Dodge has two electric Charger models: the 2024 Charger 6e and the upcoming 2025 Charger 5e
Dodge released the Charger 6e in 2024 as its first fully electric muscle car. It uses a dual-motor setup that produces 420 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-4-second range. The battery provides an estimated range of around 260 miles per charge, though real-world distance varies based on driving habits and weather.
The company also announced the Charger 5e, coming in 2025, which will be a more affordable option with a single motor and lower horsepower. Dodge positioned the 5e as an entry point to electric Charger ownership, with a starting price expected to be significantly lower than the 6e. Both models use Dodge's new electric platform built specifically for the Charger line.
These vehicles represent Dodge's shift away from internal combustion engines. The brand retired its gas-powered Charger after 2023 to make room for the electric versions, marking a major change for a nameplate known for V8 performance.
Key Takeaways
- The Charger 6e is Dodge's current electric model with dual motors, 420 horsepower, and an estimated 260-mile range.
- The Charger 5e arrives in 2025 as a single-motor option with lower cost and performance than the 6e.
- Both models charge at home using a standard outlet or dedicated home charger, or at public charging stations.
- Electric Chargers may have access to for federal tax credits up to $7,500 if they meet manufacturing and price requirements, though the amount varies by model and year.
- Charging time ranges from 30 minutes at a fast charger to 10+ hours at home, depending on the charger type and battery size.
How the Charger 6e's dual-motor system works
The Charger 6e has one motor on each axle, meaning power goes to all four wheels. This setup gives the car better traction than a single-motor design and allows Dodge to tune the motors independently — the front and rear can explore different amounts of power depending on road conditions and driving mode.
The dual-motor design also enables features like one-pedal driving, where lifting off the accelerator slows the car through regenerative braking. As the wheels slow down, they feed energy back into the battery instead of wasting it as heat through friction brakes. This extends range on city driving where you brake frequently.
Dodge offers the 6e in different trim levels that adjust features like interior materials, infotainment systems, and driver information technology, but the core powertrain remains the same across trims.
Charging options and how long they take
You can charge a Charger 6e or 5e at home using three different setups. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges very slowly — roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour — and is mainly useful for overnight charging if you drive short distances. A dedicated 240-volt home charger, installed by an electrician, charges much faster at 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge overnight is realistic.
Public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint offer DC fast chargers that can add 200 miles of range in 30 minutes under ideal conditions, though actual speed depends on the charger's power output and the battery's current charge level. Charging slows as the battery fills, so the last 20 percent takes longer than the first 80 percent.
The cost of home installation for a 240-volt charger typically ranges from $500 to $2,500 depending on your electrical panel's capacity and the distance from the panel to where you park. Many utility companies and some state programs offer rebates that reduce this cost.
Federal tax credits and state incentives
The Charger 6e and 5e may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 when you purchase them new, though the actual amount depends on where the vehicle is assembled and where its battery components come from. The credit phases down if the vehicle or its battery exceeds certain price caps, which Dodge has adjusted its pricing to stay within.
To claim the credit, you must file taxes in the year you buy the vehicle and meet income limits. The credit is non-refundable, meaning it reduces your tax bill but cannot result in a refund if your tax liability is lower than the credit amount. Some states also offer additional rebates or tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on where you live.
Incentive rules change annually, so check the IRS website and your state's energy office for current details before purchasing.
Real-world range and battery degradation
The Charger 6e's estimated 260-mile range assumes highway driving in moderate temperatures. In cold weather, range typically drops 20 to 40 percent because the battery is less efficient and the car uses energy to heat the cabin. Aggressive acceleration and highway speeds above 70 mph also reduce range compared to city driving.
Battery degradation — the slow loss of capacity over time — is normal for all electric vehicles. Most manufacturers, including Dodge, warranty the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing it retains at least 70 percent of its original capacity. Real-world data from other electric vehicles suggests batteries lose roughly 2 to 3 percent of capacity per year under normal use.
Factors that slow degradation include avoiding frequent fast charging, keeping the battery between 20 and 80 percent charge when possible, and parking in shade during hot weather. These practices are optional — the battery will function fine without them, but they may extend its lifespan.
Maintenance differences from gas-powered cars
Electric Chargers have far fewer moving parts than gas engines, which means less routine maintenance. There is no oil to change, no spark plugs to replace, and no transmission fluid. Brake pads last longer because regenerative braking does most of the stopping work, reducing wear on friction brakes.
You still need to rotate tires, replace cabin air filters, and have the cooling system checked periodically. The battery management system and electric motors require no regular service, though a dealer can run diagnostics if warning lights appear. Tire wear may be slightly higher than gas cars because electric vehicles are heavier due to the battery pack.
Warranty coverage for the battery and electric drivetrain typically extends beyond the basic vehicle warranty, often 8 to 10 years. This means major repairs to the motor or battery are covered at no cost during that period.
How the Charger 5e differs from the 6e
The Charger 5e uses a single motor instead of dual motors, meaning it has front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive. This reduces horsepower and acceleration compared to the 6e, making it slower off the line but still capable of highway driving. The single motor also reduces the vehicle's weight slightly, which can improve efficiency and range.
Dodge has not yet released complete specifications for the 5e, but the company has indicated it will have a lower starting price to attract buyers who want an electric Charger without the performance premium of the 6e. The 5e is expected to appeal to daily commuters and buyers prioritizing cost over acceleration.
Both models share the same platform and infotainment system, so the driving experience and technology features are similar. The main trade-off is performance and all-wheel-drive capability for a lower purchase price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow with an electric Charger?
Dodge has not announced towing capacity for the Charger 6e or 5e. Most electric vehicles have limited towing ability compared to gas trucks because towing significantly reduces range. Check Dodge's official specifications when the 5e launches to confirm whether either model supports towing and what the limits are.
What happens if I run out of charge while driving?
Unlike a gas car, you cannot coast to a gas station. If the battery is completely empty, the car stops and requires a tow truck to reach a charger. In practice, the car warns you well before the battery is critically low, giving you time to find a charging station. Most drivers plan routes using charging apps to avoid this situation.
Is the Charger 6e faster than the gas Charger it replaced?
The Charger 6e's 0-60 time in the mid-4-second range is faster than most gas Chargers from recent years, though the top-tier gas models with V8 engines were comparable. The electric version has when ready torque, which makes acceleration feel sharper even if the overall performance is similar.
Can I charge at any public charging station?
The Charger 6e and 5e use the North American Charging Standard (NACS), which is becoming the standard across the United States. Most newer public chargers support NACS, but some older stations use different connectors. Check the charger network's app before you arrive to confirm compatibility.
How much does it cost to charge compared to gas?
Electricity costs vary by region and time of day, but charging an electric vehicle typically costs one-third to one-half as much per mile as driving a gas car. Home charging is usually cheaper than public fast charging. Calculate your local cost by checking your utility bill's electricity rate and dividing it by the vehicle's efficiency rating in miles per kilowatt-hour.