Summary
- Electric cars are becoming more common and the number of vehicles needing to be plugged in is increasing
- Follow proper charging etiquette, such as plugging in when parked in an EV spot
- After charging, vacate the spot promptly to allow others to charge
- Be mindful of charging in the optimal range and not unnecessarily hogging a charger
- When queuing at charging stations, park opposite the stalls, and avoid lingering unnecessarily once charged
Article
The Importance of Proper EV Charging Etiquette
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular on the roads, leading to a higher demand for charging stations. This surge in EVs has led to situations where chargers are full or over-capacity. To ensure smooth and courteous charging sessions for all EV drivers, it is important to follow proper charging etiquette. Here are five key tips compiled by InsideEVs to help EV drivers navigate charging stations effectively.
Rule #1: Plug In If You’re Sitting In An EV Spot
The cardinal rule of charging an electric car on a public charger is to always plug in when parked in an EV spot. These spots are designated for charging, and if your car does not need to be plugged in, it should be moved to a regular parking spot. It is considered inconsiderate to block charging spots with an EV that is not actively charging, similar to ICEing – where internal combustion engine-powered cars take up EV spots.
Rule #2: Leaving Your Car Sitting After Charging
Once your EV has completed charging, it is essential to vacate the charging spot to make space for other EV drivers. Failure to do so may result in idle fees, especially at DC fast charging stations. Tesla, for example, charges an idle fee of up to $1.00 per minute if a car is parked at a Supercharger after charging is complete. Always be mindful of others waiting to charge and move your car promptly.
Rule #3: Charging In The Optimal Range
Electric cars charge faster at lower states of charge, making it more time-efficient to "bottom charge" your car when on a road trip. Some EVs come with free charging subscriptions that offer unlimited 30-minute charging sessions. While taking advantage of free charging is beneficial, drivers should be considerate of others in line and avoid unnecessarily blocking charging stations.
Rule #4: Supercharger Parking Rules
Tesla’s Supercharging network has specific guidelines on parking to ensure efficient use of charging stations. With different EVs having charging ports in various locations, it is crucial to park your car in a way that allows access to the charging cable. Tesla’s new generation Superchargers feature longer cables to accommodate different EV models and eliminate the need to occupy multiple charging spots.
Rule #5: How Queuing Works
Queuing at charging stations can be challenging, especially in busy locations. It is recommended to park in a spot opposite the charging stalls to monitor incoming and outgoing cars. Additionally, once on a charging station, avoid staying unnecessarily long to allow other EV drivers to access the charger promptly. Educating new EV drivers on charging station etiquette is crucial for a smooth charging experience for all.
Conclusion: Ensuring Smooth EV Charging Experiences
As the electric car community continues to grow, proper charging etiquette becomes essential to ensure seamless charging experiences for all drivers. By following these key tips and educating others on charging station etiquette, EV drivers can navigate charging stations efficiently and help alleviate congestion at popular charging spots. By promoting awareness and consideration, the transition to electric vehicles can be made smoother for everyone on the road.
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