Europe is moving towards phasing out gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035, but sports cars remain viable, with brands like Alpine and Abarth leading the charge. Dodge plans to introduce its electric Charger in Europe, following the unveiling of the production version in March 2024. All variants, including traditional and electric models, will be available by late 2025. The electric Charger boasts impressive specs, with up to 670 horsepower and a range of 510 kilometers, although pricing for Europe has yet to be confirmed.
While Europe plans to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035, it doesn’t spell the end for sports cars. Manufacturers like Alpine, with its A290, and Abarth, featuring the 600e, are already embracing this shift.
The Arrival of an Electric Dodge Charger in Europe
Another key player in this evolving landscape is Dodge, a brand more commonly associated with the American market. Although it can continue to offer traditional combustion engines at home, Dodge is part of the Stellantis group and is eager to electrify its lineup. In 2022, the company revealed the Charger Daytona SRT “Banshee” concept, hinting at an imminent production model.
In March 2024, the production version was unveiled, closely resembling the concept car. Initially, there were doubts about its availability in Europe, but those concerns have been laid to rest! According to a statement from a Stellantis spokesperson, the Dodge Charger is set to enter the European market, with availability through importers starting in the second half of 2025. This aligns with earlier speculation.
Exciting news for Dodge enthusiasts, as all variants of this sports car will be available on the European continent. This includes both two-door and four-door options, as well as models featuring traditional and electric powertrains. While the specific configurations and their release dates remain unclear, updates are expected soon.
It’s worth noting that the electric version of the Charger was the first to launch in the U.S., and given the stringent regulations in Europe, it is likely that this trend will continue. Brussels is actively encouraging manufacturers to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles, with stricter CAFE regulations set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Impressive Specifications for the New Charger
The upcoming Dodge Charger is built on the STLA Large platform and will be available in two electric versions: the Daytona R/T and the Daytona Scat Pack. The entry-level Daytona R/T offers an impressive 496 horsepower, thanks to a temporary overboost feature, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The more powerful Daytona Scat Pack boasts 670 horsepower and can achieve the same speed in just 3.3 seconds. Both variants have a top speed of 216 km/h, compared to 220 km/h for the R/T.
Despite their performance capabilities, both models share a substantial 100.5 kWh battery, which has raised concerns regarding weight and material use. According to the stringent American EPA standard, the maximum range is estimated at 510 kilometers, and charging from 5 to 80% takes about 32.5 minutes. The vehicle operates on a 400-volt architecture, and one standout feature is its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, which recreates the sound of a classic combustion engine.
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This unique technology is also featured in the Abarth 500e and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, among others. When pitted against competitors like the Tesla Model S Plaid and the Porsche Taycan, the new electric Dodge Charger may not completely match their performance. Pricing details for Europe have yet to be confirmed, but it’s important to note that the base price in the U.S. starts at $59,995. Due to taxes, transportation costs, and compliance with European standards, it’s anticipated the cost will be higher once it reaches the European market.