Gas-Powered Chargers Outsold Electric Models in Q3 2026
Gas models led electric sales by a 15 to 1 ratio during the third quarter of 2026 as demand shifted away from EVs.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Gas-powered Dodge Charger sales significantly outpaced the electric Charger Daytona during the third quarter of 2026. Data shows the Hurricane-powered vehicles outsold the electric variants by a 15 to 1 ratio.
Why it matters
The shift in preference highlights a cooling demand for electric performance vehicles as federal incentives expire and consumer interest trends back toward traditional internal combustion engines.
Stellantis reported 233 electric Charger Daytona sales compared to 3,446 units for the gas-powered Hurricane-engine variants in Q3 2026. This represents a 92% year-over-year decline for the electric model.
The players
Stellantis
This multinational automotive manufacturer produces the Dodge brand and manages the Charger lineup.
Dodge
This American automobile brand is well-known for its high-performance muscle cars and SUVs.
The details
The Charger Daytona, produced with a dual-motor setup in the Scat Pack trim, struggled to meet consumer expectations for a traditional muscle car experience. Conversely, gas-powered sales increased 330% year-over-year from January to September 2026, totaling 8,029 units.
Timeline
January to September 2026: Gas-powered Charger sales rose 330 percent.
Q3 2026: Gas-powered Chargers outsold EVs 15 to 1.
Mid-2027: Powerful Ram 1500 Rumble Bee variants launch.
2030: Dodge plans to bring HEMI back.
Roadmap
This performance mirrors the broader industry trend of cooling EV demand as federal incentives for electric vehicles expired, forcing manufacturers to pivot back toward internal combustion strategies. Stellantis is adjusting its portfolio by committing to return the HEMI engine to the Charger lineup by 2030.
Buyers looking for traditional muscle car performance can find the gas-powered Charger R/T starting at $49,995, while the electric Daytona Scat Pack Plus is priced at $66,990. The ongoing shift suggests Dodge will prioritize internal combustion production for the coming years.
The takeaway
The drastic 92% decline in electric Charger sales demonstrates that muscle car enthusiasts remain heavily anchored to internal combustion engines. Consumers looking for a high-performance vehicle should note that traditional power remains the dominant force in the current automotive landscape.
Further reading
For more on shifting consumer preferences in the market, see our coverage of Electric Vehicles.
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