The new face of muscle cars is here – and it’s electric! American carmakers have begun to transition their classic muscle cars from gas-powered to electric, meaning that the horsepower wars are about to take a technological turn. Models like Ford’s Mustang, the Dodge Charger, and GM’s Chevrolet Camaro that have been a staple of American culture for years are now being powered by electric powertrains and loaded with computer chips.
Rather than relying on large V8-motors, electric muscle cars are being differentiated from regular family cars by “weird equipment or extras” that other cars don’t have. Muscle cars traditionally offered sub-5 second zero-to-60 acceleration times, but with the new focus on higher efficiency and lower emissions, electric technologies offer great acceleration times and now automakers are relying on software updates and quirks to give their muscle cars a unique edge.
GM and Dodge have both announced plans to transition their muscle cars to electric variants, and Dodge is even working on selling physical radio-frequency keys to drivers who want to upgrade their car’s performance, rather than relying on OTA updates like other companies. GM said they are using software to keep their performance vehicles interactive, while Ford has announced software updates that create an “upgradable ownership experience” over time.
Change can be uncomfortable, but electric vehicles are simply the latest evolution in the auto industry. Speed and performance of electric cars are functions of battery size and power rating of the motor, with factors such as aerodynamics and weight playing a role. So fear not; a future without gas-powered engines isn’t here just yet.