The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV delivers 32 miles of electric-only driving range - enough to cover most Nassau County commutes without burning a drop of gasoline. Understanding how charging works, what it costs on Long Island, and where to plug in determines whether you get full value from the plug-in hybrid system.
Bottom Line: A Nassau County commuter who charges the Hornet PHEV overnight at home can cover most weekday driving on electricity, with an estimated daily charging cost of roughly $3.40 versus $4.00-$4.30 worth of gasoline for the same distance.
- Level 1 charging (120V standard outlet): approximately 5 hours for a full charge
- Level 2 charging (240V home charger or public station): approximately 2 hours for a full charge
- 32 miles of electric range covers the average Nassau County round-trip commute in a single charge
Understanding the Hornet PHEV Battery and Electric Range
The Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV’s plug-in system is built around a 15.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack paired with a 90-kW electric motor that drives the rear axle. The EPA rates the electric-only range at approximately 32 miles, though real-world range can vary based on temperature, driving speed, and use of climate control.
For Nassau County’s typical commuting patterns, 32 miles covers a meaningful portion of the driving population. A round-trip from Westbury to Mineola is roughly 10-12 miles. From Hicksville to Hempstead and back runs about 18-20 miles. Commuters making these kinds of trips can complete multiple days of driving on a single overnight charge.
Cold weather reduces lithium-ion battery efficiency, and Long Island winters can subtract 20-25% from rated electric range in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Planning on approximately 24-26 usable electric miles during January and February gives Nassau County PHEV owners a realistic expectation without being caught short.
When the battery depletes, the Hornet R/T PHEV transitions seamlessly to hybrid mode - the 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine takes over as the primary power source with electric assist during acceleration. Fuel economy in hybrid mode is approximately 29 MPGe combined, which keeps running costs reasonable even on longer trips to eastern Long Island or upstate New York.
Level 1 Charging: The Standard Outlet Option
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet - the same type of plug you use for any household appliance. The Hornet PHEV comes with a Level 1 charging cable that plugs into a standard three-prong outlet on one end and the vehicle’s charging port on the other.
Charge time for a full battery on Level 1 is approximately 5 hours. This makes overnight charging the natural routine for most Nassau County homeowners - plug in when you get home at 6 or 7 PM, and the battery is fully charged well before your morning commute.
Level 1 charging is the lowest-cost option in terms of equipment - you need nothing beyond an accessible outdoor outlet near your parking spot. For Westbury, Carle Place, and Jericho homeowners with a garage or outdoor outlet within reach of the charging cable, Level 1 is a completely workable everyday solution.
The limitation of Level 1 is speed - if you return home from a long trip with a depleted battery and want a full charge before a mid-afternoon errand, 5 hours may not fit the schedule. That is where Level 2 charging becomes valuable.
Level 2 Charging: Faster Home and Public Charging
A Level 2 charger operates at 240 volts - the same voltage as a clothes dryer or electric oven. Installing a Level 2 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) at home cuts Hornet PHEV charge time to approximately 2 hours for a full charge.
Home Level 2 charger installation typically costs $600-$1,500 including the equipment and a licensed electrician to wire the dedicated 240-volt circuit. Nassau County homeowners who invest in a Level 2 charger gain flexibility for mid-day top-offs and eliminate any concern about having a full charge available when needed.
Public Level 2 charging stations have grown substantially across Nassau County in recent years. Charging stations are available at several locations in Mineola, at the Roosevelt Field area in Garden City, in Hempstead, and at municipal lots in communities across the county. PSEG Long Island has been actively expanding public charging infrastructure, and new stations continue to come online at shopping centers, commuter lots, and municipal parking facilities.
Using a public Level 2 station typically costs between $0.20 and $0.35 per kWh at Nassau County locations - comparable to home electricity rates when accounting for PSEG’s residential pricing tiers.
"The question we hear most from Nassau County PHEV shoppers is 'where do I charge?' The answer for most homeowners in Westbury, Hicksville, and Jericho is simple: plug it in at home overnight just like your phone. Level 1 handles the commuting routine for most of our buyers."
General Manager, Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
What Charging the Hornet PHEV Costs vs. Gasoline
The financial case for charging over fueling is compelling for Long Island drivers, where electricity rates and gas prices both run above national averages.
Cost to fully charge the Hornet PHEV battery:
- Battery capacity: 15.5 kWh usable
- PSEG Long Island residential rate: approximately $0.22 per kWh (average, varies by tier)
- Cost per full charge: approximately $3.40
- Electric range covered: approximately 32 miles
Gasoline cost for equivalent distance:
- 32 miles in the Hornet GT (gas only) at 29 mpg combined: approximately 1.1 gallons
- Cost at $3.60-$3.80/gallon Nassau County average: approximately $3.95-$4.18
The savings per charge: approximately $0.55-$0.78. For a driver charging daily 5 days per week and covering 32 miles of electric driving each day, the annual saving over running a gas-only equivalent is approximately $140-$200 in fuel cost. That is a modest but consistent saving that compounds over the vehicle’s life.
For commuters who can charge at work in addition to charging at home, the savings multiply - midday charging allows the PHEV to run on electricity for both the morning and afternoon commute legs independently.
Charging Infrastructure Map: Nassau County and South Shore Long Island
Nassau County’s charging network has expanded significantly and continues to grow. Key charging locations relevant to Hornet PHEV owners include:
- Mineola: Multiple Level 2 stations at municipal lots and the LIRR commuter parking area
- Garden City: Roosevelt Field area stations and village parking locations
- Hempstead: Several public stations near Village Hall and the transit hub
- Westbury: Charging available at select retail centers off Old Country Road
- Hicksville: LIRR commuter lot stations and retail center installations
The best tool for finding real-time charging availability is PlugShare, which aggregates public charging station data including current availability status. PSEG Long Island also publishes an updated map of charging locations it supports across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For Hornet PHEV owners who need safety recall information, https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/recalls allows VIN-specific recall lookups for any Dodge vehicle.
Range Anxiety: Is 32 Miles Enough?
Range anxiety - the concern about running out of charge - is a different experience with a PHEV than with a fully electric vehicle. The Hornet R/T PHEV never leaves you stranded from a depleted battery because the gasoline engine takes over seamlessly when electric range is exhausted.
The real question for Nassau County buyers is not range anxiety but charge discipline. The PHEV delivers its efficiency and cost benefits only when the battery is consistently charged. Buyers who charge every night extract maximum value. Buyers who forget to plug in regularly end up driving a hybrid with the weight of a battery pack they are not fully using.
For most Nassau County homeowners with a garage or driveway, charging discipline becomes a simple habit quickly. The Uconnect system allows scheduling charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, and the vehicle’s mobile app allows remote monitoring of charge status.
Read our full Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV vs. GT comparison for the complete fuel savings math and decision framework, or explore all three Hornet trims in our Hornet trim levels guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge the Dodge Hornet PHEV from empty? Level 1 charging from a standard 120-volt outlet takes approximately 5 hours for a full charge. A Level 2 240-volt home charger or public EVSE station reduces that to approximately 2 hours.
Can I charge the Hornet PHEV with a standard home outlet? Yes - the Hornet PHEV includes a Level 1 charging cable that works with a standard 120-volt, 3-prong outlet. No special equipment is required, though installing a Level 2 charger provides significantly faster charging.
What is the cost of charging the Hornet PHEV in Nassau County? At PSEG Long Island’s average residential rate of approximately $0.22 per kWh, a full charge costs approximately $3.40 and covers about 32 miles of electric driving.
Does cold weather affect the Hornet PHEV’s electric range? Yes - like all lithium-ion battery vehicles, the Hornet PHEV sees reduced electric range in cold temperatures. Long Island winters can reduce effective electric range by 20-25%, so planning on approximately 24-26 miles during cold months is realistic.
Are there public charging stations near Westbury and Garden City for the Hornet PHEV? Yes - Nassau County has a growing network of public Level 2 charging stations in Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Westbury, and Hicksville. PSEG Long Island continues to expand this network at commuter lots, retail centers, and municipal parking locations.
Is it safe to charge the Hornet PHEV overnight every night? Yes - PHEVs are designed for regular overnight charging. The battery management system prevents overcharging. For Hornet vehicle safety information and ratings, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-ratings.
Explore current Dodge Hornet inventory at Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram to see R/T PHEV availability in Jericho, Westbury, and the surrounding Nassau County area.
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