What type of battery does a Dodge Charger use?
The Dodge Charger uses a standard 12-volt lead‑acid battery for starting and powering its electrical systems; there is no high‑voltage traction battery in its gasoline-powered models.
Note that Dodge halted Charger production after the 2023 model year, so there is no 2024 Charger in ongoing production. This article explains what that means for owners, how the battery functions, and practical maintenance tips.
Battery basics in the Charger
Understanding the Charger’s 12-volt battery helps explain how the car starts, keeps lights on, and runs accessories when the engine isn’t turning.
Here are the key characteristics and implications of the Charger’s 12-volt battery:
- Type and role: A conventional 12-volt lead‑acid automotive battery that provides power to the starter motor and all electrical accessories.
- High-voltage system: There is no high‑voltage traction battery in standard gasoline Chargers; propulsion is provided by the internal combustion engine (V6/V8).
- Start‑stop and variants: Some modern cars with start‑stop systems use an AGM (absorbent glass mat) or EFB (enhanced flooded) 12‑volt battery to handle frequent restarts; Chargers with start‑stop, if equipped, may follow this pattern, though not all trims employ start‑stop.
- Charging: The alternator recharges the 12‑volt battery while the engine runs, and a healthy charging system maintains a stable voltage typically in the 13.8–14.4V range.
- Placement and maintenance basics: The battery is located in the engine bay; replacement should match the group size and specifications listed in the owner’s manual or on the battery label.
In short, the Charger relies on a traditional 12‑volt battery rather than a high‑voltage pack for propulsion, with charging provided by the alternator when the engine is running.
High-voltage battery status
There is no factory, production Dodge Charger that uses a high‑voltage battery for propulsion. The nameplate has long been associated with traditional internal combustion power, and even the higher‑performance variants do not employ a rechargeable traction battery like a plug-in hybrid or battery‑electric vehicle.
Maintenance and replacement tips
To keep the Charger’s 12‑volt battery reliable, owners should follow routine checks and sensible replacement practices.
Before listing maintenance steps, here is a short guide to what to do and what to watch for:
- Regularly test the battery’s voltage when the car is off (about 12.6V is typical for a healthy, fully charged battery; readings well below 12V indicate a discharged or failing battery).
- Inspect and clean battery terminals for corrosion; tighten clamps as needed and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.
- Ensure the charging system is functioning: if the car struggles to start or the alternator isn’t charging, have the belt, wiring, and alternator tested by a professional.
- When replacing, choose a battery of the correct group size and rating for your Charger’s year and trim; if the vehicle has start‑stop, consider an AGM or EFB battery as recommended by the manual or parts supplier.
- If storing the car for an extended period, use a trickle charger or maintain a regular driving schedule to keep the battery topped up.
Following these tips can extend the life of the 12‑volt battery and reduce the chance of unexpected no‑starts.
Summary
The Dodge Charger relies on a conventional 12‑volt lead‑acid battery for starting and accessories, with no high‑voltage traction pack in its gasoline models. Maintenance centers on standard automotive battery care, and replacement should follow the manufacturer’s specifications and group size. With production ending after 2023, current owners should consult their manuals or local service providers for the latest guidance on replacement parts and compatibility.
What kind of battery does a 2018 Dodge Charger take?
Duralast Group Size 94R H7 Battery H7-DL.
How do I know my car battery type?
You can identify a car battery type by checking the label on the battery for its group size and type (like AGM), consulting the vehicle's owner's manual for specifications, or using online fitment tools by entering your car's year, make, and model. The most reliable method is to find the battery's label, which usually contains both the physical dimensions and chemistry information.
This video explains how to interpret car battery labels: 52sGS Yuasa UKYouTube · Feb 8, 2023
Methods to identify battery type
You can watch this video to learn how to identify different car battery types and find information on the labels: 1mJeremy FieldingYouTube · Jun 11, 2018
- Check the battery label:
- Look for a BCI (Battery Council International) group number, such as 65 or 24F, which corresponds to the physical dimensions and terminal placement.
- Look for the battery's chemistry type, which will be printed on the label. Common types include standard lead-acid, or more advanced ones like AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) or Lithium-ion.
- Consult your owner's manual:
- The owner's manual is the most authoritative source for your vehicle's original battery specifications.
- It will list the correct BCI group size and can also specify the minimum Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) required.
- Use online lookup tools:
- Websites for parts stores or battery manufacturers have online tools where you can enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to find the correct fitment and specifications.
- Examine the battery terminals:
- While less reliable, markings near the battery terminals can sometimes provide additional information or help you confirm the correct polarity.
- Ask a professional:
- If you are unable to find the information, a mechanic or a parts store professional can help you identify the correct battery type for your car.
What kind of battery do I need for a 2019 Dodge Charger?
In fact, almost all of the Chargers built in 2019 use the same battery- an H7 (also sometimes referred to as a 94R). OPTIMA offers a direct-fit replacement for the 2019 Charger with our DH7 YELLOWTOP, which is an 80Ah battery, rated at 880 cold cranking amps.
What kind of battery does a Dodge Charger take?
About Dodge Charger Car Batteries
Most Dodge Chargers require either 94R/H7 or 49/H8 batteries, except for those in model years 1966 to 1977, which require a group size 27 battery.
