When you think about muscle cars, the first things that usually come to mind are tire smoke, loud exhaust notes, and straight-line speed. Dodge has managed to carry all those traits into the electric age with the new Charger Daytona Scat Pack, which has just been named to the 2025 Wards 10-Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list.
Power from a Plug –
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack runs on a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system paired with a 400-volt architecture and a massive 100.5-kWh battery pack. Together, the front and rear electric drive modules pump out 670 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s enough to rocket the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and push it through the quarter-mile in just 11.5 seconds. Numbers like that don’t just match traditional muscle cars—they beat many of them.
But Dodge didn’t stop at raw numbers. The car includes a PowerShot button that adds a burst of 40 extra horsepower for 10 seconds, perfect for drag strip bragging rights. Multiple drive modes—Track, Drag, Custom, and more—allow drivers to tailor the car’s personality, while race features like Drift Mode and Launch Control give enthusiasts the tools to burn rubber in classic Dodge fashion.
Keeping the Muscle Car Attitude Alive –
One of the biggest questions about an electric Dodge was how it would sound. That’s where the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust comes in. This patent-pending system pipes a signature rumble into the cabin and outside world, with volume and tone tied to performance levels. It doesn’t just make noise—it delivers feedback that keeps drivers engaged, something many EVs are missing.
According to Stellantis propulsion boss Micky Bly, the Charger Daytona is engineered to deliver an “EV with a muscle car attitude.” Wards judge Drew Winter echoed the sentiment, noting that while other EVs have power, none match the Charger Daytona’s presence and personality.
Award-Winning Inside and Out –
This isn’t the first trophy the new Charger has picked up. Earlier this year, Wards also named the Charger Daytona to its 10-Best Interiors & UX list, highlighting the cabin’s mix of technology, design, and usability. Add in the latest recognition for its propulsion system, and Dodge has a strong one-two punch of awards heading into its first full model year.
Value That Packs a Punch –
For 2026, the two-door Charger Daytona Scat Pack starts at $59,995—making it the most powerful car under $60,000. Buyers who want more hardware can opt for the available Track Package as a stand-alone option, while those looking for four-door practicality will be able to spec the new Charger Daytona sedan as part of the expanded lineup.
Dodge is also broadening its performance portfolio with the return of gasoline options. Alongside the electric Daytona, the new Charger lineup will include models powered by the twin-turbo 3.0-liter HURRICANE SIXPACK engine. The Charger Scat Pack with this motor will make 550 horsepower and come in under $55,000, proving Dodge still knows how to deliver horsepower-per-dollar better than just about anyone.
A Legacy of Performance Recognition –
This award continues a streak for Stellantis, marking the ninth straight year one of its engines or propulsion systems has made the Wards list. Over the 31-year history of the award, Stellantis brands have notched 25 winners. That puts Dodge and its corporate siblings in rare company, further showing how the automaker is adapting muscle car traditions to the modern era.
Final Thoughts –
The Charger Daytona Scat Pack proves that Dodge didn’t just build an EV to check a box. It’s validation that Dodge has found a way to blend tradition with technology. Whether you’re a die-hard Mopar fan or simply curious about what EVs can really do, the Charger Daytona shows that the future of performance is alive and well—just with a different kind of fuel.
