Dodge has confirmed that its iconic Charger nameplate will make a European comeback as a 660bhp, all-electric muscle car later this year.
Introduced in 1966, the Charger has since gained ‘cultural icon’ status following on-screen appearances in Bullitt and the Fast & Furious franchise. Away from the silver screen, its working-class hero credentials were forged in street racing and on the ovals of NASCAR during the late 1960s and the early 1970s.
Details surrounding the Euro-spec Charger EV are scant, but Dodge confirmed that the Charger Daytona R/T will pack a hefty 538bhp, while the flagship Daytona Scat Pack generates a Porsche 911-concerning 660bhp.
A pair of internal combustion-optioned cars is available, including a 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit. Irrespective of powertrain, the Charger will be available in Europe as either a two-door coupe or a four-door saloon. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard across the board.
Following the announcement about the Charger’s return to this side of the Atlantic, Fabio Catone, the brand lead for Dodge in Europe, commented: “Bringing the Charger back to Europe is a significant moment for the brand.
“It means reintroducing an unmistakable American nameplate to customers that values character and authenticity. Charger has always been about standing apart, and that attitude is exactly what defines its return.”
Like any additional technical information, European pricing for the Dodge Charger EV is yet to be confirmed.
Despite launching in the UK in 2006, Dodge had a relatively short shelf life here. After selling just 4,000 cars in 2008, it left the UK market in 2010. Nonetheless, official distributors still sell the Challenger here, and related brands, Jeep and RAM, are still on sale. Like Dodge, they are owned by automotive giant Stellantis.
When it arrives, the all-electric Dodge Charger will mark its sixth iteration. As to whether erstwhile muscle car rivals, Ford and Chevrolet, will revive the Mustang and Camaro as EV models remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the Charger EV’s debut hints at another new, exciting chapter in the world of electric vehicles.
