5. Too Expensive
Even before incentives, the base Charger EV started north of $70,000—more than many competitors boasting superior range or performance. Added options, like the adjudicator’s fancy “Launch Mode” or upgraded wheels and carbon‐fiber aero bits, could push MSRP above $85,000. In contrast, a comparably equipped ICE Charger Hellcat still undercut the EV on entry price while offering proven performance and heritage.
For buyers on the fence, that price gap proved insurmountable. When a prospective customer could buy a V8-powered beast with a lineage stretching back decades, paying a premium for a questionable EV novelty rarely made sense. In a segment where bragging rights and perceived value matter, the Charger EV’s lofty sticker served as a dealbreaker.