More and more automakers are making the leap to electric, but it’s a slow process. There’s a lot to be taken into consideration, such as the weight of the EV battery, and how this will affect performance. This is a problem which may plague Dodge as the American automaker works to turn the beloved muscle car into an EV. 

The Dodge Charger is evolving

This is the last hurrah for the gas-guzzling Dodge Charger that we all know and adore. The 2023 model is the last that will use fuel, as Dodge moves into the future with a brand new EV model of the Charger in 2024. J.D. Power’s updated review for the 2023 Dodge Charger was a love letter for what was, and some excitement for what is to come.

The 2023 model was heavily praised for the Hemi V8 power engine and available AWD. The fact that every trim is rear-wheel drive was also driven home. Several of the upper trim levels such as the R/T Scat Pack Widebody, SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak, and SRT Hellcat Redeye Jailbreak were discussed in great detail.

Much of the review was saved for the reincarnation of the Dodge Charger as it goes electric, and there are some questions regarding what sacrifices will be made in the process.

Will an EV Dodge Charger be too heavy?

EVs are far from perfect, but they are still a work in process. The main problem facing the Dodge Charger is that it may end up being too heavy.

In the review for J.D. Power, Ron Sessions stated, “How will the electric Charger handle carrying another 1,000 pounds of battery weight? And how will the Charger EV feel or sound? Dodge is already ahead of that question with a proposed multi-speed transmission that will give the sensation of shifting gears and an innovative, pipe-organ-like sound generator at the rear to mimic the gas-powered version’s exhaust.”

Will this work? Automakers have been known to make promises that they then fail to keep, so it remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a gamble for Dodge.

Can an electric Dodge Charger keep up?

The Dodge Charger has managed to remain relevant in spite of the fact that many American automakers are phasing out sedans. This has a lot to do with the appeal of muscle cars, and many drivers’ desire for speed and powerful engines.

While it’s commendable that Dodge is thinking of Mother Earth, one has to wonder if this will work on a muscle car. It will doubtless require many changes to keep the Charger as aerodynamic as it currently is.

If Dodge fails to do so and speed is sacrificed in the process of going green, then consumers may turn their back on the Charger in favor of muscle cars that still use gasoline. On the other hand, if Dodge manages to keep all the features Charger fans love about it while saving the environment, then the American automaker may just win over a whole new fan base.