Is Dodge Hornet electric or gas?
The Dodge Hornet is a plug‑in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): it uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor with a battery pack, and it can run in electric power for a limited distance before the gas engine takes over. It is not a fully electric vehicle.
Launched as Dodge’s first true plug‑in hybrid, the Hornet sits on a shared platform with other Stellantis products and is positioned to combine performance with everyday efficiency. This article explains how its powertrain works, what you can expect in terms of electric range and charging, and what that means for daily driving.
Powertrain and how it works
Understanding the core components helps explain why the Hornet is considered a hybrid, not a pure electric car.
- Gasoline engine: A turbocharged propulsion engine provides power and serves as the primary energy source when the battery is depleted or higher power is needed.
- Electric motor: An electric motor supplements propulsion, enables electric driving at lower speeds, and can support rapid acceleration.
- Battery pack: A dedicated high‑voltage battery stores electricity for the electric motor, enabling a limited all‑electric driving window.
- Drivetrain configuration: All‑wheel‑drive variants use the hybrid system to optimize traction and efficiency under a variety of conditions.
In practice, the Hornet can drive on electric power for a typical daily trip—roughly around 30 miles under favorable conditions—before the gasoline engine re-engages to extend range for longer trips.
Charging, range and efficiency
Charging options and the practical electric range are central to understanding how the Hornet operates as a PHEV.
- Charging options: The Hornet PHEV supports standard Level 2 (240V) charging and Level 1 (120V) charging, with faster replenishment available via a compatible 240V outlet. Some trims do not offer DC fast charging.
- Electric range: EPA‑style estimates place electric range in the vicinity of roughly 25–30 miles on a full battery, depending on driving conditions, terrain, and climate.
- Battery size and management: The vehicle uses a mid‑sized high‑voltage pack designed to deliver dependable electric drive and to recharge efficiently during regular use.
- Fuel economy and performance: When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine continues to power the vehicle, providing familiar gasoline‑driven performance with the added benefit of hybrid operation and regenerative braking.
For most daily routines and commutes, owners can rely on electric driving for part of the day and switch to gas for longer trips, with charging habits shaping overall efficiency and cost of ownership.
What this means for buyers
If you’re considering a Hornet, here’s what to expect in everyday use, including potential trade‑offs and perks of owning a PHEV.
Key takeaways for practical use
The Hornet’s plug‑in hybrid setup means you’ll likely maximize electric efficiency for short trips and urban driving, with gasoline capacity available for longer journeys or when you need maximum range. Charging regularly can help you stay in electric mode longer, reducing fuel costs and emissions on typical commutes. However, if you frequently require all‑electric operation for extended ranges, you may want to compare with full‑EV options to ensure the Hornet meets your daily mileage needs.
Summary
Bottom line: the Dodge Hornet is a plug‑in hybrid that blends a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery. It isn’t a pure electric vehicle, but it offers a meaningful all‑electric driving window for many daily trips with the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer adventures. For prospective buyers, the Hornet represents a balance between performance and efficiency within Dodge’s electrification strategy.
Does the Dodge Hornet recharge itself?
How will the Dodge Hornet R/T charge the battery while driving? The Dodge Hornet R/T will charge the battery through: Regenerative braking, which takes the kinetic energy recovered when you use your brakes, turns it into electric energy and recharges your battery with it.
Is Dodge Hornet gas or electric?
The Dodge Hornet is available as both a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines gas and electric power. The gas-powered models are the GT and GT Plus, while the PHEV versions are the R/T and R/T Plus. The R/T models feature electric, hybrid, and eSave driving modes, allowing the driver to use gas and electricity in various combinations.
Gas-powered models
- Models: GT and GT Plus
- Engine: Gasoline-powered engine
- Fuel: Requires premium unleaded gas
Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models
- Models: R/T and R/T Plus
- Engine: Combines a turbocharged 1.3L 4-cylinder engine with electric motors
- Fuel: Requires premium unleaded gas, but also runs on electric power
- Drive Modes:
- Electric Mode: Runs exclusively on electric power
- Hybrid Mode: The system automatically uses both gas and electric power
- eSave Mode: Prioritizes the gas engine to preserve battery charge
What gas does a Dodge Hornet take?
The Dodge Hornet takes premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance, although it can run on regular unleaded fuel. The gasoline-powered models use a turbocharged engine that benefits from higher octane, while the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models also recommend premium unleaded for the gas-powered portion of the powertrain.
Recommended fuel
- Premium unleaded (91+ octane): This is recommended for both the gasoline-only and PHEV versions of the Dodge Hornet.
- For maximum performance: Using premium fuel will help the turbocharged engine deliver its full power and efficiency.
When regular unleaded might be used
- Regular unleaded (87 octane): The vehicle is designed to run on this grade of fuel, but it's not recommended for those who want to achieve the best performance.
- Potential drawbacks: Using regular fuel in a performance-tuned, turbocharged engine may result in reduced power, efficiency, and potentially lead to long-term damage over time.
Important considerations
- Check the owner's manual: For the most accurate information specific to your vehicle, always consult the owner's manual.
- Check the fuel door: The fuel door on your Dodge Hornet should also have a sticker indicating the recommended fuel type.
Is the new Dodge Charger electric only?
No, the new Dodge Charger is not only electric; it will have both all-electric (Daytona) and gasoline (SIXPACK) models available. The initial model launch focused on the electric Daytona, but gas-powered variants using the Hurricane inline-six engine are being released alongside a four-door electric option in 2025.
- Electric Models: The Daytona models are fully electric, with the Scat Pack being the most powerful.
- Gasoline Models: The SIXPACK models are powered by the twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six engine.
- Availability: Both gas and four-door electric options are expected to be available starting in 2025.
