Gas Dodge Charger Sales Outpaced EVs in Q3 2026
Owners increasingly chose internal-combustion muscle over the electric Charger Daytona during the third quarter of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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In the third quarter of 2026, gas-powered Dodge Charger sales eclipsed electric Charger Daytona models by a 15 to 1 ratio. This represents a significant shift in buyer preference, with electric model sales declining 92% year-over-year.
Why it matters
The downturn for electric models followed the expiration of federal incentives and a disconnect between the Charger Daytona design and traditional muscle car consumer expectations. This shift highlights the ongoing struggle to convert brand-loyal performance enthusiasts to electric platforms.
Stellantis reported 3,446 sales of Hurricane-powered Chargers in Q3 2026, while electric Daytona sales fell 92% year-over-year to just 233 units. Meanwhile, gas-powered sales grew 330% during the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period in the prior year.
The players
Stellantis
The automotive conglomerate behind the Dodge, Ram, and Jeep brands that manages the production and marketing of both electric and internal-combustion vehicles.
Dodge
The high-performance vehicle brand known for its long-standing history of muscle cars and SUVs like the Durango.
The details
The Charger Daytona utilizes a dual-motor setup in its Scat Pack trim, while the gas-powered variant relies on an inline-six Hurricane engine. The price gap remains notable for shoppers, with the base ICE Charger R/T starting at $49,995 compared to $66,990 for the Daytona Scat Pack Plus. These mechanical differences and price points currently define the divergent paths for the two platforms within the Dodge lineup.
Timeline
January to September 2026 saw gas-powered Charger sales rise 330 percent.
Q3 2026 sales figures show gas-powered Chargers outsold EVs 15 to 1.
Mid-2027 marks the launch of powerful Ram 1500 Rumble Bee variants.
2030 remains the target for the planned return of the HEMI engine to the Charger.
The Home Front
This sales trajectory reflects a wider trend in the automotive market where consumer preference has shifted away from electric performance models following the expiration of federal electric vehicle incentives. It marks a departure from the rapid electrification goals previously projected for domestic muscle car lines.
If you are currently evaluating a new vehicle purchase, compare the long-term fuel costs and available manufacturer incentives against the higher base price of current electric models. Consult your local Dodge dealer to confirm whether current inventory levels match the specific trim packages you are interested in.
The takeaway
The performance-car market is currently prioritizing internal combustion over electric variants as consumer preferences shift back toward traditional muscle engine configurations. Prospective buyers should track the planned 2030 HEMI return and monitor 2027 Ram inventory to time their next vehicle transaction.
What happens next
Stellantis plans to launch more powerful Ram 1500 Rumble Bee variants in mid-2027, followed by the reintroduction of the HEMI engine to the Charger lineup by 2030.
Further reading
For more on the current market landscape for plug-in performance, see our coverage of Electric Vehicles.
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