Public electric vehicle charging stations are becoming more common as EV adoption increases. However, if people do not follow EV charging etiquette, these facilities may become chaotic and inefficient. For example, occupying a charging position when not charging can cause a waste of charging resources.
Therefore, maintaining proper EV charging station etiquette is now important for both enhancing personal charging experiences and protecting these shared resources. With multiple drivers often needing to power up at the same locations, small etiquette can go a long way toward reducing congestion and friction. This article aims to call for EV charging etiquette in public.
Why is EV Charging Station Etiquette Important?
Public EV charging stations provide great convenience for EV drivers. However, due to its long charging time, maintaining an orderly charging environment can reduce charging congestion and improve charging efficiency and convenience for everyone. Here are the reasons why EV charging etiquette is important:
1. Maintaining Social Harmony
As a public resource, electric vehicle owners have the right to use electric vehicle charging stations equally. Following EV charging etiquette helps prevent unnecessary conflicts over limited charging spots and disrupting others’ experiences. It shows respect for those who may be waiting in line for charging.
2. Ensuring Charging Safety
EV charger security must be a priority, given the high voltages used. Good EV charging etiquette includes following the correct charging operation procedures, not damaging charging facilities, not randomly connecting wires, and not occupying fire exits.
These behaviors help prevent safety accidents and also protect the integrity of charging facilities, providing a safe charging environment for all users.
3. Improving Efficiency and Convenience
When everyone follows EV charging etiquette, charging facilities can be utilized more efficiently to reduce waiting or downtime. For example, properly storing the cable after charging facilitates the next driver’s use.
Meanwhile, orderly charging behavior can also maximize the capacity of charging points and improve the utilization rate of charging stations.
What is the Etiquette for Charging EVs?
Just like you wouldn’t park your car at a gas station, following some EV charging tips before, during, and after charging is crucial to maintaining the orderly operation of electric vehicle charging points. How to charge electric cars in public? Some EV charging tips and etiquette include:
1. Don’t Occupy the Charging Position When Not Charging
Leaving an EV parked at a charging station without the need to replenish the battery is not civilized, as it ties up the valuable spot when other drivers require it. Occupying the position when not charging hinders others from accessing the shared charger promptly.
2. Park Reasonably
Reasonably parking your electric vehicles is also a basic electric car charging etiquette to avoid obstructing or encroaching on parking stalls. It provides adequate room for all users accessing the station.
In addition, reasonable parking can also help avoid traffic congestion and maintain order at charging points.
3. Don’t Cut in Line
Cutting in line is always considered impolite. If there are multiple cars waiting to be charged, please queue up for charging in the order they arrive rather than jumping in line impatiently.
Meanwhile, try to start charging after the previous driver has completely exited the parking space, which can help avoid scratching your vehicle.
4. Choose a Charger with Compatible Charging Speed
Selecting the EV charging option that appropriately matches your EV’s charging rate is crucial. Don’t use a fast charger if your vehicle doesn’t support fast charging. Because using an incompatible fast charger not only causes resource waste but also may affect battery life for a long time.
5. Pay Attention to the Charging Time Limit
Some regions provide free AC charging but limit the charging time. This is to allow drivers to replenish their batteries even during short breaks. Therefore, when you notice that your battery level is sufficient to support a distance, drive the car to a dedicated parking space.
This EV charging etiquette ensures that drivers don’t occupy the publicly shared charger longer than the rules permit. This leaves time for all drivers to fully benefit from the station before the limitation.
6. Don’t Unplug Other Vehicles at Will
When searching for a charging station, be careful not to unplug other vehicles at will. Electric vehicles will lock the charging gun during charging to prevent accidental disconnection during the charging process, thereby ensuring the vehicle and the EV charger’s security.
Therefore, forcibly unplugging the power supply of an EV may cause damage to both the vehicle and the charging station. Moreover, it may also lead to disputes and affect social harmony. When and how to unplug EV chargers? In emergency situations, drivers can seek help from staff or search for other chargers.
7. Leave Immediately After Charging
Once your EV is fully charged, promptly leave the station. It allows the following drivers seamless access to replenish their own vehicles without unnecessary delay. This EV charging etiquette optimizes the charger’s usage and facilitates people with limited waiting time.
8. Take Care of the Charging Station After Charging
Another common EV charging etiquette is to make sure that cables, connectors, and equipment are tidied away neatly as intended before departing. Returning the charger to an organized, ready-to-use state streamlines the next user’s experience. It also helps keep the station functioning well for the whole community.
9. Timely Feedback on Damaged Chargers Discovered
If you have experienced situations where multiple public charging stations are unavailable, you will find that finding only one damaged charging station is such a frustrating experience.
Therefore, if you find any malfunctions or damage to the chargers, you can promptly inform the charging station staff or provide feedback through the software.
This electric car charging etiquette will help to carry out necessary repairs or replacements as soon as possible, protecting everyone’s mutual benefits.
10. ICEing is Not Civilized
ICEing refers to gas-powered vehicles occupying EV charging spots. This not only reduces the revenue of charging point operators but also increases the frustration of electric vehicle drivers seeking charging.
Some cities have implemented measures to reduce these situations, such as issuing warnings or fines to drivers when a car is parked at a charging point without charging for a long time.
Efficient AC and DC Fast Charging Solutions from EVB Charger
In addition to the above EV charging etiquette, efficient charging equipment is also essential for the convenience of using charging stations and accelerating the charging process.
At EVB Charger, we design smart and user-friendly solutions for homes and fleets. Our popular AC and DC EV chargers allow two or three cars to be charged simultaneously, reducing the situation of insufficient charging options in crowded areas.
The AC EV charger power covers from 3.7kW to 22kW, and the DC EV charger power covers from 20kW to 600kW, suitable for various scenarios, including homes and public places, such as hotels, shopping malls, and office buildings. The top advantages include:
Efficient Energy Utilization: AC and DC chargers minimize losses through stable and consistent charging current and voltage.
Wide Applicability: Our DC and AC chargers are compatible with most electric vehicle models and brands.
Easy Maintenance: Modular components streamline repairs while remote monitoring tracks usage.
Smart Control: Our intelligent EV charger allows users to intelligently monitor their charging status, make an appointment for charging, and manage the charging process through charging management software. Therefore, users can directly search for available chargers and make reservations in advance, and they can also leave after it is fully charged.
Global Standards: All products undergo a thorough inspection to ensure safety and performance consistency.
Conclusion
In short, following these dos and don’ts of EV charging etiquette can contribute to a more harmonious and orderly charging community, as well as protect public charging stations and electric vehicles.
EVB Charger backs these efforts with innovative EV chargers. Our intelligent AC and DC solutions uphold charging standards worldwide. Visit our website to choose one for your convenience!