Dodge’s Electric Muscle: A V8 Heartbeat in an EV World

Have you ever dreamt of an electric vehicle that not only glides silently on the road but also thrums with the heartbeat of a classic V8 engine? Well, gearheads and EV enthusiasts, buckle up! Dodge is shifting the EV landscape with a patent that’s all about bringing the visceral experience of a V8 to the quiet electric realm.

The upcoming Dodge Charger EV is set to introduce a groundbreaking feature that’s sure to get your motor running – the Active Vibration Enhancement (AVE) system. This clever piece of tech is designed to replicate the iconic vibration of a V8 engine, giving you that authentic muscle car feel without the emissions.

I know what you’re thinking. ‘Fake exhaust tips, fake engine noises, and now fake vibrations?’ But hear me out. For many car lovers, the transition from the roar of an internal combustion engine to the whisper of an EV has been a tough pill to swallow. Dodge, in a stroke of genius, is looking to ease that transition with a little bit of good old-fashioned deception – and I’m all for it!

The AVE system uses a force generator to transmit vibrations to specific points on the vehicle body – think steering wheel and seats – to give you that rumble-in-the-jungle sensation. It’s like having your cake and eating it too: the eco-friendliness of an EV with the soul of a muscle car.

But Dodge isn’t stopping there. They’re pairing AVE with the Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) system to replicate the sound of an ICE engine. It’s a dynamic duo, activated by sensors that monitor everything from the accelerator pedal position to the electric motor speed. Together, they create what Stellantis calls a ‘vibroacoustic experience.’

The benefits don’t just stop at giving you the feels. The patent points out that AVE and ASE also serve as safety features, alerting drivers that the vehicle is on and ready to drive with audible and tactile feedback – something current EVs lack. Plus, ASE doubles as a pedestrian alert. Safety and fun? Sign me up!

And for those who crave that exhaust note, Dodge has something up its sleeve with the Exhaust Sound Enhancement (ESE) system. It’s like the Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust they’ve teased before but cranked up to eleven. External speakers, a mixing chamber, and a simulated ‘exhaust’ port work together to create a sound that’s more acoustic than digital.

As we count down to the Charger’s reveal on March 5, the question on everyone’s mind is: will these systems hit the mark or miss the boat? Will they inject personality into the electric Charger, or will they feel like a gimmick?

Whether you’re a purist who loves the shake, rattle, and roll of a V8 or an EV advocate who cherishes the silence, Dodge’s new tech is a nod to both worlds. It’s a bold move, sure, but it’s also a testament to the evolving landscape of automotive innovation.