If the "eStage" 1 and 2 tunes aren't enough, there will be a 590-hp mid-grade model and an even more powerful Banshee version.
StellantisThe Dodge Charger EV Concept made waves when it launched in August, showing off a crazy chambered exhaust system and promising serious power figures. Now, we know what those numbers will be, at least for the base and mid-grade models.
Dodge announced at SEMA on Tuesday that there will be a 340-kW model that makes 455 hp and a 440-kW model that makes 590 hp in its standard form. Both will offer power upgrades through Dodge’s Direct Connection program, bundled into “eStage 1” and “eStage 2” packages. Stage 1 and 2 upgrades for the 340-kW model push maximum power to 495 and 535 hp, respectively. For the 440-kW version, Stage 1 gets you 630 hp and Stage 2 takes things up to 670 hp. Customers who purchase the upgrade packages will plug a special “crystal” key into their dashboards to unlock the added oomph.
These models are all based on a 400-volt electrical architecture. But the SRT Banshee version of the Charger will use a more advanced 800-volt system like the Porsche Taycan’s, which should enable stratospheric power levels. Dodge is keeping those numbers under wraps for now, though, but is saying that the Banshee will get Direct Connection power upgrades as well.
The company is also using SEMA 2022 to solicit customer feedback on the controversial “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” that grabbed headlines when the EV was announced in August. If you think the idea of resonators and loud external exhausts for EVs is silly or stupendous, stop by the Dodge display and let the company know.
Keyword: The Dodge Charger EV Will Have a 455-HP Base Model, Mopar Tunes