What You Need to Know About Charging a Dodge EV

Dodge currently makes one electric vehicle: the Dodge Charger SE, a battery-electric sedan that arrived in 2024. It uses a Level 2 charger for home charging and accepts both the NACS connector (the Tesla standard, now adopted across the industry) and the older CCS Combo connector through an adapter. Most owners will install a Level 2 home charger, which adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour and costs between $500 and $2,500 installed. On the road, you'll use public fast-charging networks that support NACS or CCS.

The Charger SE comes with a portable 120-volt charger in the trunk, but this adds only 2 to 3 miles per hour and is meant for emergencies, not regular use. If you plan to own this vehicle, a permanent home charger is not optional—it's the foundation of practical ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dodge Charger SE uses NACS connectors at most new chargers and comes with an adapter for older CCS stations, so you can charge at nearly all public networks.
  • A Level 2 home charger installed by a licensed electrician typically costs $1,000 to $2,500 and adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour.
  • The portable 120-volt charger that comes with the car is too slow for daily use and should be reserved for travel emergencies.
  • Public fast-charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Supercharger (via NACS) cover most major highways, but availability varies by region.
  • Your home charger installation may may have access to for a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 if you meet income and vehicle-price requirements.

Home Charging: Level 2 Installation and Cost

Installing a Level 2 charger at home is the most practical way to own a Dodge Charger SE. You'll need a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which most homes have available near the garage or driveway. A licensed electrician will run the wire, install the breaker, and mount the charger—a job that typically takes four to eight hours. The total cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on how far the charger is from your electrical panel and whether your home's service needs an upgrade.

Popular Level 2 charger models include the Tesla Wall Connector (around $600 to $700 for the unit), Wallbox Pulsar Plus (around $500 to $600), and Emporia Vue (around $400 to $500). All three work with the Charger SE via NACS. Some chargers offer smart features like scheduling (charge during off-peak hours for lower rates) and app monitoring, which can save money if your utility offers time-of-use pricing.

Before hiring an electrician, check whether your utility company offers rebates for charger installation. Many do, and some cover $500 to $1,000 of the cost. You can also claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,000 for the charger itself (not installation) if your household income is below $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married filing jointly) and the vehicle's price is under $55,000. The Charger SE meets the price cap.

Public Charging Networks and Connector Types

The Dodge Charger SE ships with a NACS-to-CCS adapter, which means you can charge at nearly every public station in North America. NACS (North American Charging Standard) is now the default at Tesla Superchargers and most new public chargers. CCS Combo is the older standard, still common at networks like Electrify America and EVgo, but being phased out.

The major public fast-charging networks are Electrify America (over 900 stations), EVgo (over 800 stations), and Tesla Supercharger (over 50,000 globally, with thousands in North America). Electrify America and EVgo charge by the minute or kilowatt-hour; rates vary by location and time of day but typically run $0.25 to $0.50 per minute for DC fast charging. Tesla Supercharger pricing is similar. A 20-minute fast charge (adding roughly 150 to 200 miles) costs $10 to $15 at most networks.

To find chargers, use the PlugShare app (free, shows all networks), the ChargePoint app (focuses on Level 2 and some fast chargers), or the Tesla app (Superchargers only). Most networks require a membership card or app account to start a session, though some allow pay-as-you-go.

Charging Speed: What to Expect at Home and Away

Charging speed depends on the charger type and your vehicle's battery capacity. The Dodge Charger SE has a 85 kWh usable battery. At a Level 2 home charger (7 to 11 kW), you'll add 25 to 30 miles per hour, meaning a full charge from empty takes roughly 8 to 10 hours overnight. Most owners charge to 80 percent, which takes 6 to 8 hours and is gentler on the battery.

DC fast charging (available at public networks) is much quicker. At a 150 kW fast charger, you can add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes. However, charging speed slows as the battery fills—the last 20 percent takes longer than the first 80 percent. For road trips, plan to stop for 20 to 30 minutes at fast chargers rather than waiting for a full charge.

The portable 120-volt charger that comes with the Charger SE adds only 2 to 3 miles per hour and is impractical for regular use. It's useful if you're stranded without access to a Level 2 or fast charger, but don't rely on it for daily charging.

Charging Costs and Electricity Rates

The cost to charge at home depends on your local electricity rate. The U.S. average is around $0.14 to $0.16 per kilowatt-hour, though rates vary widely by state and utility. To charge the Dodge Charger SE's 85 kWh battery from empty, you'd spend roughly $12 to $14 at the national average. That's equivalent to about 3 to 4 miles per dollar, compared to 2 to 3 miles per dollar for a gas car at current fuel prices.

If your utility offers time-of-use (TOU) rates, you can save significantly by charging during off-peak hours (usually late evening or early morning). Off-peak rates can be 30 to 50 percent lower than peak rates. A smart Level 2 charger with scheduling lets you set charging to start at a specific time, making it straightforward to take advantage of lower rates.

Public fast charging is more expensive per mile than home charging. A 150-mile fast-charge session (roughly $15 to $20) costs about 10 to 13 cents per mile, whereas home charging costs 3 to 4 cents per mile. For daily driving, charge at home. Use public fast chargers only for road trips.

Preparing Your Home for Installation

Before calling an electrician, check three things: the location where you want the charger, your home's electrical panel capacity, and whether your utility offers rebates.

For location, choose a spot within 50 feet of your electrical panel if possible—longer runs increase installation cost. The charger should be protected from weather (a garage wall is ideal) or mounted under an eave. If you park in a driveway without cover, use a weatherproof charger like the Tesla Wall Connector or Wallbox Pulsar Plus.

For panel capacity, most homes have 100 to 200 amp service. A Level 2 charger typically needs a 40 to 60 amp breaker. If your panel is already near capacity (check with an electrician), you may need a service upgrade, which adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the installation cost. This is rare in newer homes but common in older ones.

Check your utility's website for charger rebates. Many utilities offer $500 to $1,000 rebates for residential Level 2 installation. Some require you to buy from an approved list of chargers or installers, so verify before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Dodge Charger SE with a Tesla Supercharger?

Yes. Tesla Superchargers now use the NACS connector standard, which the Charger SE uses natively. You'll need a Tesla app account to start a session, but the charging process is the same as any other vehicle. Pricing is comparable to other fast-charging networks.

What if I don't have a garage or driveway?

You can install a Level 2 charger on an exterior wall, under an eave, or on a post in the yard if you have access to a 240-volt circuit. If you rent or live in an apartment, ask your landlord or building management about installing a charger. Some states require landlords to allow charger installation. If home installation isn't possible, rely on public charging networks for daily use.

How long does a Level 2 charger installation take?

A typical installation takes four to eight hours for an electrician. If your home needs a service upgrade or the charger location is far from the panel, it may take longer or require a second visit. Most installations are completed in one day.

Will charging overnight increase my electric bill significantly?

Charging the Charger SE fully costs roughly $12 to $14 at the national average electricity rate. If you charge every night, that's $360 to $420 per month. If your utility offers time-of-use rates, charging during off-peak hours can cut that by 30 to 50 percent. Compare the cost to what you'd spend on gas in a comparable car to see the savings.

What's the difference between NACS and CCS chargers?

NACS is the newer standard now used by Tesla Superchargers and most new public chargers. CCS is the older standard, still common at Electrify America and EVgo but being phased out. The Charger SE comes with an adapter to use CCS chargers, so you can use both. Over time, CCS chargers will become less common, but the adapter ensures you're not locked out of older networks.