You can charge an electric car at home, and you may be able to plug it in to a standard outlet. Level 1 charging involves a typical 120-volt outlet. Although this approach is the easiest solution for homeowners, it has its disadvantages. Level 1 charging takes 8 to 12 hours for a full charge. Level 2 charging requires a 240-volt outlet, and most people consider it a necessity for vehicles that get daily use. With this type of charging, you may be able to charge the vehicle in a few hours, depending on the limits of the car.