The slowest charging option for electric vehicles would be a Level 1 charger, which is your standard 120-volt outlet. It's convenient because you don't need to install any special equipment to plug in your vehicle; just stick it in a normal outlet and wait.

But you'll be waiting for a while. For the 199-mile-range, 42-kWh New Fiat 500—known in North America as the 500e—you can expect to reach a full charge in about 14 hours from a home socket.

In the Nissan LEAF's case, you can expect to add about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. For the Nissan LEAF with a 40 kWh battery and 149-mile range, it would take more than two days minimum to reach a full charge. For LEAF models equipped with the 226-mile 62 kWh battery, it'll take even longer.

The MINI Electric has a range starting at 110 miles up to 145 miles depending on the model. Its 28.9 kWh battery pack will charge to full in about 12 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet.

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

Level 2 charging for the Fiat 500e

Level 2 chargers can be installed at home or be used at public charging stations. Typically known as "fast chargers," Level 2 chargers utilize a 220-240 volt connection, making it a bit faster than your standard 120-volt outlet in terms of charging speed.

The

New Fiat 500

can hit a full charge between 4-6 hours on a fast charger, depending on the charger's kilowatt rating.

For the Nissan LEAF, a Level 2 charger will add about 10 to 25 miles of range every hour—or between 8 and 12 hours to a full charge depending on the battery. The MINI Electric will reach a full charge in around 3.5 hours on a fast charger at 11 kW.

MORE: Fiat 500 vs. Mini Cooper: Is One Better Than the Other?

Is rapid charging the way to go for the Fiat 500e?

Quick or rapid charging stations are definitely more economical for most EV drivers, as they allow for a speedy boost of range in a fraction of the time of Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.

The New Fiat 500can hit an 80% charge in 45 minutes on a 50 kW rapid charger, and just 30 minutes on a 100 kW charger.

The Nissan LEAF equipped with a 40 kWh battery can attain an 80% charge in around 40 minutes using a 50 kW quick charger.

Models with the 62 kWh battery can hit an 80% charge in about an hour using a 50 kW quick charger while using a 100 kW quick charger brings that down to 45 minutes. The MINI Electric can charge to 80% capacity in about 36 minutes.

Which one do I choose?

If you're hellbent on not installing a fast charger at home or don't want to share a public charger with the unwashed masses, then your only option would be charging at a snail's pace with the 120V Level 1 charging method.

In that case, your best bet would be the MINI Electric with its 12-hour charging time if charging speed is your only concern and not range.

If you plan to install a 220-240V home charger, then the MINI Electric is again likely your best choice with its 3.5-hour charge time.

If you plan on charging on the go, the New Fiat 500 is your best bet with its lightning-fast half-hour charge time—great if you'd like to sit at a public charging station for as little time as possible.

No matter which vehicle you choose you should always choose the right insurance for you. You’ll be able to save on coverage by shopping with

Jerry

A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and can even help you cancel your old policy. The average Jerry user saves $800 annually, so sign up today.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry