Is Public EV Charging Safe?
Short answer: Yes. Public EV charging is generally very safe—both electrically and from a personal security standpoint. However, like any public activity, some awareness and precautions make sense.
This guide covers electrical safety, personal security, payment safety, and vehicle safety while using public charging stations.
Electrical Safety
Modern Chargers Are Extremely Safe
EV charging stations are designed with multiple safety features:
Built-In Protections:
- Ground fault protection (GFCI equivalent)
- Overcurrent protection
- Communication with vehicle before energizing
- Automatic shutoff on disconnect
- Weatherproof housings
How It Works:
The charger only provides power when your car's onboard system confirms it's safely connected. You can't get shocked by touching the connector pins—they're not energized until the handshake is complete.
Electrical Safety Tips
Do:
- Use chargers that appear well-maintained
- Report damaged cables or connectors
- Ensure connector clicks into place securely
- Keep connectors dry when possible
Don't:
- Use chargers with visibly damaged cables
- Force connectors that don't fit
- Charge in standing water (cable draped in puddle)
- Attempt to repair or open charging equipment
Charging in Rain
Good News: Charging in rain is completely safe.
- Connectors are designed to be weatherproof
- Electrical contacts only engage when sealed
- Both car and charger have water protection
- Millions of safe charges happen in rain daily
Best Practice: Make connections reasonably quickly to minimize water exposure to contacts.
Home Charging Electrical Safety
Hire a Licensed Electrician for home charger installation because:
- Proper wire gauge prevents overheating
- Correct breaker sizing protects your home
- Code compliance ensures safety
- Permits mean inspection verification
Don't DIY 240V work unless you're qualified.
Personal Security at Charging Stations
Choosing Safe Charging Locations
Look For:
- Well-lit stations
- Busy, populated areas
- Security cameras present
- Stations in commercial areas (shopping, gas stations)
- Multiple chargers (more traffic = safer)
Be Cautious Of:
- Isolated, poorly lit locations
- Stations in high-crime areas
- Remote highway stops at night
- Locations with no cell service
Safety Tips While Charging
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
- Look around before exiting your vehicle
- Note who is nearby
- Trust your instincts
2. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
- Don't leave bags, laptops visible
- Store items in trunk or frunk before arriving
- Remove charging adapters when not in use
3. Lock Your Vehicle
- Most EVs lock while charging
- Verify doors are locked
- Use "Walk-Away Lock" features
4. Stay Near Your Vehicle (When Possible)
- Especially at DC fast chargers (short duration)
- If leaving for L2 destination charging, return promptly
5. Use the Buddy System
- Road trip with a partner when possible
- Tell someone your charging location
- Share live location with family/friends
6. Keep Your Phone Charged
- Emergency communication essential
- Many cars can charge phones while the car charges
- Bring a portable charger as backup
Night Charging Tips
Extra Precautions:
- Prefer well-lit stations
- Park under lights if possible
- Stay in your car more
- Have your phone ready
- Use stations at 24-hour businesses
If You Feel Unsafe
- Don't start charging - Leave and find another station
- If already charging - Stop session, disconnect, leave
- Call for help if actively threatened
- Report incidents to the charging network and authorities
Payment and Data Security
Credit Card Skimming Concerns
Some have worried about skimmers on EV chargers. In practice:
Reality:
- Extremely rare on EV chargers
- Most charging uses app payments (no physical card swipe)
- Newer stations use tap-to-pay (more secure)
- Networks monitor for tampering
Best Practices:
- Use app-based payment when possible
- Use tap-to-pay over swiping
- Monitor your statements
- Report suspicious card reader appearances
Account Security
Protect Your Charging Accounts:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Don't share account credentials
- Log out on shared devices
Why It Matters:
Your charging accounts have payment methods attached. Compromised accounts can rack up fraudulent charges.
Plug & Charge Security
Plug & Charge (automatic authentication via your car) is encrypted and secure:
- Vehicle communicates via encrypted protocol
- No personal data transmitted externally
- Can't be "cloned" like some worry
Vehicle Security While Charging
Theft Prevention
Your Car:
- EVs can be stolen like any car, but:
- Most thieves don't know how to handle EVs
- Charging cable connection can deter (looks "in use")
- Many have Sentry Mode (Tesla) or similar
Tesla Sentry Mode:
- Cameras record when threats detected
- Alarm sounds if tampering occurs
- Can deter and document
Other EVs:
- Use manufacturer security features
- Enable motion alerts if available
- Park in well-lit areas
Cable Theft
Charging cable theft is rare but has occurred:
Prevention:
- Don't leave personal charging cables in your car visible
- Network cables are attached to stations
- Some stations have cable locks
Catalytic Converter Equivalent?
Unlike gas cars (catalytic converter theft epidemic), EVs don't have easily-stolen valuable components on the exterior. This is actually a security advantage.
Weather Safety
Extreme Heat
Concerns:
- Battery may throttle charging to prevent overheating
- Interior can get dangerously hot if you wait inside
Tips:
- Use pre-conditioning to cool battery before arrival
- Leave A/C running while charging (plugged in = no battery drain)
- Stay in shaded areas if waiting outside
Extreme Cold
Concerns:
- Battery charges slower
- Slippery conditions at stations
Tips:
- Pre-condition battery before arrival
- Watch for ice around chargers
- Wear appropriate clothing if waiting outside
Lightning/Storms
Safety:
- Stay in your car (Faraday cage protection)
- Avoid starting/stopping charging during active lightning
- Don't stand outside operating charger during storm
Emergency Situations
What If Your Car Won't Charge?
Troubleshooting:
- Try reconnecting the cable
- Try a different charger at the station
- Check your app for error messages
- Call the network's support number
- Navigate to backup station
What If the Charger Is Damaged?
- Don't attempt to use damaged equipment
- Report to the network (number on charger)
- Find alternative station
- Post warning on PlugShare/ChargeFind for others
What If You Witness a Crime?
- Don't intervene directly (for your safety)
- Call 911
- Document what you can safely (license plates, descriptions)
- Be a good witness
Conclusion
Public EV charging is very safe when you take reasonable precautions:
Electrical Safety:
- Modern chargers have multiple protections
- Use well-maintained equipment
- Safe to charge in rain
Personal Security:
- Choose well-lit, busy locations
- Stay aware of surroundings
- Lock your vehicle
- Trust your instincts
Payment Security:
- Use app-based payments
- Protect your accounts
- Monitor for fraud
Vehicle Security:
- Use your car's security features
- Don't leave valuables visible
Millions of safe charging sessions happen every day. With basic awareness, public charging is a routine, secure part of EV ownership.
Use ChargeFind to find well-reviewed, reliable charging stations near you.