Dodge’s future plans for gas powered vehicles have been a hot topic lately as automakers continue transitioning to electric vehicles. Dodge, known for producing some of the most powerful gas guzzling muscle cars and trucks, will inevitably need to adapt as regulations and consumer preferences shift. However, the company has not made any definitive announcements yet about phasing out gas vehicle production completely. Here’s a look at where things currently stand for Dodge and gas powered cars.
What has Dodge said about the future of its gas cars?
So far, Dodge has not made any explicit commitments to ending gas vehicle production by a certain date. However, the company has acknowledged that increased electrification is inevitable. In June 2022, Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis stated that the brand is working on a transition plan to “electrify the muscle world.” He indicated that Dodge will reveal an electrification strategy in 2022 and noted that the company will not abandon internal combustion engines.
Kuniskis has emphasized that Dodge will make the transition to electric on its own terms, sticking to what its core customers want. In the meantime, he says Dodge will keep building powerful gas cars like the Challenger and Charger. So while big changes are likely coming, Dodge is signaling it will take things step-by-step rather than eliminating gas vehicles outright in the near future.
What all-electric Dodge models are planned?
Dodge has confirmed it will launch its first all-electric muscle car in 2024. This new model will sit alongside the brand’s current gas-powered muscle cars. Dodge has kept details tightly under wraps but says this electric muscle car will feature an “eMuscle” powertrain that will “tear up the streets, not the planet.”
The new electric Dodge muscle car will be powered by STLA Large electric vehicle architecture from parent company Stellantis. Details about range, performance, and other specs remain unclear for now. But Dodge is promising this model will deliver the same bold attitude and speed capabilities Dodge is known for – just without any tailpipe emissions.
Beyond this 2024 electric muscle car, Dodge has not made announcements about any other specific EV models in the works. However, Kuniskis has hinted that more electric Dodge models are coming. Dodge’s parent company Stellantis outlined plans to invest over $35 billion through 2025 on EV development across its brands. So it’s safe to assume more all-electric Dodges will join the lineup later this decade as part of the company’s broader electrification strategy.
How will Dodge balance gas cars and EVs?
Dodge is taking a measured approach when it comes to transitioning from gas to electric vehicles. The company wants to cater to its loyal V8 engine fans while also appealing to new customers looking for zero-emissions models. Balancing these two audiences will be crucial.
To start, Dodge will continue building gas-powered Challengers, Chargers, and Durangos to satisfy demand among its core customer base. These iconic Dodges tap into the emotions of driving powerful, loud combustion engines, so the company wants to keep them around as long as possible. At the same time, launching new electric muscle cars allows Dodge to test the waters with EVs.
Rather than eliminating gas cars overnight, Dodge plans to let the electric and gas lineups co-exist during a transitional period spanning the next decade or so. This more gradual, dual-path strategy buys Dodge time to assess demand for EVs while keeping gas vehicle fans happy. If customer preferences shift quickly, Dodge can always speed up the transition.
How will regulations affect Dodge gas cars?
Stricter emissions rules and bans on gas car sales will eventually force Dodge to go all-electric with its lineup. Rules already in place in California and some European countries prohibit sales of new gas vehicles starting in 2035. And the trend toward banning combustion engines will likely spread to other markets this decade.
Dodge will have to comply with emissions regulations wherever it sells vehicles. This means gas powered Challengers, Chargers, and other Dodge models will inevitably go away in regions like California in the early 2030s unless Dodge creates hybrid versions or offsets sales with EVs. Regulations will make it challenging for Dodge to keep selling untouched gas cars globally in the long run.
Will gas prices and environmental concerns affect Dodge?
High gas prices and environmental worries may influence some consumers to think twice about buying gas guzzling Dodge muscle cars in the future. But Dodge probably won’t abandoned gas vehicles based on these factors alone.
For starters, Dodge customers have continued buying the brand’s Hellcat and other powerful gas cars even amid sky-high fuel prices. Performance and adrenaline trump mpg for hardcore Dodge fans. And interest in the forthcoming 2024 electric Dodge muscle car shows many consumers want electric options without sacrificing performance.
Environmental critiques of high-emission gas cars also haven’t halted Dodge sales yet. The brand acknowledges eco-conscious consumers want more sustainable options, which is partly why electric models are coming. But Dodge will still cater to its core buyers who love the visceral feeling of big V8 engines, regardless of emissions concerns.
How quickly is the auto industry going electric?
The wider auto industry is rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles. Consulting firm EY predicts around 70% of new vehicles sold globally will be electric by 2030. Many major automakers aim to be all-electric by 2035 or shortly after. A few key factors driving the acceleration to EVs:
- Government bans on new gas car sales like those in California and Europe
- Large investments by auto companies into EV development and technology
- Increasing consumer interest in EVs amid climate change worries
- Improvements in EV driving range, performance, and charging speed
So while Dodge is taking a more gradual approach for now, the brand will eventually need to follow the broader industry shift to remain competitive and compliant with regulations. An all-electric timeline before 2035 seems likely.
What challenges does Dodge face going electric?
Dodge faces some unique challenges transitioning its lineup to electric compared to other automakers. Some key obstacles include:
- Brand identity: Dodge has built an image around bold, powerful gas cars. It will need to create compelling EVs that retain its distinctive identity.
- Dealer network: Dealers will require investments in EV infrastructure like charging stations to support electrified Dodges.
- Pricing:Battery costs make EVs more expensive than gas cars today. Dodge will need competitive pricing.
- Performance:Delivering neck-snapping torque and exhaust growls via electric powertrains will be difficult.
These hurdles mean Dodge can’t simply flip a switch to go all-electric overnight. But the brand appears up for the challenge based on its history adapting to evolving markets and consumer trends.
Conclusion
In summary, Dodge has not set an end date for gas vehicle production yet. The brand plans to keep building iconic combustion engine models like the Charger and Challenger to satisfy loyal customers. At the same time, new electric muscle cars arriving soon will allow Dodge to test the EV waters.
Regulations banning gas car sales will eventually force Dodge’s hand in the 2030s. And consumer demand for EVs will likely grow this decade as well. But rather than abruptly abandoning gas vehicles, Dodge intends to take a gradual, dual-path strategy for now. This approach buys time to perfect electric muscle cars that retain Dodge’s rebel spirit without alienating V8 diehards. So for at least the remainder of this decade, expect Dodge to balance gas and electric models as the transition accelerates across the auto industry.