Dodge has a lot at stake with the upcoming release of the next-gen Charger, especially the Charger Daytona EV. The company’s decision to move away from the Hemi V8 engine has already upset some fans, and now they are facing a setback with the EV version. According to a report from Mopar Insiders, Dodge has had to delay the launch of the Charger Daytona EV by 90 days due to electrical problems that surfaced during testing.
Dealer sources speaking anonymously to Mopar Insiders revealed that the electrical issues discovered during testing are significant and could potentially be disastrous if they were to occur while the vehicle is in the hands of customers. Some of these issues were witnessed firsthand, such as a prototype being towed back to the Chrysler Technical Center in Auburn Hills on a flatbed wrecker with tow straps running through its open windows. In another instance, engineers were unable to access the vehicle’s hatch and had to climb through the interior to reach the cargo area, leading to prototypes with cords hanging out from their hatches.
Initially slated for a late summer release, the Charger Daytona EV will now be launched in the fall due to these unexpected problems. The delay has also affected the ordering processes for dealers and customers, as well as dealer allocations. Despite reaching out to Dodge for a statement on the delay, Mopar Insiders received no response. However, for those who are not interested in the Charger EV, the gas-powered Six Pack models are still on track to arrive later this year without any reported issues.
Overall, Dodge is facing challenges as they work to perfect the Charger Daytona EV before its release. The company’s transition to electric vehicles is crucial, and they must ensure that the vehicle meets the necessary safety and performance standards. While the delay may disappoint some fans, it is essential for Dodge to address these electrical problems to guarantee a successful launch of the Charger Daytona EV in the near future.