‘I Just Never Had The Urge To Get An EV,’ Florida Driver Says. Then He Tries This Dodge

A Florida driver had his mind changed about electric vehicles after test driving one. TikTok user J Keye (@j_keye) began his clip by stating that he’s still “iffy” about EVs. However, upon trying it out, he wrote in a text overlay of his clip that he thinks he’s “becoming an EV guy” because of his experience.

He said his biggest gripe with non-internal combustion engine vehicles isn’t necessarily how they drive or their battery life but rather their design. “They don’t look really good to me, so I just never had the urge to get an EV,” he says.

EV Aesthetics

Others would beg to differ. In September 2024, the Kia EV9 took home a Gold Trophy at the IDEA Design Awards. And while the Fisker Ocean has been besieged by negative press and a litany of problems, it still received a 2024 iF design distinction. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 had its striking aesthetics praised by TopGear.

J Keye said his opinion changed when he saw the new Charger Daytona EV. He was so taken with the car’s looks that he drove 30 minutes across town just to see it in person. “Oh my God, it is gorgeous,” he says in a narrative overlay. “I don’t even like red, but this one, get out of here.”

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While showing footage of the car’s cabin, he heaped on more commendations. “Look at these handles, clean. Now here’s a large touchscreen because size does matter. Shows your battery, your capacity … everything, chef’s kiss. And for a two-door coupe, this thing is massive. I’m 6’2", I sat in the back seat, and yes, four grown adults can fit in this car. Road trips with the gang, no problem,” he said.

While he said the vehicle’s 300-mile range didn’t wow him, he was excited about the prospect of never having to fill up with gas, either. He was smitten with the vehicle’s panoramic sunroof, but overall, it was its large interior that ultimately made him excited about potentially buying one. He was also impressed with the Charger’s acceleration speeds and its faux engine noises.

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A 'Weird EV'

InsideEVs reviewed the Charger Daytona in May, finding that the “array of sound equipment” rigged up in its rear bumper contributed to a “strange experience.” Since electric vehicles don’t need to make the rip-roaring sounds of their gas-powered counterparts rigged for speed-demon performance, it could be jarring to drive one.

That’s not to say that Dodge didn’t succeed in making the Daytona fast and fun to drive. The InsideEVs review said the decision to try to marry the DNA of Dodge’s MOPAR muscle cars with electric drivetrains culminates in “a great EV.”

Folks who are interested in purchasing one can expect 308 miles of range for the R/T variant and 241 miles with the Scat Pack model. However, that figure will drop down to 216 miles if commuters pop on summer tires. Its 0-60 and quarter-mile speeds obliterate its gas-powered siblings as well: 3.3 seconds and 11.5 seconds respectively, an expected outcome given the instant torque afforded by electric motors. Like other Chargers and Challengers tested, InsideEVs also found it to be “squishy in the corners” and noted that “it looms large in traffic and it’s no fun to wheel into tight parking spaces.”

Others React

Some people had the same change of heart when it came to EVs as J Keye did after test driving one. One TikTok user said in a comment that they were staunchly against EVs until they tried out a Hyundai Ioniq 5. This prompted them to trade in their Santa Cruz, and they said they don’t believe they’ll ever go back to a gas vehicle.

Another TikToker suggested that Keye lease the vehicle first so he isn’t stuck with years of financing payments. This could prove to be a more financially appealing option until the $7,500 federal EV tax credit is no longer available in the United States.

InsideEVs has reached out to J Keye via TikTok comment for further information.

 

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