5 Ways to Master Electric Vehicle Etiquette

1. Step forward

After charging is complete, move your car as far forward as possible so others can fill up their electric vehicles - the app will let you know when they are fully charged and ready to use. You are not required to leave immediately after charging is complete, but occupying a seat for several hours is disrespectful to other EV drivers as it interferes with the charging process. Also, don't be the EV driver who treats the charging point as their personal parking spot for the day. Electric vehicle charging points are for charging, not for parking.

Apps make EV etiquette even easier by letting people know their car is fully charged and allowing others to plug in. Waitlists (available at some stations) allow drivers to queue up in a virtual queue when all stations are full, so more drivers get paid. For the waiting list to work, drivers must move their cars after charging is over.

2. Do not disconnect from others

In fact, it's impolite to disconnect another EV driver from the charging station. If you're sure someone is making an accusation and you definitely want to meet them, or if someone left a note, try to avoid it. Instead of unplugging (yes!) moving the car as soon as possible after the end of charging can eliminate the need to unplug other devices.

Sometimes people believe that they can turn off hybrid vehicle (PHEV) drivers because they have a spare gas engine. Try not to turn anyone off unless you're completely desperate.

3. Don't always aim for 100%

City charging is a practical way to fully or nearly fully charge your battery. However, if the battery starts charging at 80 or 90 percent, someone can quickly stop at 10 percent and frantically search for electrons. So if the battery is heavily charged (or if you drive a PHEV and can count on the gas engine as a last resort), consider charging it later, unless you need extra miles to get where you need to go. If you are plugged in, leave a note so others know when you are unplugged. This rule also applies to fixed current fast loads. This process slows down as the battery fills up. Usually, the goal of fast charging is 80%.

4. Good on ice.

Drivers of vehicles with internal combustion engines may park in areas designated for charging outdoor vehicles or electric vehicles. There is a term for eating ice because it is so common. We all know that it can be stressful. However, you should not respond with caustic messages that damage the reputation of EV drivers. Instead, make a friendly note informing the ice driver and urging them not to take another position in the electric vehicle. Here is an example of what you can write:

Hello, you have parked in a place designated for charging electric vehicles. Electric vehicle drivers, like me, rely on the ability to charge their vehicles at such stations. I will be grateful if next time you leave a free space. Thank you for leaving the driver of the electric car charged!

As stated above, this is definitely worth repeating. Charging points are for parking, not for charging! This also applies to electric vehicles. Do not use the charging area as a personal parking space. Don't park there without a connected outlet - it's as inconvenient as the cold! Take the charger and go ahead.

5. Warn other drivers.

The app gives EV drivers the opportunity to help each other. You can leave reviews about station drivers or photos to help other drivers find stations or give tips on paying for parking. Unfortunately, many drivers believe that their tips are due to the fact that cars are parked for free (ah!). Therefore, do not forget to follow rule number 1 for the care of electrical appliances and act after charging!

We are always looking for new ways to help EV drivers. For example, installing charges that stay in place immediately after being fully charged. But until we get used to it, following the tips above will make it more enjoyable.