Why EV Charging Etiquette Matters
As the EV community grows, charging station conflicts are becoming more common. Limited chargers, varying needs, and unclear expectations can create friction between EV owners.
Following these unwritten rules helps ensure everyone gets a fair charge and maintains the positive EV community spirit. Plus, the karma you put out usually comes back when you need it.
The 10 Rules of EV Charging Etiquette
Rule #1: Don't Charge Longer Than You Need
The Principle: Public chargers are shared resources. Once your car has enough charge, move it.
For DC Fast Charging:
- Stop at 80% (unless you genuinely need more for your trip)
- 80% to 100% takes as long as 10% to 80%
- Others may be waiting and desperate
- Move your car promptly when done
For Level 2 Destination Charging:
- At busy locations, consider stopping at 80%
- At hotels/workplaces with few chargers, share the resource
- Don't monopolize chargers overnight at busy hotels
Exception: If no one is waiting and chargers are plentiful, charge what you need.
Rule #2: Move Your Car When Charging Completes
The Principle: Idle fees exist for a reason. Don't be that person.
Best Practices:
- Set a phone alarm for your estimated completion time
- Enable push notifications in charging apps
- Return to your car promptly when notified
- Move to a regular parking spot if you're not leaving yet
The Math: Idle fees are often $0.40-1.00 per minute. A 30-minute overstay can cost $12-30 and blocks others from charging.
Rule #3: Don't Unplug Someone Else's Car (Usually)
The Principle: Unplugging someone's car without permission is generally not okay.
When It's NOT Okay:
- Their car is still actively charging
- No indication they're done
- Just because you want the spot
When It MIGHT Be Acceptable:
- Their charging is complete (screen shows done)
- Significant time has passed (1+ hour idle at DC fast)
- You've tried to locate the owner
- Leave a note explaining
Better Approach: Use the waitlist feature in apps, or wait for them to return. Most EV owners are considerate once they realize someone is waiting.
Rule #4: Don't ICE a Charging Spot
The Principle: Parking a non-EV (or an EV that's not charging) in a charging spot is called "ICEing" (Internal Combustion Engine blocking).
Don't:
- Park your gas car in charging spots
- Park your EV in charging spots without plugging in
- Use charging spots as premium parking
Impact: Someone might need that charger to get home or continue their trip. ICEing can strand EV drivers.
Rule #5: Share the Charger at Busy Locations
The Principle: At crowded locations, work together to maximize charger usage.
Practical Tips:
- If you see someone waiting, let them know when you'll be done
- Offer to text them when you're about to leave
- At Tesla Superchargers, share stalls to maximize throughput
- Consider charging only to 60-70% if others are waiting
Community Spirit: The EV community is generally helpful. A little communication goes a long way.
Rule #6: Use the Right Charger for Your Needs
The Principle: Don't monopolize a fast charger if Level 2 meets your needs.
DC Fast Charger Appropriate When:
- You're on a road trip and need a quick charge
- You genuinely need fast charging for your schedule
- Level 2 options aren't available
Level 2 More Appropriate When:
- You'll be parked for hours anyway (movies, dining)
- You're at a destination with L2 chargers
- Your car charges slowly anyway (some PHEVs)
- DC fast chargers are busy
Rationale: DC fast charging is expensive and in high demand. Save it for when you actually need the speed.
Rule #7: Keep the Charging Area Clean
The Principle: Leave the station better than you found it.
Good Habits:
- Return the cable to its holder properly
- Don't leave trash around the charger
- Report broken equipment (helps everyone)
- Close cable doors/covers
Small Thing, Big Impact: A tangled cable or cable on the ground makes a bad impression and can damage equipment.
Rule #8: Be Patient and Kind
The Principle: Everyone is learning and everyone has different situations.
Remember:
- New EV owners may not know the etiquette yet
- Some people have range anxiety and need extra buffer
- Language barriers and different cultural norms exist
- Technical issues happen
Better Than Confrontation:
- A friendly note explaining etiquette
- Polite conversation when possible
- Lead by example
Rule #9: Don't Game Priority Systems
The Principle: Apps with waitlists and reservations exist for fair access. Use them honestly.
Don't:
- Reserve chargers you don't plan to use
- Join waitlists at multiple stations simultaneously
- Cancel reservations repeatedly to game timing
Do:
- Use reservations when you'll actually show up
- Remove yourself from waitlists when plans change
- Respect the system that helps everyone
Rule #10: Report Problems
The Principle: Help maintain the charging infrastructure for everyone.
Worth Reporting:
- Broken or non-functional chargers
- Safety hazards (damaged cables, flooding)
- Harassment or intimidation at stations
- Consistent ICEing at locations
How to Report:
- Use the charging network's app
- Call the number on the charger
- Submit report on PlugShare or ChargeFind
- Contact property management for private lots
Situational Etiquette Guide
At Tesla Superchargers
For Tesla Owners:
- Don't idle—Tesla charges $0.50-1.00/minute
- Pull forward to clear the cable path
- Use stalls efficiently (A/B sharing matters)
For Non-Tesla Vehicles:
- Be extra mindful of Tesla owner expectations
- Non-Tesla access is newer; show the community works
- Return cables properly to Tesla's J-plug adapter
At Electrify America
- Don't block multiple stalls with large vehicles
- Use the correct connector for your car
- Be patient with payment system quirks
At Hotel Chargers
- Don't monopolize the charger all night every night
- Let other guests have turns
- Ask front desk about policies
At Workplace Chargers
- Follow your company's charging policy
- Share with coworkers fairly
- Move your car when done charging
When Conflicts Happen
Stay Calm: Charging frustration is real, but confrontation doesn't help.
Communicate: Most conflicts stem from misunderstanding, not malice.
Document: If there's a pattern of problems, document for property management or network providers.
Move On: Sometimes people won't be reasonable. Get your charge elsewhere if needed.
The Golden Rule
Charge others' cars as you would have them charge yours.
If everyone follows this principle, the charging experience improves for everyone.
Building the EV Community
Good etiquette doesn't just avoid conflicts—it builds community:
- Help new EV owners learn the ropes
- Share tips and favorite stations
- Report good experiences too, not just bad
- Be an ambassador for EV adoption
The EV transition depends on positive experiences. Every courteous interaction helps someone decide to go electric.
Conclusion
EV charging etiquette boils down to:
- Share limited resources fairly
- Move your car when done
- Be considerate of others' needs
- Communicate kindly
- Maintain the infrastructure
Follow these unwritten rules, and you'll be a welcome member of the EV community at any charging station.
Find your next charge with ChargeFind, and remember to be a great charging citizen!