Dodge CEO ditches brand new car that was a remake of beloved model after brand suffered embarrassing blow

DODGE have ditched plans to re-release one of their most beloved models after an embarrassing blow.

The American car brand was set to launch the entry-level Charger Daytona R/T EV in the US for 2026.

Silver Dodge Charger on a wet race track at sunset.

Dodge has ditched the electric Charger Daytona R/T EV, citing trade tariffs[/caption]

Overhead view of a silver Dodge Charger.

The iconic muscle car faces uncertainty as Dodge postpones its EV relaunch to 2027[/caption]

Controversy and tariffs stall Dodge’s plans to electrify the beloved Charger nameplate[/caption]

The electric-powered muscle car proved controversial with fans when it was initially revealed – with many rejecting the concept of an electric reboot of the iconic classic.

But now, the firm’s bosses are announced it has been ‘postponed’ – with the blame pointed squarely at the recent US trade tariffs.

Dodge officially claims they are reevaluating trade policies – leading to the possibility of a 2027 launch, instead – with CEO, Matt McAlear, saying they are continuing to ‘assess the effects of US tariff policies.’

The Charger, a name that’s synonymous with American muscle car culture, is subject to President Donald Trump‘s 25% tariff as it’s built in the Windsor Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.

However, since launching the Charger EV earlier this year, fewer than 2,000 units have been sold – although the Daily Mail claims these low figures may be partially due to early supply constraints.

It’s undeniable, though, that fans of Dodge – considered part of the Detroit ‘Big Three’ alongside Ford and GM – have been less than impressed by their recent direction.

Their famous Charger coupe and Challenger sedan were two of the most recognizable nameplates – which made Dodge’s decision to axe the Challenger nameplate and offer the Charger as an EV shocking to enthusiasts.

MEET THE NEW BOSS

Dodge’s recent troubles go all the way to the top, with their owner Stellantis – a multinational auto conglomerate headquartered in the Netherlands – in the midst of numerous struggles.

Founded in 2021, the motoring giant manages several of the world’s most renowned marques, including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram, as well as iconic European brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Maserati, and Opel.

Speaking to CNN recently, Peter Navarro, President Trump’s senior advisor on trade, said: “Let’s face it, it’s owned by Fiat, and most of the engines that go into the cars that are assembled here are from Italy.”

Stellantis’ international flavor has made many of its vehicles susceptible to the hefty automotive tariffs and made the company one of the first to announce tariff-related American job cuts.

To make matters worse, In February, Stellantis reported a 70% drop in profits for 2024.

For the time being, Dodge will persist with the more expensive Scat Pack EV which priced in the mid-$70,000s, with plans to also introduce a gas-powered six-cylinder and four-door Charger variants by the end of 2025.

Elsewhere, Ferrari is edging closer to releasing its first-ever EV, as the iconic brand announces the release date for its all-electric sports car.

Plans for the car have been in motion for some time, and its development has been progressing steadily behind the scenes – with the Italian marque remaining tight-lipped about most of the key details.

The upcoming release will be a further step up from the hybrid drivetrains of the SF90 and 296 – although curious fans have months to wait to see exactly how.

Fans will get their first glimpse of the car’s drivetrain – or, “technological heart”, as Ferrari have dubbed it – on October 9 as the first part of a three-stage unveiling process.

This will seemingly culminate in a world premiere in the spring of next year.

Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari’s CEO, told analysts in a post-earnings call: “Deliveries… will commence just months after that, in October 2026.”