Dodge's Electric Vehicle Lineup and What's Available

Dodge has one electric vehicle currently in production: the Dodge Charger SE, a four-door sedan that launched in 2024. It is not a conversion of the classic muscle car — it is a new platform built from the ground up as an electric vehicle. Dodge also produces the Dodge Charger R/T, which is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), meaning it has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine.

The Charger SE comes in two battery sizes. The standard range version has an estimated 260 miles of range per charge, while the extended range version offers around 260 to 300 miles depending on driving conditions and the specific model year. Both versions charge at home using a standard outlet or a dedicated home charger, and both can use public fast-charging stations.

Dodge has announced plans for additional electric models in the coming years, but as of now the Charger SE is the only fully electric Dodge you can order. The company is positioning itself as an electric performance brand, so future models are expected to emphasize acceleration and handling rather than just efficiency.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dodge Charger SE is a fully electric four-door sedan with 260 to 300 miles of range depending on battery size and driving conditions.
  • The Charger R/T is a plug-in hybrid that runs on both electricity and gasoline, offering shorter electric-only range but no need to charge for longer trips.
  • Dodge electric vehicles charge at home, at workplace chargers, or at public fast-charging networks, with charging time ranging from 30 minutes to overnight depending on the charger type.
  • Federal tax credits and state incentives may reduce the purchase price, though availability and amounts vary by location and model year.

Charger SE: The Fully Electric Option

The Charger SE is built on Dodge's new electric platform and seats five adults. It has a single electric motor that produces around 260 horsepower in the standard version, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-6-second range. The extended range version has similar performance but prioritizes driving distance over acceleration.

Inside, the Charger SE includes an 11-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital instrument cluster. Storage is comparable to other four-door sedans — a trunk plus under-seat storage — though the lack of a traditional engine means more interior space than a gasoline sedan of similar size.

The standard range battery charges to 80% in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charger, or overnight at home with a Level 2 charger (240 volts). The extended range battery takes longer to charge but covers more distance per charge. Real-world range depends on weather, driving style, and road conditions — cold weather and highway driving reduce range by 20 to 30% compared to EPA estimates.

Charger R/T: The Plug-In Hybrid Alternative

The Charger R/T is a plug-in hybrid, meaning it has both an electric motor and a V8 gasoline engine. It can run on electricity alone for roughly 30 to 40 miles before the gasoline engine starts, making it suitable for daily commutes that fit within that range. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle switches to the gasoline engine and operates like a traditional car.

The R/T produces around 430 horsepower combined from both motors and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range. It is heavier than the Charger SE because it carries both powertrains, which affects efficiency and handling compared to a fully electric vehicle.

Charging the R/T's battery takes 2 to 3 hours at a Level 2 home charger. You do not need to charge it to drive — the gasoline engine will power the vehicle — but charging it regularly maximizes the electric-only miles you get each day and reduces fuel consumption.

Charging at Home and on the Road

Charging a Dodge electric vehicle at home requires either a standard 120-volt outlet (which charges very slowly and is not practical for regular use) or a dedicated 240-volt Level 2 charger. Installing a Level 2 charger typically costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on your home's electrical setup and local installation rates. Many utilities offer rebates for home charger installation.

On the road, the Charger SE can use any public DC fast charger, including networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. A 30-minute fast charge adds 150 to 200 miles of range depending on the charger's power output and the battery size. Level 2 chargers at workplaces, shopping centers, and parking lots add 20 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging.

The Charger R/T can also use public chargers, but since it has a smaller battery, charging times are shorter. Many owners of plug-in hybrids charge only at home and rely on the gasoline engine for longer trips, which reduces the need to use public chargers.

Cost, Incentives, and Fuel Savings

The Charger SE starts around $43,000 for the standard range version and increases to roughly $48,000 for the extended range, though prices vary by model year and market. The Charger R/T plug-in hybrid starts around $50,000. These are manufacturer suggested retail prices before any discounts or incentives.

The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for may have access to electric vehicles, though the Charger SE's may be able to access depends on where it is assembled and the price of the vehicle. Some states offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. Check your state's energy office or the fueleconomy.gov website for current incentives in your area.

Operating costs for the Charger SE are lower than gasoline vehicles because electricity is cheaper than fuel and electric motors require less maintenance. Charging at home costs roughly $3 to $5 per 100 miles, compared to $12 to $15 per 100 miles for a gasoline car at current fuel prices. The Charger R/T reduces fuel costs when driven on electricity but still requires gasoline for longer trips.

Performance and Driving Experience

Dodge markets the Charger SE as a performance electric vehicle, not an economy car. The acceleration is when ready — electric motors deliver maximum torque when ready — and the low center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery improves handling compared to traditional sedans. The driving experience is quieter than a gasoline car because there is no engine noise.

Regenerative braking captures energy when you slow down and returns it to the battery, which extends range and reduces brake wear. Most drivers find they use the brakes less frequently in an electric vehicle because lifting off the accelerator slows the car significantly.

The Charger R/T offers similar performance when running on electricity, but the added weight of the gasoline engine makes it less nimble than the fully electric Charger SE. The V8 engine provides a different driving experience for owners who want traditional muscle car sound and feel.

Warranty and Reliability Considerations

Dodge covers the Charger SE's battery for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers defects in the battery cells and the battery management system. The rest of the vehicle is covered by Dodge's standard three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, plus five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain.

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gasoline cars, which generally means lower maintenance costs. There is no oil to change, no transmission fluid, and no spark plugs. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping. Tire wear is similar to gasoline vehicles.

The Charger SE is new, so long-term reliability data is limited. Dodge is part of Stellantis, a large automotive manufacturer with experience building electric vehicles through its other brands. Early owner reports suggest the vehicle is reliable, but it is too early to make definitive statements about durability beyond 100,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to charge a Dodge Charger SE?

At a DC fast charger, the Charger SE reaches 80% charge in about 30 minutes. At a home Level 2 charger (240 volts), a full charge takes 8 to 10 hours overnight. A standard 120-volt outlet charges very slowly and is not practical for regular use.

Can I tow a trailer with a Dodge Charger SE?

The Charger SE is not rated for towing. If you need to tow, the Charger R/T plug-in hybrid can tow up to 3,600 pounds, though towing reduces electric range and increases fuel consumption.

What happens if I run out of battery in a Charger SE?

Unlike the plug-in hybrid, the Charger SE has no backup engine. If the battery is depleted, you will need to charge at a nearby charger or call for roadside information. In practice, the estimated range display alerts you well before the battery is empty, giving you time to find a charger.

Is the Charger R/T worth it if I mostly drive short distances?

If your daily driving is under 40 miles, the Charger R/T can run on electricity alone most days, which saves fuel and reduces emissions. However, you pay more upfront for the plug-in hybrid than the fully electric Charger SE, so the fuel savings may not offset the higher purchase price over the vehicle's lifetime.

Do I need a special license or insurance for a Dodge electric vehicle?

No special license is required. Insurance rates are comparable to gasoline vehicles, though some insurers offer small discounts for electric vehicles. Check with your insurance company for current rates.