Falling Sales Push Dodge to Cancel the Most Powerful Electric Charger

In a surprising move for American muscle car fans, DodgeUAE DodgeBahrain DodgeKSA DodgeKuwait DodgeOman DodgeQatar DodgeEgypt Dodge has officially canceled the Charger SRT Daytona Banshee, the most powerful version of its electric lineup, following a significant drop in sales. The decision highlights Stellantis’ shift in strategy toward a more cautious approach to electrification after years of aggressive investment in the EV market.

The Banshee Project: The End of an Electric Power Dream

The Charger Banshee was envisioned as a bold step into the future of performance EVs, promising around 900 horsepower and an 800 volt architecture designed to deliver instant torque and supercar level acceleration. Production was initially scheduled to begin by the end of this year or early 2026.

However, as demand weakened, Dodge decided to terminate the project before it even reached the assembly line. The move follows the earlier cancellation of the more affordable R/T trim, leaving only the mid range Scat Pack version with 670 horsepower in production.

This shift underscores the declining consumer interest in Dodge’s electric models, despite heavy marketing and initial excitement. Reports indicate that many American buyers still prefer traditional gasoline engines, drawn by their raw power, mechanical feel, and the unmistakable sound of a roaring V8 that electric systems simply cannot replicate.

Stellantis Reevaluates Its Product Strategy

Although no official statement has been released, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company is currently conducting a comprehensive reassessment of its product strategy, using the same phrasing that appeared when the Ram 1500KSA RAM 1500Kuwait RAM 1500Qatar RAM 1500Bahrain RAM 1500Egypt RAM 1500Oman RAM 1500UAE RAM 1500 REV electric project was canceled.

It appears that disappointing sales figures have pushed the group to rethink its overall electric and hybrid vehicle plans. This shift is not limited to Dodge, but extends across other brands under the Stellantis umbrella as well:

• Cancellation of the Jeep GladiatorUAE Jeep GladiatorKSA Jeep GladiatorKuwait Jeep GladiatorQatar Jeep GladiatorBahrain Jeep GladiatorOman Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid project.

• Suspension of plans for launching new electric models in the near future.

• Return of Hemi V8 engines in the best selling RamKSA RamKuwait RamQatar RamBahrain RamEgypt RamOman RamUAE Ram trucks.

• Launch of the new Dodge DurangoUAE Dodge DurangoKSA Dodge DurangoBahrain Dodge DurangoKuwait Dodge DurangoOman Dodge DurangoQatar Dodge Durango powered exclusively by a V8 engine.

This reverse course indicates Stellantis’s renewed focus on strength, performance, and durability, traits that define its vehicles, rather than relying entirely on electrification amid weak demand and high development costs.

Could the Charger Bring Back the V8?

The cancellation of the Banshee variant has reignited discussions about a possible return of the Dodge Charger with a V8 engine, especially after the recent debut of the Sixpack model featuring a high performance inline six.

Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis previously hinted that the new Charger platform might indeed support a V8, saying, “Don’t be surprised if that becomes a reality.”

Such remarks have reignited hope among enthusiasts of classic muscle performance, who believe that Dodge’s true identity lies in the power and sound of a V8 engine, an integral part of the brand’s heritage for decades.

Government Incentive Cuts Deepen the Sales Crisis

The American electric vehicle market is currently experiencing a noticeable slowdown, driven by rising car prices and the limited availability of charging infrastructure across the country.

The situation has become even more complicated following recent decisions by President Donald Trump, which included:

• Eliminating all forms of government support for electric vehicles.

• Halting public funding for charging station development.

• Reducing tax incentives that once encouraged the transition to electric mobility.

These measures have significantly increased the overall cost of owning an electric vehicle, prompting many consumers to return to traditional gasoline powered cars that offer stronger performance and easier maintenance.