Jeep and Dodge EVs Are Finally Here, But Are They Worth the Wait?
The electric revolution has finally reached the hallowed halls of Jeep and Dodge. After what felt like an eternity of delays, the first battery-powered models from these iconic American brands have finally rolled into dealerships. But are they any good? And more importantly, are they worth the hefty price tags?
First out of the gate is the Jeep Wagoneer S, a luxury electric SUV that promises to combine Jeep's legendary off-road capability with the latest in EV technology. And no, a luxury Jeep is not an oxymoron. This thing is packed with features, including a massive 45-inch display screen that's bigger than some TVs. It's also got a respectable range of over 300 miles, which should be enough to get you from the valet stand at the country club to your favorite off-road trail and back... maybe.
But of course, all this luxury comes at a price. The Wagoneer S Launch Edition starts at $71,995, which is a lot of dough for a Jeep, even one with a fancy electric motor. But if the off-road-ready Trailhawk edition is the one you want, you'll have to wait even longer, as Jeep hasn't announced a release date yet.
Image Credit: Jeep.
Next up, we have the Dodge Charger Daytona EV, a muscle car that's trying to convince us that electric cars can be just as exciting as their gas-powered counterparts. And I have to admit, it's making a pretty compelling case. With up to 670 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, this thing is seriously quick. And it has that retro-inspired design that's easy on the eye, even if it does look a bit like a 1968 Charger that's been hit with a shrink ray.
But the Charger Daytona EV is also expensive. The base R/T model starts at $59,995, while the top-of-the-line Scat Pack will set you back $73,190. That's a lot of money for a car that can't even do a proper burnout. If you haven't seen that video yet, do a quick search - you'll understand.
Yes, I am always complaining about the EV prices. But that's because I'm a man of the people. I believe that everyone should be able to afford an electric car, not just the wealthy elite. And unfortunately, these new Jeep and Dodge EVs are still out of reach for way too many buyers.
Image Credit: Dodge.
But here's the good news: there are some deals to be had. Due to what I can only assume is a lack of demand, Dodge dealers are offering significant discounts on the Charger Daytona EV. Some retailers are even offering up to $21,000 off the MSRP. If you happened to be in the market for an electric muscle car, now might be the time to strike.
Of course, there's always the possibility that these discounts are a sign that the Charger Daytona EV isn't living up to expectations. After all, it's a radical departure from the gas-powered Chargers we've come to know and love. I'm sure most muscle car enthusiasts are still skeptical of electric powertrains.
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the Charger Daytona EV will be a huge success. Maybe it will usher in a new era of electric muscle cars. Or maybe it will just be a footnote in automotive history. We'll have the answer to this question pretty soon. In the meantime, I'll be keeping a close eye on these new Jeep and Dodge EVs. I want to see how they perform in the real world and whether they can win over skeptical buyers like myself.
