Dodge shows gas-powered police Charger — and it’s bad news for department budgets

Dodge brought a new patrol car concept to the Police Fleet Expo at Daytona International Speedway this week, and the big surprise is under the hood: the Charger Law PPV is not electric.

The car appeared on the Team One Network social media post that served as its announcement. Stellantis has made no official statement about the concept or its future, but the writing is on the wall — Dodge CEO Matt McAlear told Mopar Insiders ahead of the reveal that a pursuit model is definitely in the works.

"It's absolutely part of the plan," McAlear said. "I met with the GSA and our fleet team a couple of weeks ago. So, they're actively working with the California Highway Patrol and the Michigan State Police, two of the main bodies that help set the standards for what a pursuit model must be. So, we're absolutely focused on it. It's always taken a Charger to catch a Charger, and it's not something we're walking away from."

Details are scarce, but one thing is confirmed: all-wheel drive comes standard.

The reveal raises a question for police planners. Dodge has been pushing the electric Charger with 670 hp, and the turbocharged Sixpack with 550 hp, but the police version appears to stay on gasoline. That could be a headache for departments already struggling with fuel costs, which have been climbing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its effect on municipal budgets.

Enthusiasts who distrust battery power and turbochargers alike may find some comfort in the familiar gas-powered formula. But for the agencies that will actually buy and run these cars, the fuel bill is likely to be a bigger concern than the badge on the fender.

The concept is still just a concept, and Dodge has not confirmed production plans or specifications beyond the AWD setup. Still, the message from McAlear is clear: the company intends to keep building police cars, and it intends to keep the Charger in the mix for years to come. Whether that means a full production run and how much it will cost — those answers are still waiting.