The EV community is large and growing rapidly. As more people buy EVs and we all share this new (and in many places still inadequate) charging infrastructure, it's important that we all try to be respectful and considerate members of this electrified community. Below are written and unwritten rules that will keep everyone happy at the plug.
! Critical Rules - Never Break These
1. Only Park at the Plug While Charging
This one is critical. You wouldn't park in front of a gas pump and go shopping, and you shouldn't park in front of a charging station unless you are plugged in and ACTIVELY charging.
Why it matters: Charging spots are a limited resource. Blocking them when you're not charging prevents someone who actually needs a charge from getting one - potentially stranding them.
2. Move Your Car Promptly When Charging is Complete
Some EV charge stations will begin charging "idle fees" if you leave your car unattended at the plug after it has finished charging. Others won't, however, and it can be incredibly frustrating to arrive at a plug needing a charge but having the plugs taken up by cars that have long finished charging.
Best Practices:
- Set a phone alarm or enable app notifications
- Don't charge to 100% unless you really need it (charging slows dramatically near full)
- If you must leave the car, return within 5-10 minutes of completion
- Consider others who may be waiting
3. Don't Unplug Your Neighbor Without Permission
It's an extreme faux pas to unplug any car that is actively charging, no matter how badly you might need a charge yourself. If a car has completed charging, it's more acceptable but should still be left for emergency circumstances.
Exceptions:
- Some drivers leave notes saying it's okay to unplug them
- Some cars lock the charge port with the vehicle doors, preventing unplugging
- In true emergencies, use your judgment - but this should be rare
This is a place for the golden rule: treat others' charging sessions as you'd want yours treated.
📋 Important Guidelines
Obey Posted Time Limits
Your car may need to charge for 8 hours, but if the charging station has posted a limit of 4 hours, please respect it. This usually indicates that the plug is in a high-traffic area, and hogging it all day can prevent someone else from getting to where they need to go.
Tip: If you need more charge than the time limit allows, plan to move your car to a different location or return to move it when the time is up.
Watch Your Circuit
If there are many plugs available at a charging station, try not to park directly next to another vehicle that's charging. Plugs next to each other might share a circuit, and by parking close to another vehicle you may be splitting the power between yourself and the other car - slowing you both down.
Best Practice: Put a little space between you and other cars, unless the only spaces left are the ones right next to everyone else.
Wait Your Turn
In some busy areas of the country, you might find yourself in a queue to charge your vehicle. If that's the case, be sure to wait your turn to charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. No cutting!
Also, if you're charging while others are waiting, be sure to not charge or park for any longer than needed. Consider charging to 80% instead of 100% if others are waiting, as the last 20% takes significantly longer.
🤝 Community Responsibilities
Report Broken Charging Stations
If you happen to have a problem with your charging station or notice one of the plugs at the station you've stopped at has an issue, report it to the network provider. There is typically a phone number available on the charging units themselves, or a contact number in the network's mobile app.
Reporting the issue will make sure it gets fixed, and the more people who report it, the higher priority it's likely to be. You're helping the entire EV community by taking a moment to report problems.
Report "ICE-ing"
What is ICEing? ICE is short for "internal combustion engine", referring to gasoline vehicles. A gasoline vehicle parked in an EV charging spot is referred to as "ICE'd" in the EV community.
How to Handle It:
- Accidental Blocking: In most cases, the person simply didn't understand what they were doing. Report this to whomever manages the property to help find that vehicle owner and get the car moved.
- Intentional Blocking: In worse cases, the vehicle is intentionally blocking the plug. Municipalities or property owners will often tow the vehicle at the owner's expense.
Leave No Trace
Charging is a great opportunity to grab a bite, walk your dog, or stretch your legs - just be sure to properly dispose of your trash and pick up after your pets. Keep charging areas clean and pleasant for everyone.
Special Situations & Considerations
When You're Low on Charge
If you arrive at a charging station with critically low battery and someone is hogging a charger (car finished charging but still plugged in), you have a few options:
- Leave a polite note on their windshield explaining the situation
- Contact the charging network to report the idle vehicle
- If the car is unlocked and has a note saying it's okay, you may unplug it
- Use the charging network app to see if there are nearby alternatives
Cable Management
Proper cable management keeps charging stations safe and accessible:
- Don't let cables drag on the ground unnecessarily
- Return cables to their holders when done
- Don't drive over charging cables
- Report damaged cables immediately
Parking Considerations
Make it easy for everyone to access chargers:
- Park within the lines and as close to the charger as possible
- Consider cable length when positioning your vehicle
- Don't block access to adjacent charging spots
- If you have a long-cable adapter, consider using a farther spot to leave closer ones for others
Regional Considerations
North America
- • Idle fees are common at fast chargers
- • Many states have laws against ICE-ing
- • Tesla Superchargers have automatic idle fees
- • Some locations have time limits (2-4 hours typical)
Europe
- • Stricter enforcement of charging spot regulations
- • More emphasis on public charging etiquette
- • Many locations charge by time rather than energy
- • Higher density of chargers in urban areas
The Golden Rules of Charging Etiquette
Only charge when you need to charge. Don't use charging spots as regular parking.
Move promptly when done. Set alarms, enable notifications, and be considerate.
Treat others as you'd want to be treated. We're all in this together.
Help improve the infrastructure. Report problems and educate others.
Be patient and understanding. We're all learning together as the EV community grows.
Building a Better EV Community
If we all follow these rules and look out for each other, the EV community will remain friendly and convenient. As charging infrastructure continues to expand and improve, good etiquette will ensure that everyone has a positive experience.
Remember, every EV driver was new once. If you see someone making a mistake, approach them kindly and help educate them. We're all part of the same community, working together to make electric transportation successful.
The charging infrastructure is improving every day, but in the meantime, our collective good behavior and consideration for others will make the experience better for everyone. Be the EV driver you'd want to meet at a charging station!
