Charging etiquette: what is allowed and what is not at electric car charging stations?
Sep 19, 2024
As more electric car chargers appear on the streets of cities, the etiquette around using these chargers is increasingly coming to the forefront. And although there are no hard and fast rules, it is important to be mindful not to be careless or rude to others while using them. In this post, we will show you what is allowed and what is not when charging electric cars, as well as what to pay attention to in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Charging Etiquette: Why Is It Important to Follow Unwritten Rules?
Charging etiquette is something that does not have written rules. However, it is essential to pay attention to the unwritten ones if we do not want to find ourselves in uncomfortable situations when using public charging stations. Ignoring them can easily lead to tension and complicate cooperation with others.
For instance, if someone does not adhere to the etiquette at an electric car charging station, it can lead to longer waiting times, causing inconvenience and frustration for others. The norms are built on common sense and take into account the interests of the community, ensuring that everyday life involves less stress and unnecessary time wasted.
Let’s be quick and efficient: let's plan the charging process!
The capacity of our electric car's battery depends on a lot of factors. We have already addressed this in several articles on our blog. It can also be important to plan the charging process in advance even for the most powerful batteries. This can save us a lot of time, energy, and frustration.
Let's consider when and where we would like to charge the battery, and try to avoid busy times, especially at busy junctions! In certain places, apps can facilitate planning, allowing us to check the availability of charging points. This also helps in avoiding congestion and unpleasant situations.
Let’s not think only of ourselves!
Perhaps the most important rule is not to occupy a charging spot if we are not charging our car. Unjustified parking at charging stations deprives others of the opportunity to charge and results in longer waiting times. Moreover, we can expect penalties if we do not act cautiously at designated charging points. It is similarly important that if we are not pressed for time, and have the opportunity, we should not use fast chargers! Let's leave those for those who need to move on urgently.
And if we are in a hurry, we should still be considerate of others. Never unplug another car from the charger, even if we think it is fully charged! If you still need the charger, try to contact the owner. Many leave their phone numbers for this purpose, but often we can also reach the person involved through the app of the respective station. If you experience a malfunction during charging, be sure to take the necessary steps regarding the reporting of the issue so that other electric car drivers are not caught off guard by the inoperable charger. It seems like a basic assumption, but we find it important to note that we should never litter near charging points.
If possible, let’s choose home charging!
More and more electric car owners are opting for home charger installations. The reason is that they provide a fast, efficient, and comfortable solution. With their use, we no longer have to worry about waiting in line, and we can charge our vehicle more cost-effectively! The process can be optimized and monitored through applications, which is important not only for convenience but also for safety.
If you want your own charger, the Voltie solutions are an excellent choice, as they allow you to charge your electric car’s battery not only quickly and efficiently but also safely.
