Stormstown Dispatch

Along with the new electric vehicle (EV) technology there is also a developing etiquette at public charging stations. Most of the time, charging at a public station is an amicable experience. Owners will sometimes gather while charging, or waiting for an available charger, and talk about their cars or other topics. However, there are inconsiderate people that one may encounter from time-to-time.

Here are a few guidelines. Some are common sense, some I have learned from experience, and others I found from research:

– Always be courteous.

– Don’t ICE a charging space (block a charging space with an internal combustion engine vehicle), and don’t park your vehicle at a charging station unless you intend to use it.

– Read and follow what is on any posted sign.

– Don’t cut in line. Ask if there is a queue and follow the guidelines.

– Park at the correct connector. When you find a public charging station, make sure you park at the right type of plug-in point. For example, if your vehicle isn’t compatible with DC fast charging, then a Level 2 (240-volt) station is what you’ll need.

– Never unplug another person’s vehicle. Some connectors are locked while the vehicle is charging. If it isn’t yours, leave it alone.

– If you are leaving your vehicle, consider leaving a note to let others know when you will return. Otherwise, plan to return before the charging session is complete.

– When charging is complete, don’t leave your car connected for more than 10 minutes. Electrify America will start charging a penalty after 10 minutes. EvGo is limited to a 60 minute charging session.

– If the charging station is busy, consider ending your session at 80%. By design, the charging of most EVs slows dramatically once you’ve reached 80% of capacity. The limit protects the battery from the tremendous amount of damaging heat created as a fast-charged battery nears its capacity.

– Properly stow the connector when you’re done. Leave the charger the way you found it or better. Tangled cables and connectors on the ground may make it difficult for the next user.

– After charging is complete, move to a regular parking space if you still have other business at a location.

– If you don’t know what you’re doing, ask someone or call customer service.

– Help the charging station rookies.

– Don’t be this person.