November 22, 2022

2024 has big plans. One of them is a new boat-esque car made by the legendary brand Dodge: the electrified Charger.

Before I discuss the new Charger, I have to explain why this model matters. Many cars coming out in these next few years will be electric vehicles (EVs) that use electric motors rather than traditional internal combustion engines (ICE).

Some people consider EVs to be safer for the environment than ICE cars, but this view ignores important facts. The production of EV batteries produces significant carbon emissions which harm the environment more than the gasoline or diesel fuel emissions from ICE cars. The batteries are also built with expensive rare-earth minerals which are extremely destructive to mine. This mining often takes place in countries with few environmental safeguards.

Now, back to the Charger. The car is still a prototype and not yet available to the public, but it has been tested by professionals. The reviews of the car vary—most reviewers have issues with the chambered exhaust system imitating the V8 SRT Hellcat motor. Builders of EVs want their cars to have a sound that people are used to. In this case, Dodge wants to keep the “classic muscle car sound.” Though it is a valiant effort to try and keep the legendary V8 sound that the brand is known for, the imitation appears to be a poor effort. Reviewers say that it sounds really forced and doesn’t match the EV style.

The car is supposed to include an all-wheel-drive 800-volt architecture named ‘Banshee.’ Interestingly, the Charger will not be using a typical EV direct drive setup, but instead will use a multi-speed transmission. In other words, Dodge will install a system that will allow the driver to have a choice of gear ratio.

EVs usually have a futuristic look, but the styling on this Charger is odd. The triangular badge located on both the front and back bumpers is a brand new design. The headlights and trim are integrated into the bumper, and the taillights have a similar style.

According to a review in Car and Driver, the prototype will feature a panoramic sunroof and rear seats that fold flat with a mixture of classic and modern interior styling.

Some cars may be worth $60,000, but this one isn’t. When this new EV Charger arrives, I won’t be waiting in line.