Dodge EV Discontinued? What the Daytona SRT Means for Buyers in 2026

What Happened: The Dodge EV Timeline

Dodge unveiled the Charger Daytona SRT Concept in August 2022 to massive enthusiast attention — a battery-electric muscle car promising 800-volt architecture, over 600 horsepower, and a "Fratzonic" exhaust note simulating a V8. By early 2024, Dodge confirmed production versions: the R/T (496 hp) and Scat Pack (670 hp), both riding on Stellantis' STLA Large platform with a 100.6 kWh (usable) battery pack.

Then came the headwinds. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares departed in late 2024, EV demand softened in the U.S., and the company announced a strategic pivot toward offering "powertrain choice" rather than forcing electrification. The Banshee — the range-topping 800+ hp variant — was quietly shelved. Some outlets reported the EV Charger was dead. It wasn't, but the confusion was understandable given the shifting messaging.

As of the 2026 model year, here's what you can actually order:

Spec	Daytona R/T	Daytona Scat Pack
Base MSRP	$59,595	$73,595
Horsepower	496 hp	670 hp
0–60 mph	4.7 sec	3.3 sec
Battery (usable)	100.6 kWh (NMC)	100.6 kWh (NMC)
EPA Range	317 mi	260 mi
Max DC Fast Charge	~175 kW peak	~175 kW peak
10–80% DC Charge	~27 min	~27 min
Level 2 Charge Rate	11 kW	11 kW
Drivetrain	AWD (dual motor)	AWD (dual motor)
Battery Warranty	8 yr / 100,000 mi	8 yr / 100,000 mi
Federal Tax Credit (§30D)	Likely ineligible*	Likely ineligible*

*The Charger Daytona's battery sourcing and Stellantis' supply chain make §30D eligibility uncertain. Check the IRS eligible vehicles list before assuming credit availability. MSRP also exceeds the $55,000 sedan cap if classified as a sedan, though coupe classification may apply.

Dodge Daytona EV vs. Gas Charger: Cost and Performance Compared

The elephant in the room: Dodge is also selling a gas-powered 2026 Charger with a twin-turbo inline-six (the "Hurricane" engine). Here's how the electric and gas variants stack up for a buyer weighing options.

Metric	Daytona R/T (EV)	Charger R/T (Gas I6 Turbo)
Base MSRP	$59,595	~$52,000 (est.)
Horsepower	496 hp	420 hp
0–60 mph	4.7 sec	~5.0 sec (est.)
Fuel/Energy Cost per Mile	$0.04–$0.06 (home L2)	$0.14–$0.18 (gasoline)
Annual Fuel/Energy (12k mi)	$480–$720	$1,680–$2,160
Maintenance (annual avg)	~$300	~$700–$900
EPA Range / Tank Range	317 mi	~380–420 mi
Refuel/Recharge Time	27 min (10–80% DC)	5 min (gas station)
Federal Tax Credit	Likely ineligible	N/A

The cost math: At 12,000 miles per year, the EV Daytona saves roughly $1,200–$1,500 annually on energy and maintenance versus the gas Charger. Over a 5-year ownership period, that's $6,000–$7,500 in savings — enough to offset most of the EV's higher sticker price. But if you lack home charging or regularly drive 400+ mile road trips through charging-desert regions (rural Midwest, parts of the Mountain West), the gas Charger's 5-minute refuel and 400-mile tank range become significant advantages.

Real Costs of Owning the Dodge Charger Daytona EV

Let's break down the actual financial picture over five years and 60,000 miles.

Cost Category	Daytona R/T (EV)	Charger R/T (Gas)
Purchase Price (MSRP)	$59,595	$52,000
Federal Tax Credit	$0 (likely ineligible)	$0
Home Charger Install (L2)	$800–$2,000	$0
Energy/Fuel (5 yr, 60k mi)	$2,400–$3,600	$8,400–$10,800
Maintenance (5 yr)	$1,500	$3,500–$4,500
Insurance (5 yr avg)	$9,000–$11,000	$7,000–$9,000
Estimated Depreciation (5 yr)	$24,000–$28,000	$18,000–$22,000
Total 5-Year Cost	$97,295–$105,695	$88,900–$98,300

Key takeaways from this breakdown:

• Insurance runs higher on the EV — performance EVs carry premium surcharges from most carriers. Get quotes before committing.
• Depreciation is the wild card. As a low-volume, niche EV from a brand in transition, the Daytona's resale value is unpredictable. Gas Chargers historically hold value well with enthusiasts.
• Energy savings are real but not transformative at this price point. You're saving $6,000–$7,200 on fuel and maintenance over five years, but paying more upfront, more for insurance, and potentially losing more to depreciation.

Charging the Daytona: Home Setup and Road-Trip Reality

The Daytona uses the CCS1 connector for DC fast charging (Stellantis has not adopted NACS for this platform as of 2026). With a peak rate of roughly 175 kW, it's competent but not class-leading — the Hyundai Ioniq 5 peaks at 240 kW, and the Tesla Model S at 250 kW.

Home Charging (Level 2)

At 11 kW AC, the Daytona adds roughly 30–35 miles of range per hour of charging. A full 0–100% charge on a 48-amp Level 2 home charger takes about 10 hours — fine for overnight replenishment. If your home has a standard 200-amp electrical panel, adding a 48-amp L2 charger (requiring a 60-amp circuit) typically costs $800–$2,000 for equipment and electrician labor, per U.S. Department of Energy guidance. Older homes with 100-amp panels may need a $2,000–$4,000 panel upgrade.

Public DC Fast Charging

On road trips, the 27-minute 10–80% time is acceptable but requires planning. Real-world charging curves matter: the Daytona peaks near 175 kW only between roughly 10–40% State of Charge (SoC), then tapers significantly. Your average power over a full 10–80% session is closer to 110–120 kW. On Electrify America or EVgo networks, budget 30–35 minutes per stop including plug-in and checkout.

If you live in an apartment without charging access, or if your region has sparse DC fast-charging infrastructure, the Daytona EV becomes a much harder proposition. This isn't a dealbreaker everywhere — metro areas with dense charging networks work fine — but it's a real constraint for rural buyers.

Common Misconceptions About the Dodge EV

Myth	Fact
"The Dodge EV was fully discontinued."	The Charger Daytona EV is in production for 2026, though with reduced trim options (no Banshee). Stellantis scaled back, not canceled.
"It qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit."	As of 2026, the Daytona is likely ineligible due to battery sourcing requirements under §30D. Always verify on the IRS eligible models list before purchasing.
"The Fratzonic exhaust makes it sound like a V8."	The Fratzonic chambered exhaust produces a synthetic low-frequency rumble through external speakers. It's distinctive but not a convincing V8 replica — think of it as EV-specific character, not a mimicry.
"317 miles of range means 317 miles of real driving."	EPA range is a lab estimate. Highway driving at 75 mph in 40°F weather with HVAC running will yield closer to 220–250 miles in the R/T. Plan road trips around 200-mile legs for safety margin.
"EVs don't need maintenance."	EVs need less maintenance (no oil, no spark plugs), but tires wear 15–20% faster due to instant torque and heavier weight. Budget for tire replacement every 25,000–35,000 miles on a performance EV like the Daytona.

Who Should Buy the Dodge Charger Daytona EV — and Who Shouldn't

What This Means for Dodge's Electric Future

The Charger Daytona's uncertain rollout reflects a broader Stellantis strategy shift. The company has signaled it will offer electrified options where demand exists but won't force a transition. For Dodge specifically, the brand's core audience — performance enthusiasts who value sound, mechanical engagement, and heritage — is among the most EV-skeptical segments in the market.

Dodge's approach of offering both electric and gas Chargers simultaneously is a pragmatic hedge, but it creates buyer confusion (hence searches like "Dodge EV discontinued"). The practical reality: the Daytona EV is a real, orderable car for 2026, but it's a low-volume halo product, not a mainstream offering. Dealer allocation is limited, and you may face markups or extended wait times depending on your market.

If you're committed to an electric muscle car, the Daytona Scat Pack delivers genuine performance (3.3 seconds to 60 mph is supercar territory). If you're open to alternatives, the broader performance-EV market offers faster charging, better range efficiency, and more established ownership ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions