Dodge Charger EV: electric muscle car magic with 3.3s 0–60 mph acceleration, mechanical rear LSD

As the EV market continues to grow, we are seeing more and more manufacturers try to differentiate themselves from the competition by incorporating some sort of wow factor. Rivian is going all-in on the off-roading and adventure scene, while Tesla seems caught up in cosplaying as a luxury carmaker, and Hyundai is off playing race-car driver with its Ioniq 5 N.

Dodge, true to fashion, has turned to its heritage in the muscle car world with the release of the Dodge Charger EV. The Charger EV is a fully-electric muscle car with a dual-motor, AWD drivetrain that delivers 670 HP and dashes to 60 mph in a claimed 3.3 seconds — at least in its Daytona guise.

Dodge Charger EV at a glance:

• 400 v architecture.
• Rear-wheel-biased dual-motor AWD drive train.
• Mechanical rear LSD.
• 3.3-second 0–60 mph time.
• 100.5 kWh battery with 550 kW output.
• Anywhere between 496–670 HP, depending on the trim and upgrade kits.

If you were concerned that the new EV charger would be sterile and boring, like many EVs can be, fear not. Dodge has incorporated a number of features to keep drivers on their toes. For starters, the Dodge Charger Daytona EV has both a front-wheel end disconnect, turning the rear-biased drivetrain into a fully-RWD muscle monster, and a mechanical rear limited-slip differential — none of that brake-based malarkey here.

Dodge has also added a number of features in the Charger EV that are purely there for unmitigated shenanigans. The outrageous Donut Mode allows slip on the back wheels and uses brake-based torque vectoring to control the amount and direction of the vehicle's rotation, while Drift Mode uses similar tricks to help drivers get the back out in corners in a controlled manner.

On to more practical matters, Dodge has equipped the Charger EV with all sorts of new safety tech, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection as well as active lane management, active driving assist, adaptive cruise control, and drowsy driver recognition, among others.

Dodge hasn't revealed exact availability of the new Charger EV, but it will start deliveries in late 2024.

Buy a LEGO Speed Champions Fast & Furious 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 76912, Toy Muscle Car Model Kit on Amazon or grab a copy of Forza Horizon 5 for Xbox Seris X/S on Amazon.