The muscle car as we know it is undergoing a revolution — and Dodge is leading the charge, quite literally. With the unveiling of the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV, the automaker has not only embraced the electric future but boldly rewritten the rulebook by creating the world’s first four-door electric muscle car. This isn’t just another EV — it’s a performance statement, a legacy rebooted, and a vision of what American muscle means in the 21st century.
Here’s everything you need to know about the groundbreaking 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV.
A New Chapter in Muscle Car History
For decades, the Dodge Charger has symbolized raw power, unmistakable design, and thunderous performance. But as the auto industry pivots toward electrification, Dodge is proving that muscle doesn’t have to rely on gasoline. With the Daytona EV, the brand has retained its performance DNA while infusing it with advanced EV technology — creating a car that’s just as aggressive as its ICE predecessors but smarter, faster, and cleaner.
Bold Exterior: Classic Design with a Futuristic Twist
The 2026 Charger Daytona doesn’t shy away from its heritage. It blends retro-inspired muscle aesthetics with futuristic design cues, making it instantly recognizable yet forward-looking.
Exterior Highlights:
- Iconic wide and low stance
- Aerodynamic Fratzonic front R-Wing that channels air for downforce
- LED light bar running across the grille with the illuminated Fratzog logo
- Sculpted hood, deep side skirts, and performance wheels
- Available in vibrant, muscle-era-inspired paint finishes
The four-door configuration does not dilute the car’s bold identity. Instead, it adds practicality while maintaining an aggressive silhouette that commands attention.
Performance: EV Muscle With Real Bite
Dodge is staying true to its reputation by offering multiple performance tiers under the STLA Large EV platform, which supports both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations.
Powertrain Options (Expected):
- Base variants offering around 400–500 horsepower
- Mid-level trims delivering up to 670 horsepower
- High-performance SRT Banshee trim expected to exceed 800 horsepower
What truly sets the Daytona apart is its eRupt multi-speed transmission and Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system — a unique feature that simulates a performance exhaust sound to replicate the thrill of traditional muscle cars. It’s loud, aggressive, and engineered to satisfy purists.
Acceleration and Driving Dynamics
The top-spec Charger Daytona EV is expected to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, rivaling some of the fastest gas-powered and electric vehicles on the market. Thanks to its low center of gravity, adaptive suspension, and instant torque delivery, the handling is as sharp as it is thrilling.
The inclusion of drift modes, track settings, and launch control features further cements its position as a true performance vehicle — not just an electrified commuter.
Interior: A High-Tech Cockpit Meets Muscle Car Vibe
Dodge has embraced digital luxury without abandoning the muscle car essence. Inside, the 2026 Charger Daytona offers a driver-focused layout packed with cutting-edge technology and performance-oriented design elements.
Interior Features:
- 12.3-inch digital driver cluster and 16-inch central touchscreen
- Head-up display (HUD) with customizable performance data
- Ambient lighting that reacts to drive modes
- Alcantara, leather, and performance-fabric seat options
- Flat-bottom steering wheel and metal paddle shifters
The rear seats offer ample space thanks to the four-door design, making this EV surprisingly practical for a muscle car.
Range and Charging: Performance Without Compromise
The Daytona EV isn’t just fast — it’s built to last on the road too. Utilizing Dodge’s STLA platform, it is expected to offer:
- Range of up to 500 km (310 miles) on a full charge (depending on the trim and battery pack)
- 800-volt architecture supporting ultra-fast DC charging
- Ability to charge from 20% to 80% in under 25 minutes
This balance of speed and endurance makes it equally suited for track days and road trips.
Safety and Tech Features
Dodge includes a comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced driver aids:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- 360-degree camera system
- Emergency automatic braking
Connectivity is equally strong, with over-the-air (OTA) updates, integrated navigation, and smartphone syncing for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A Statement of American Innovation
The 2026 Charger Daytona EV isn’t just about going electric — it’s about preserving American muscle spirit in an era of transformation. By keeping the raw, emotional appeal alive through:
- Simulated exhaust roars
- Launch control
- Multi-speed gear engagement
- Visceral design
Dodge ensures enthusiasts don’t feel like they’re sacrificing identity for efficiency.
This is more than a car; it’s a statement of defiance — a way to say that the future doesn’t have to be silent or soft.
Expected Pricing and Availability
While exact pricing hasn’t been officially announced, industry insiders suggest that:
- Base models could start around $50,000–$60,000
- Higher-performance variants like the SRT Banshee could reach $90,000+
Production is expected to begin in mid-2025, with deliveries starting in early 2026. Dodge plans a full rollout in North America first, with limited international markets to follow.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Power
With the 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona EV, muscle car lovers get the best of both worlds — brutal performance and sustainable power. It honors the past while leaping into the future, proving that electrification doesn’t mean the end of excitement.
In an industry filled with cookie-cutter electric SUVs and sedans, the Charger Daytona EV stands out as a bold outlier — a beacon for those who crave adrenaline, noise, and drama, all wrapped in a modern electric package.
If you’re waiting for an EV that doesn’t compromise on personality, this might just be the electric car you’ve been waiting for.
