction and forward thrust.
Design That Commands Respect
Retro-Modern Styling
The exterior design channels classic first-generation Charger vibes with modern execution. Clean lines replace the busy details of recent gas-powered models.
Widebody proportions make the car look planted and aggressive. This isn’t a wimpy electric sedan – it’s a statement of intent.
Practical Hatchback Layout
Despite looking like a traditional sedan or coupe, both versions feature hatchback practicality. The rear opening provides access to a surprisingly spacious cargo area.
38.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the four-door version beats most traditional sedans. Family trips become possible without sacrificing style.
Interior Technology and Comfort
Digital Command Center
A massive 16-inch infotainment screen dominates the dashboard center. The 12.3-inch driver display provides all necessary vehicle information at a glance.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep you connected without cables. Modern convenience meets muscle car attitude in perfect harmony.
Premium Materials Throughout
Leather and suede upholstery elevates the interior beyond typical muscle car expectations. The famous pistol-grip shifter returns as a nostalgic touch.
Long, sweeping dashboard lines create visual drama. Continuous stitching adds premium details that justify the higher price point.
Electric Powertrain Deep Dive
Battery and Range Specifications
The 93.9-kWh battery pack uses advanced nickel-cobalt-aluminum chemistry. 241 miles of range provides adequate daily driving capability.
400-volt architecture enables rapid charging capabilities. DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 24 minutes.
Regenerative Braking System
Three levels of regenerative braking adjust via steering wheel paddles. One-pedal driving becomes possible for maximum efficiency in traffic.
The system captures energy during deceleration to extend range. Smart engineering makes electric driving feel natural and intuitive.
The Controversial Fratzonic Exhaust
Synthetic Sound Experience
The Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust might be the most polarizing feature. This speaker system generates artificial V8 engine sounds for traditional muscle car atmosphere.
Some enthusiasts love the nostalgic audio experience. Others prefer silent electric operation and wish for an off switch.
Physical Vibration Effects
Beyond just sound, the system creates physical vibrations through the seat and floor. Sport, Track, and Drag modesintensify these sensations.
The goal is replicating traditional muscle car feedback. Whether it succeeds depends entirely on personal preference and expectations.
Track Package and Performance Options
Enhanced Braking System
The available Track Package brings Dodge’s largest brake setup ever. 410mm two-piece front Brembos provide serious stopping power.
20-inch wheels with performance tires complete the package. Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 rubber maximizes grip during aggressive driving.
Special Drive Modes
Donut Mode and Drift Mode encourage sideways fun. Line Lock holds the front brakes for smoky burnouts (though electric cars struggle here).
Launch Control optimizes acceleration from a standstill. Performance Pages record lap times and driving data for analysis.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Premium Positioning
Expect pricing to start around $76,000 for the 2026 model year. This represents a significant increase over previous gas-powered Charger models.
The higher price reflects premium materials, advanced technology, and electric powertrain complexity. You’re paying for tomorrow’s muscle car today.
Standard Equipment Level
Every Charger Daytona includes features that were options on gas models. Head-up display, 10-way power driver’s seat, and premium audio come standard.
Free racing school day at Radford Racing School adds value. Professional instruction helps maximize the car’s performance potential safely.
Real-World Driving Experience
Daily Usability
The large size makes highway cruising comfortable and confident. Adaptive dampers (on Track Package cars) balance comfort with performance capability.
City driving benefits from instant electric torque. Traffic light sprints become effortless exercises in acceleration superiority.
Long-Distance Touring
241-mile range requires charging stops on longer trips. Fast charging capability minimizes downtime when touring.
The quiet electric operation reduces fatigue on long drives. No engine noise or vibration means arriving refreshed at your destination.
Competition and Market Position
Electric Performance Rivals
The Tesla Model S Plaid offers more power but lacks muscle car character. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N provides similar fun factor with better efficiency.
Ford Mustang Mach-E GT represents the closest direct competition. Each offers different approaches to electric performance.
Traditional Muscle Car Comparison
Gas-powered alternatives still exist within Dodge’s own lineup. The Charger Sixpack brings twin-turbo inline-six power later this year.
Electric instant torque versus traditional engine character creates different experiences. Personal preference determines the better choice.
Future Outlook and Development
Solid State Battery Testing
Dodge plans solid-state battery testing in 2026 models. This technology promises increased range, better durability, and improved thermal management.
The STLA Large platform enables easy battery upgrades. Future improvements can potentially retrofit existing vehicles.
Higher Performance Variants
The rumored SRT Banshee trim could arrive with even more power. 800-volt architecture would enable faster charging and higher performance.
Dodge continues developing electric performance technology. The Charger Daytona represents just the beginning of electric muscle car evolution.
Owner Considerations
Charging Infrastructure Needs
Home charging installation becomes essential for daily convenience. Level 2 charging handles overnight replenishment effectively.
Public DC fast charging supports longer trips. Network reliability varies by region, requiring trip planning consideration.
Maintenance Advantages
Electric powertrains require minimal scheduled maintenance. No oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission services reduce ownership costs.
Brake pads last longer thanks to regenerative braking. Overall maintenance expenses drop significantly compared to gas engines.
Environmental Impact
Zero Local Emissions
Electric operation eliminates tailpipe emissions entirely. Local air quality improves, especially in urban environments.
Grid electricity sourcing determines overall environmental impact. Renewable energy sources maximize environmental benefits.
Battery Recycling Considerations
End-of-life battery disposal requires proper recycling. Industry infrastructure continues developing to handle increasing volumes.
Second-life applications can extend battery usefulness. Home energy storage represents one promising avenue for retired vehicle batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the top speed of the 2026 Charger Daytona EV? A: Dodge hasn’t officially announced top speed figures yet.
Q: Can I get the four-door version with less power? A: No, only the 670-hp Scat Pack trim is available for 2026.
Q: How long does charging take at home? A: Level 2 charging typically takes 8-10 hours for a full charge.
Q: Is the Fratzonic exhaust sound adjustable? A: Yes, different drive modes alter the intensity of the synthetic sound.
Q: What warranty covers the battery pack? A: Dodge offers an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.
Q: Can I turn off the fake engine sounds completely? A: Current models don’t offer a complete disable option for the Fratzonic system.
Q: How much cargo space does the four-door version have? A: The sedan offers 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up.
Q: When will the gas-powered Charger Sixpack arrive? A: Dodge expects Sixpack models to start production in the second half of 2025.
Q: Does the Track Package come standard? A: No, the Track Package is now optional for 2026, helping reduce base prices.
Q: What colors are available for the 2026 model year? A: Dodge hasn’t announced the complete color palette for 2026 yet.