What you need to know about charging a Dodge electric vehicle

Dodge makes two main electric vehicles: the Dodge Charger SE (a sedan) and the Dodge Durango (an SUV), both released in 2024. Both come with a standard Level 1 charger in the box — a regular 120-volt household outlet adapter — but that charges very slowly. Most owners install a Level 2 charger at home, which uses 240 volts and cuts charging time from 24 hours to 8 to 10 hours overnight. Public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla's Supercharger network (which Dodge vehicles can now access) offer faster charging on road trips.

The type of charger you need depends on where you charge most often. Home charging is the cheapest and most convenient for daily use. Public chargers are essential if you take long trips or don't have a driveway. Understanding the difference between charger types, what your vehicle can accept, and what installation costs helps you plan realistically.

Key Takeaways

  • Dodge electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charger but need a Level 2 home charger for practical overnight charging, which typically costs $500 to $2,500 installed.
  • Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt circuit and professional installation by a licensed electrician in most cases.
  • Public charging networks charge by the kilowatt-hour or by session time, and prices vary widely by network and location.
  • Dodge Charger SE and Durango both support DC fast charging on public networks, which can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Your home's electrical panel capacity and the age of your wiring affect installation cost and whether you need an electrician to upgrade your service.

Level 1 charging: what comes in the box and why it is slow

Every new Dodge electric vehicle includes a Level 1 charger — a cable with a standard three-prong household plug on one end and a connector for your vehicle on the other. This charger works in any outlet and requires no installation. It delivers about 1.4 kilowatts of power, which adds roughly 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charging.

Level 1 is practical only for very short trips or as a backup. If you drive 30 miles a day, you could charge overnight and be ready by morning. If you drive 50 miles or more, or if you need to charge faster than overnight allows, Level 1 will frustrate you. Most Dodge owners use the Level 1 charger only when traveling or as an emergency backup.

Level 2 charging at home: the practical standard

A Level 2 charger uses 240 volts — the same voltage as an electric dryer or oven — and delivers 7 to 19 kilowatts depending on the charger model and your home's electrical capacity. This adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge overnight is realistic. Most Dodge owners who charge at home use Level 2.

Installation requires a licensed electrician in most states and municipalities. The electrician will run a dedicated 240-volt circuit from your electrical panel to the location where you want the charger — usually a garage or driveway. The total cost typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on how far the charger is from your panel, whether your panel has available capacity, and local labor rates. If your home's electrical service is older or fully loaded, you may need a panel upgrade, which can add $1,000 to $3,000.

Before hiring an electrician, check your electrical panel to see how many open breaker slots you have and what your total service amperage is (usually 100, 150, or 200 amps). Your electrician will use this information to determine whether you need an upgrade. Some utility companies offer rebates for Level 2 installation — contact yours to ask.

DC fast charging on public networks

DC fast chargers deliver 50 to 350 kilowatts and can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes. Both the Dodge Charger SE and Durango support DC fast charging, which makes road trips practical. The three largest public networks are Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla's Supercharger network (which opened to non-Tesla vehicles in 2023 and now includes Dodge).

Pricing varies by network and location. Some charge by the kilowatt-hour (typically $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh), others by session time, and some require a membership subscription. Electrify America and EVgo both offer pay-as-you-go options without membership, though membership often costs less per charge. Tesla Supercharging for non-Tesla vehicles typically costs $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh as well.

To use a public charger, you read the network's app, create an account, and locate nearby chargers through the app's map. You plug in, start the charge through the app, and pay automatically. Most networks also let you check real-time availability before you drive to a charger, which saves frustration.

What your Dodge vehicle's battery can accept

The Dodge Charger SE has a 85-kWh battery and supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW. The Dodge Durango has a 110-kWh battery and supports DC fast charging up to 170 kW. Both vehicles use the NACS connector (North American Charging Standard), which is now the standard for most U.S. chargers. Older Tesla Superchargers use a different connector, but adapters are available if needed.

Your vehicle's onboard charger — the hardware inside the car that converts AC power to DC — limits how fast it can accept Level 2 power. Both Dodge models accept up to 19.2 kW at Level 2, which means a 240-volt charger at that capacity will charge your battery as fast as your vehicle allows. Chargers rated lower than 19.2 kW will work but will charge more slowly.

Charging costs compared to gasoline

Electricity costs vary by region and time of day. The U.S. average is roughly $0.14 per kilowatt-hour, though some states pay $0.10 and others pay $0.20 or more. To charge a Dodge Charger SE from empty to full (85 kWh), you would use about 95 kWh accounting for charging losses, which costs roughly $13 at the national average. A Durango (110 kWh battery) would cost roughly $17.

Public DC fast charging costs more per mile than home charging because the infrastructure is expensive to build and maintain. A 200-mile charge at a public fast charger typically costs $20 to $40, depending on the network and location. Home charging remains the cheapest option for daily driving.

Some utility companies offer time-of-use rates, which charge less for electricity during off-peak hours (usually late evening and early morning). If your utility offers this, charging overnight at home becomes even cheaper. Ask your utility whether they have a time-of-use plan for electric vehicle owners.

Planning a road trip with a Dodge electric vehicle

Both the Charger SE and Durango have a range of roughly 260 to 280 miles per full charge, depending on driving conditions and speed. For road trips, plan to stop at DC fast chargers every 150 to 200 miles to keep charging time reasonable. Most road trips involve one or two 20-to-30-minute fast charges rather than a single long charge.

Use the PlugShare or A Better Route Planner app to map chargers along your route before you leave. Both apps show real-time availability, pricing, and charger type. Tesla's navigation system also integrates Supercharger routing if you own a Dodge. Plan your stops around meal breaks or bathroom breaks so charging time feels less like a delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Dodge at a Tesla Supercharger?

Yes. Tesla opened its Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles in 2023, and Dodge vehicles are compatible. You will need the Tesla app to locate and pay for charging. Pricing is similar to other DC fast charging networks, roughly $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh.

How long does it take to install a Level 2 charger at home?

Installation typically takes one to two days. The electrician will run the circuit, install the charger unit, and test it. If your panel needs an upgrade, add another day or two. Most installations are complete within a week of scheduling.

What if I rent my home and cannot install a Level 2 charger?

You can use the Level 1 charger that comes with your vehicle, though it is slow. Some rental properties allow temporary charger installation or have chargers already installed. Talk to your landlord about your options. Public charging networks are your backup for longer trips.

Do I need a special permit to install a Level 2 charger?

Most municipalities require an electrical permit for Level 2 installation. Your electrician will typically handle the permit process and inspection as part of the job. Permit costs vary by location but usually range from $50 to $200.

Can I charge my Dodge in the rain or snow?

Yes. Both Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers are weatherproof and designed for outdoor use. Charging in rain, snow, or cold weather is safe. Cold weather does reduce battery efficiency slightly, so you may see a small decrease in range, but charging itself is not affected.