Electric vehicle charging etiquette

NEVER park in a charging bay if you are not charging!

• It is inconsiderate, and illegal in many states!
• Move your car as soon as it has finished charging.

Avoid charging above 80% at a DC fast charger... 

...Unless nobody is waiting and the distance to your next stop requires additional charging.

• Others waiting will get increasingly annoyed as your charging slows right down.
  • EV batteries cannot accept charge as quickly once over 80%.
  • Charging from 80-100% can take as long as charging from 10-80%.
• On a long trip, two partial charges are quicker than one long charge.

EV charging offers an opportunity to exercise good manners.

• Have a chat with another EV driver 😀

Pick the charger to suit your plans.

• Pick a faster charger if you are just grabbing a takeaway coffee. Pick a slower charger if you have big shopping plans.
• DC chargers are relatively fast, while AC charging is slower.
• Chargers with multiple plugs will often share available power between multiple users - try to use an unoccupied charger to avoid slowing down charging for you and others.

If you aren't in a hurry or your car can't benefit from a faster charger, pick the slower charger.

• The cost of charging generally reflects the speed of charging.
  • 350kW ‘ultra-rapid’ chargers generally cost more than 50kW DC chargers, which generally cost more than slower AC charging (typically 7-22kW).
• Save money and leave the faster charger for someone who might need it.

Be tidy

• Always return the charger cable to its dock.
• Never leave your rubbish around the charger.

Checking in on the PlugShare app is strongly encouraged.

• Others will be able to see that the charger is in use and working.
• You can get a notification if someone else checks in as ‘waiting to charge’.
• If you are waiting to charge, you will get a notification when someone ‘checks out’.
• Logging both faults and successful charging helps others to plan.

Consider also installing the NeedToCharge app.

• Allows other drivers to send you a message using only your number plate and no other personal details.

Report faults to the relevant charging provider.

• Save someone else from wasting their time!

If you're trickle-charging at overnight accommodation:

• Offer to pay a nominal amount for your electricity.
• Be safe! - don't overload/trip a circuit, charge at a safe rate, don't risk things with extension leads, etc.
• Be willing to share information! Each conversation you have is an opportunity to advocate for EVs, and bust myths!
• Offer to make a PlugShare entry for the accommodation provider and explain how it will attract EV driving guests.