Jeep doesn’t recommend using a dryer wall outlet for Level 2 charging, but it’s possible.
If you look at Jeep’s landing page for their Jeep Wrangler 4XE PHEV, Jeep spells a Level 1 (120V) charging cord comes standard to charge the on-board hybrid battery. While the Wrangler 4XE is capable of Level 2 charging, they don’t explicitly say you can use a regular dryer wall outlet.
Since the Jeep Wrangler 4XE’s onboard charger is capable of drawing up to 30 AMPS for faster charging, Jeep’d rather you install a dedicated Level 2 charging station, independent of the dryer wall outlet.
Not only can you use your drawer wall outlet, many 4XE owners already do.
*This post contains Amazon links as part of an affiliate program.
What is the Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Classified as a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe combines a 17.3 kWh battery, electric motor, and a regular 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder to deliver up to 375 hp and 470 lb-ft with some battery charged.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn EV mode only, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe can only use its 134 HP and 181 lb-ft electric motor. The second electric motor (at 44 HP and 39 lb-ft) is a starter generator connected to the crankshaft pully, not available with the engine off.
Since it’s hybrid and not a pure electric vehicle, even if you run out of charge, your Wrangler 4XE will chug along, using its 270 HP and 295 lb-ft gas engine
Like an electric vehicle, the 4xe has regenerative braking capable of slowing down your Jeep Wrangler without brakes, sending that energy back into your battery pack. It hasn’t been tested but, given a long enough hill, you can technically recharge an almost dead 4xe hybrid battery using regen-only.
Using a dryer wall outlet, no dedicated 240V charging station needed.
Installing a dedicated 240V charging station can be cost prohibitive in some states like California where everything seems to be 5x more expensive.
Thankfully, you have several 240V portable and semi-permanent chargers (wall mountable) to choose from. These Level 2 chargers do not come with your Jeep and must be bought elsewhere, typically online (like Amazon.com)
This Splitvolt Charger comes in several NEMA configurations, from NEMA 10-30 to NEMA 14-30 and NEMA 14-50 depending on what kind of dryer outlet you have. At $280, it’s one of the most affordable Level 2 chargers available.
With 16 feet of cord, there’s more than enough length to reach your Jeep Wrangler 4XE.
This semi-permanent wall mounted charger from Grizzle-E is a little more expensive but has adjustable amperage depending on if you’re plugged into a dryer outlet in your garage or a dedicated 240V outlet meant to deliver up to 40 AMPS.
You can do your own research on JLWranglerforums.com or 4XEForums.com to find out what Level 2 chargers they recommend.
If you go the portable charger route, keep in mind regular home dryer wall outlets are rated to safely draw up to 30 amps. Whatever charger you choose, it should not be capable of drawing over 30 amps.
Doing so will trip your circuit breaker and cause a fire hazard if your breaker fuses malfunction.
Expected charge times plugged into a dryer wall outlet portable charger.
According to the Jeep Wrangler 4XE Supplement using a Level 2 charger drawing 240V/30A or 32A, charging the hybrid battery takes only 2 hours.
But, if you use a portable 240V charger capable of safely drawing various amperages like 16 amps or 24 amps, expect to take longer than 2 hours. It’ll still be a lot faster than a regular wall outlet.
All Jeep Wrangler 4XE’s come with a Level 1 120V 15A charger. Plugged into a regular wall outlet, it takes 12 hours to fully charge your 17 kWh battery.
