Avoid the Plug Rage: Mastering EV Charging Etiquette

Owning an EV is not merely about plugging it in, it also requires learning a new set of "charging etiquette". With the increasing number of EVs on the roads, the use of public charging stations has become more frequent. It is particularly important to know how to use these resources politely and effectively.Understanding how to choose the right charging station, why charging etiquette is so important to the EV community as a whole, and what behaviors reflect good charging habits can make charging a smooth, harmonious experience rather than a trigger for plug rage.

How to Choose a EV Charging Station?

Choosing the right charging station depends on the type of charging port of your vehicle, and requires advance planning to ensure that a suitable charging point is found before the battery runs out. EVs of different brands support different interface standards. For instance, CCS is the most common standard in North America and is widely adopted by brands such as Ford, General Motors and Volkswagen. Tesla used to use proprietary interfaces, but is gradually transitioning to the CCS standard. Many owners also carry adapters to connect to other networks. The CHAdeMO port was mainly found on earlier Nissan Leaf and some Mitsubishi models, but it has now gradually been phased out. Drivers should check the vehicle manual or confirm the compatible interface types in the charging App in order to screen the appropriate charging station. Generally speaking, when the battery level drops to 20% to 30%, one should start looking for a charging location instead of waiting until the battery runs out. For daily commuters, charging at home or at the workplace is the most convenient. For long-distance driving, it is necessary to plan ahead and set up charging stops approximately every 100 to 150 miles.Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to check the real-time availability of charging stations and schedule routes.

Why Should We Pay Attention to Charging Etiquette?

Observing good charging etiquette can improve the utilization efficiency of public charging resources, and make every EV driver have a smoother experience. The key is to choose the type of charger reasonably. DC Fast charging stations are more suitable for short stops during the journey, while slow charging stations are more suitable for long stops. Drivers should avoid charging the battery to 100% at fast charging stations, as the charging speed will significantly decrease and the charging position will be occupied for a longer time after exceeding 80%. When using public EV charging stations, several basic rules can effectively reduce conflicts, such as moving your vehicle promptly after it is fully charged, not unplugging others' vehicles, maintaining communication with waiting drivers, and choosing slow charging if you plan to park for a long time.

Charging Etiquette For EV

Choose an Appropriate Charging Station

Good charging etiquette makes for a smoother experience for all EV drivers, and maximizes the efficiency of the public charging infrastructure. Understanding how to choose the right charging station is the first step in practicing charging etiquette. Different vehicle models use different connector standards. Therefore, before starting charging, drivers should confirm the compatibility of the vehicle with the charging station.In general, DC fast chargers are ideal for long drives or time crunches, typically charging from 10% to 80% in 30 to 45 minutes. The level 2 AC charger is more suitable for long stays during shopping, work or meals, and can replenish about 20 to 40 miles of battery life per hour. When there is sufficient time, slow chargers should be given priority to avoid occupying fast charging resources for a long time, so that drivers who truly need to recharge can use them smoothly.When selecting a charging station, the type of vehicle interface, the required charging speed, the available time, and the current battery level should be considered comprehensively to ensure an efficient, orderly, and considerate charging process.

There's No Need to Top it up to 100% Every time

When using DC fast charger, charging the battery to over 80% is usually not efficient. Most EVs will automatically reduce the charging power when the battery reaches 80% to protect battery health, which will significantly extend the charging time. For instance, it might only take 30 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%, but to recharge to 100%, it often takes an additional 40 minutes or even longer. This wastes time and prevents other drivers from using the charging piles in a timely manner. During long-distance driving, if the maximum range is indeed needed to reach the next charging point, it is reasonable to charge to 90% or 95%, but it is not necessary to fully charge every time unless absolutely necessary. Adhering to the "80% rule" can enable more drivers to efficiently share charging resources while maintaining battery performance and the smooth operation of charging stations.

Disconnect the Trailer Before Charging

When charging an EV, it is advisable to separate the trailer as much as possible to avoid occupying space or causing safety hazards. The layout of most charging stations is not suitable for vehicles with trailers. If not bound, it often blocks multiple parking spaces, hinders the use of other drivers, and even blocks pedestrian passages or emergency vehicle lanes. Especially in space-intensive sites, the additional length of the trailer makes parking and operation more difficult may can lead to scratches or equipment damage. In fact, disconnecting the trailer only takes a few minutes, but it can significantly enhance the availability and safety of the charging station.

Use the App to Check Your Charging Progress

Modern EV charging applications enable drivers to keep track of the charging status at any time without having to stay by the vehicle. Through these apps, drivers can go to eat, shop or rest during charging, and receive real-time notifications when charging is nearly complete. Most charging networks will send reminders when the battery level reaches 80%, 90% or 100%, and send alerts when there is a charging interruption or payment error. Setting up notifications in advance can prevent vehicles from over-occupying charging piles, and help drivers return on time and reduce the idleness of parking Spaces. It is recommended to receive a prompt 10 to 15 minutes before the target charging is completed, so that there will be sufficient time to return to the vehicle. Making reasonable use of these functions, including battery level notifications, session completion reminders, remote monitoring and estimated completion times, can make the charging process more efficient and leisurely, and also demonstrate understanding and respect for other drivers.

Check For Queues

Unplugging someone EV's charging plug without permission violates basic charging etiquette may can cause damage to the equipment or interrupt the charging process of others. Even if the vehicle seems to be fully charged, the owner may have special reasons to temporarily keep it connected. Before taking any action, the driver should first check if there is any contact information left on the vehicle or try to find the owner on the spot to communicate. Compared with directly unplugging the plug, coordinating the queue through communication is more polite and efficient. Nowadays, many charging networks support virtual queuing functions. Drivers can join queues or receive notifications of available charging piles in the App, thus avoiding conflicts and chaos. Only in very rare emergency situations, such as when a vehicle is blocked for a long time and the owner cannot be reached, should the charging network customer service be contacted for handling, rather than intervening without authorization.

Move the vehicle promptly after charging is complete

When charging is complete, moving the EV away from the charging position as soon as possible is a sign of respect for others and an important measure to ensure the efficient operation of the charging station. To prevent vehicles from occupying charging piles for a long time, many charging networks implement an idle charging mechanism, with the cost usually ranging from $0.40 to $1.00 per minute. Most stations offer a grace period of 5 to 15 minutes to allow drivers time to return from nearby restaurants, shops or rest areas. To avoid being charged an idle fee due to a full charge, drivers can set their charging target below 100%, such as 80%. This makes it easier to predict the end time of charging and return to the vehicle in time. The idle charging standards of different networks vary slightly. For instance, Tesla Supercharger stations charge $1 per minute when more than 50% of the charging spots are occupied, while Electrify America charges $0.40 per minute after a 10-minute grace period. EVgo's charges are determined by location and time. Maintain good charging habits, do not occupy charging stations when leaving, and make the entire charging process more efficient and orderly.

Store the Charging Cable Correctly

Good cable management can prevent expensive charging equipment from being damaged, and avoid tripping others or causing safety hazards. Replacing a charging cable can cost thousands of dollars and requires professional installation, so it is crucial to keep the cable in good condition. After charging is complete, the cable should be hung back to the designated bracket to keep it away from the ground and prevent it from being run over by vehicles or getting damp and damaged. Never drag the cable on the ground, as this can cause wear and tear, short circuit risks and potential faults. The extra cables should be neatly coiled, which can prevent tangling and facilitate the parking and use of vehicles at different charging port positions. In addition, remember to close the connector end cover before leaving to prevent dust or rain from entering. Keeping the cables clean and orderlyshows politeness, enables every user to enjoy a safe and comfortable charging environment.

Do Not Park at Charging Station

The parking Spaces at charging stations are specifically designed for EVs that are being charged and should not be used as regular parking or temporary stops. Whether it is internal combustion engine vehicles "occupying charging piles" or electric vehicles occupying charging spots for a long time without charging, they will all hinder others from using charging facilities and undermine a fair usage environment. The enforcement intensity against violations varies from place to place. In some areas, fines will be issued, and in serious cases, even towing vehicles will be required for handling. In private parking lots, the management may also impose penalties based on self-defined policies. Even if you just stop for a short time to use the restroom or buy a drink, you should avoid occupying the charging spot unless the vehicle is charging. Most stations have regular parking areas near them, which can be used for non-charging purposes. Non-electric vehicles occupying charging spots, uncharged EVs occupying spots, blocking charging devices or parking randomly for convenience all fall under illegal parking.Keeping these basics in place will ensure that every driver has a smooth recharge.