https://aeva.asn.au/electric-vehicle-charging-etiquette/
Electric vehicle charging etiquette
Updated July 2024.
EV charging is not like visiting a petrol station. Here are a few things to keep in mind at public chargers:
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.