INTRODUCTION
The increase in availability of public EV chargers has been a significant factor in helping more drivers switch to electric travel. But when it comes to EV charging etiquette, many drivers feel unsure where they stand. In fact, a study by Vauxhall found that 77% of EV drivers that they surveyed said they were unclear on EV charging etiquette.
In this blog, we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of using public EV chargers, so you can charge your EV efficiently and make electric driving a better experience for everyone.
WHY USE PUBLIC EV CHARGERS?
Public EV chargers are a great option for convenient on-the-go charging, whether you’re popping to the shops or heading out on a cross-country road trip.
According to ZapMap, there are currently over 68,000 EV charge points at 35,230 different locations across the UK, meaning you’ll rarely have to go far to find a charger.
Public EV chargers also come in a range of different speeds, including rapid chargers to give you a quick top up when time is short.
WHERE CAN I FIND PUBLIC EV CHARGERS?
There are two main categories of public EV chargers; destination chargers and on-the-road chargers. Destination chargers are typically found in locations such as shopping centres, cinemas and hotels, and charge at speeds of 7kWh-50kWh.
On-the-road chargers are placed at convenient ‘pit stop’ locations such as petrol stations and service stations. They are usually rapid chargers, charging at faster speeds for quick battery top ups on long journeys.
To help locate public chargers, you can download free EV apps such as ZapMap or, for more information on types of EV charge points, check out our Chargepoints Guide.
OUR TOP EV CHARGING ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR PUBLIC CHARGING
Despite their convenience, there are still some unspoken rules and etiquette when it comes to using public chargers. We’ve put together our top EV charging etiquette tips, to help you charge more mindfully.
1. EV CHARGING SPOTS ARE FOR PLUG-IN VEHICLES ONLY
Perhaps the ‘golden rule’ of EV charging station etiquette is that if your vehicle does not have electric charging capabilities, you should not be parking in EV-only spots.
It may seem obvious, but it happens surprisingly often. So much so that they have created a name for it; ‘ICE’ing’.
2. ONLY USE AN EV CHARGING SPOT IF YOU ARE ACTUALLY CHARGING YOUR VEHICLE
If you have an EV, but do not need to charge it, the correct EV charging etiquette is to leave the spot free for someone who may need to plug in, by parking in one of the main non-EV parking spots.
3. VACATE THE CHARGING SPOT AS SOON AS YOU’RE DONE CHARGING
This is to help cut down wait times for other EV drivers who need to charge. To help combat this, some charging providers have started charging ‘idle fees’. This is added to your charging bill if you leave your vehicle plugged in once it has finished charging – usually after a grace period, so you have time to get back to your vehicle.
4. ONLY CHARGE WHAT YOU NEED
When topping up with a public charger, consider if you really need to charge your car all the way to 100%. In fact, repeatedly charging to 100% can weaken your battery health over time, and the final 20% of your charge often takes much longer, so by charging to 80%, you can help keep wait times down, whilst also looking after your battery.
5. CHARGE AT THE RIGHT SPEED FOR YOU
Some vehicles can only charge at slower speeds. If this is the case for you, you should try to find a charger that is specifically suited to your vehicle, rather than rapid chargers that that may exceed your vehicle’s charging capacity and result in inefficient charging or potential battery strain.
This will also help free up the space for a vehicle with rapid charging capabilities, who will be finished before you.
6. DO NOT UNPLUG SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR
Though it is often not possible to unplug someone else’s car due to the charger’s locking mechanism, some Type 1 sockets can still be unplugged. This is considered bad EV charging etiquette and should be avoided.
7. COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER DRIVERS
It is common for EV drivers to leave notes on their dashboards for other drivers, to let them know when they will be finished charging. You should also speak to other drivers to establish if there is a queue system already in place, to avoid jumping the queue inadvertently.
8. RESPECT THE QUEUE SYSTEM
When it comes to EV charging, deciphering a queue system is not as straightforward as it may be at a petrol station. So, if you need to negotiate, do so civilly and respectfully, but remember that no one is obligated to give up their spot for you.
9. KEEP CHARGING AREAS CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE FOR ALL USERS
The basics of EV charging station etiquette boil down to making charging a pleasant and hassle-free experience for all EV drivers. Stay mindful of your behaviour and surroundings, for example avoid playing loud music when sitting in your car, park within the lines of your bay and use litter bins appropriately. These are all important in keeping charging areas clean and comfortable.
10. REPORT ANY ISSUES
If you encounter any issues or faults when using a public EV charger, you should always report them. There will often be a number to call on the Charge Point or on your charging app so you can report any issues or faults with the chargers to the relevant people.
By following these EV charging etiquette tips, you help create a better, more respectful environment for all EV drivers.
READY TO START YOUR ELECTRIC JOURNEY?
If you’re ready to make the leap to sustainable electric travel, Yü Charge can help! We offer professional EV charger installations for homes and businesses, with a range of high-tech chargers to choose from. Get your free, no obligation EV installation quote today.