​Dodge, the American brand known for its big-engined cars, will switch to an electric-dominated lineup, dropping the Challenger and Charger in favor of an all-electric model. The company’s big problem is how not to lose regular customers with super-powerful and loud cars.

Dodge has turned 122 years old and is about to hit a milestone: the electrification of its lineup, as planned by the Stellantis group, of which it is a part, along with brands such as Fiat, Peugeot, Opel and Jeep.

Dodge unveiled an electric concept called the Charger Daytona SRT, will release a hybrid model (an SUV called the Hornet) in 2023, and the first all-electric model will appear in 2024.

Dodge is known for its “muscle cars”, so-called “muscle cars”, which refer to powerful and loud American cars powered by very powerful V6 or V8 engines. These cars were all the rage a few decades ago, and models like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are representative of this segment.

The transition to electric power will be difficult for Dodge, because for these “muscle cars” the clientele is attracted by powerful and noisy engines. But this electric car will have a “muscle car” design and excellent acceleration. Autonomy and maximum speed will be lower than gasoline sports cars. The electric muscle car will probably accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds, but the actual range will be less than 300 km at high speeds.

Dodge will release electric cars that will make sounds like regular sports cars using a system that simulates the sound of an exhaust drum. Basically, the exhaust system imitates the sound of a classic Dodge.

There will also be a transmission with a gear shifter, so that the experience is not different from conventional cars.

GM tried to bring the Dodge brand to Europe starting in 2006, the models were also launched in Romania and the best year was 2008 when more than 25,000 cars were sold in Europe. Since then, there has not been a single year when more than 2,500 cars were sold.

Sources: CNBC, CNN