New Dodge Charger Plug-In Hybrid Could Arrive With Huge Performance Potential

Dodge delivered several surprises when it rolled out the new Charger Daytona muscle car this week. Hewing close to the concept vehicle first revealed in 2022, the production model will launch in all-electric form as a coupe later this year, with a four-door version set to follow early in 2025.

Also on tap for next year: gas-powered coupe and sedan Chargers — which forego the «Daytona» badge — using two variants of the new Stellantis inline-six Hurricane engine.

Credit for this goes to the flexible new STLA Large architecture developed by the Euro-American automaker. Unlike the skateboard-like layouts used for most new EVs, it's a «multi-energy platform,» explained Dodge brand boss Tim Kuniskis, during a media backgrounder late last month.

In a subsequent conversation with CarBuzz, Kuniskis and Charger Chief Engineer Audrey Moore revealed that the all-electric and gas versions of the new muscle car could be followed by still more powertrain variants.

According to several sources, both inside and outside of the company, the most likely approach will be to add one or more plug-in hybrid-electric options. The PHEV could become the second most powerful version of the Charger, second only to the all-electric Charger Daytona Banshee expected to arrive sometime in the 2026 model year.

«Anything's possible,» said Charger chief engineer Audrey Moore when asked if hybrid variants are in the works. In subsequent comments, she made it clear that this is an option her team is seriously considering.

Slow to embrace «electrification,» especially in the North American market, parent Stellantis has been looking for EV alternatives that could have both broader appeal and come in at a lower price tag.

Its Detroit-based brands have begun rolling out an assortment of battery-based options, starting with «mild» hybrids. These use 48-volt motor drive systems that provide just a bit of launch assist to an otherwise gas-powered drivetrain. The company has shown little interest in the more conventional hybrid technology used for vehicles like the Toyota Prius.

It took the next step five years ago with the launch of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Despite its name, the minivan is actually a