- By evcharger
Amidst shifting automotive trends and more strict environmental policies, the rapid adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is undeniable. Charging decisions are a pressing concern, with a projected 3 million electric vehicles expected to hit the road by 2023. Every EV driver has to use a public charging station one day or the other.
In the United States, approximately 160,000 charging stations exist. However, a common query is: What is the practical load each of these charging stations can bear? Surprisingly, considering the numbers, the math suggests that each charging station might need to accommodate as many as 19 cars simultaneously.
In transitioning to this innovative technology, it’s crucial to establish appropriate charging etiquette. For those who are in the process of familiarizing themselves with this new paradigm, there’s no need to worry. This blog will equip you with charging station etiquette for your smooth transition into this novel mode of transportation.
Proper Etiquettes: Do’s For EV Owners
1. Planning is Pivotal:
Always remember that planning your journey becomes very important when you have an electric vehicle. Since level 1 and level 2 public chargers are slow, there could be a queue. Apps like Plugshare can help EV owners learn more about nearby chargers and their real-time availability. Thus, it can reduce the waiting time.
Moreover, planning all stops and destinations according to the availability of chargers will save you from unexpected delays along your journey. Installing level 2 home chargers is the way to go, as they provide flexibility in your charging schedule.
2. Be Considerate Towards the Charging Point:
Being a responsible citizen, you must leave the charging station in good condition. This includes putting back the connector properly and avoiding leaving cables on the ground, as this reduces the chances of tripping. Moreover, it’s important to note that if there’s a fault with any equipment at the charging station, you must report it to customer support to resolve it.
Don’t wait for any other EV driver to notice and report it. Most of these stations are located in densely populated areas. You have to take care of your voice and lower the music volume.
3. Be Mindful of Charging Time:
One easy way to save time is by following the “80% rule”. This means charging the battery to 80% capacity before getting back on the road rather than waiting for it to reach 100% full. Charging rates slow down significantly after 80% – For example, if your EV has 300 miles of total range, it may only take 40 minutes to charge to 240 miles (80%) on a DC charger. But it could take over 90 additional minutes to go from 80% to 100% full. In those 90 minutes, you could have covered 100 miles and be near the next charger.
Waiting for that small percentage is an inefficient use of time. Moreover, overcharging the battery is generally not recommended as it can impact the battery’s health. Therefore, freeing up the charger once your battery is adequately charged is better. This approach saves you time and helps reduce the queue at the charging station.
4. Respect Parking Privileges:
Public charging stations are for charging electric vehicles, not for parking them. It’s important to use these spaces considerately and ethically.
Only park in a public charging spot if you need to charge up. Don’t overstay beyond what’s required to replenish your EV battery sufficiently. The goal is to charge up and vacate the space in a reasonable timeframe, opening it up for other drivers.
When using a public charging station, park neatly within the lines to avoid blocking access. Also, check for any posted time limits or restrictions that may apply. The considerate thing to do is charge up and move along, not occupy the spot for extended durations. This ensures fair charging availability for all EV drivers. We have to share public charging infrastructure respectfully.
5. Know your EV:
Knowing all the specifics about your EV model is essential to charge up seamlessly. Two key pieces of knowledge can prevent fumbling at charging stations.
First, familiarize yourself with where your EV’s charging port is located. Understanding its positioning will allow you to park and pull up to align with the charger strategically. This avoids tangled wires stretching around vehicles.
Second, be aware of the charging capabilities and connectors compatible with your EV. Newer models may handle faster charger speeds, while older EVs have more limited capacity. The charger type your vehicle requires also varies. So review the specs to know whether you need a Level 2, CHAdeMO, CCS, or other charging equipment.
Learning your EV’s technical details will make public charging a breeze. You’ll expertly park for optimal charging alignment and recognize which stations meet your vehicle’s needs. Don’t leave charging success to chance – study your model’s specs so you’re in the know.
Things to Avoid at Charging Station: Don’ts
1. Don’t Hog the Charging Station:
Once your car is fully charged, you should vacate the charging spot and make room for someone else. The primary goal of public chargers is to cater to as many people as possible. By adhering to this etiquette, the turnover for EV charging could be enhanced.
Conversely, if you allow your car to overcharge, you’re hindering someone else’s opportunity. So save your time and money both and win the praise of your fellow EV owners. Relocate your car once it’s sufficiently charged and thus create space for others in need.
2. Don’t Unplug Other People’s EVs:
Respecting others’ property and charging needs is important when using public charging stations. One fundamental rule is to avoid unplugging or disconnecting another vehicle before it has finished charging.
Unless it is clearly apparent their battery is full, don’t interfere with someone else’s charging session. Disconnecting the EV early can disrupt the charging process and potentially damage the battery. If the situation is urgent and you need to request the spot, wait for the owner and politely ask them if they can accommodate you once they’ve finished.
Also, when taking over the charging spot from someone else, be thoughtful and neatly plug their disconnected cable back into the station. Don’t leave it strewn across the ground. Simple courtesy smoothens the charging experience for all.
3. Don’t park Non-electric Vehicles at EV Chargers:
Out of courtesy, drivers of non-electric vehicles should avoid parking in spots specifically marked for EV charging. Even if the charger is unused, occupying the space with a non-EV prevents electric vehicles from plugging in.
When regular gas-powered cars park in EV charging spots, EV owners must wait unnecessarily until the space is cleared. This creates frustration and inconvenience for fellow drivers depending on charging access.
Unless signage allows hybrid or non-EVs expressly, respect the designations and allow electric vehicles to utilize charging station spots exclusively. Keep these reserved spaces open for EVs actively seeking to charge up.
4. Avoid skipping the line:
As electric vehicles surge in number, many charging locations see heavy demand and long lines of drivers waiting their turn. When you arrive at a crowded charging hub, politely join the queue and wait for your turn to charge up.
Don’t try to cut in front of other waiting EVs. This can create frustration and confusion for drivers who have been patiently waiting their turn. If unsure where the line starts, kindly ask a fellow EV owner already waiting.
Cutting the queue is inconsiderate since others may have planned time to charge based on their spot in line. By following proper queue etiquette, we can avoid tensions and keep the charging process orderly for everyone.
We’re all in this transition to electric mobility together. So be courteous at public charging sites, and don’t try to cut lines aggressively. Following etiquette guidelines maintains harmony and smooth charging access for EV owners.
5. Avoid losing your cool:
Everyone behaves and perceives things differently in today’s world. At an EV charging, it is essential to keep your cool, even if you believe someone isn’t following the etiquette. Your responsibility is to uphold your end of the etiquette.
We all experience challenges on the road, but retaining your cool and dignity benefits everyone. Lead by example through kindness, and others will reflect on improving their behavior. With sound planning, the occasional discourteous driver won’t derail your journeys. Just remember that this transition is new for most of us. We should learn the etiquette of this new era of mobility together.
Conclusion
As EV adoption accelerates, establishing fair and efficient charging practices is essential. By adhering to etiquette guidelines, we can ensure a smooth transition for all drivers. The dos outlined here, like planning ahead, moving promptly after charging, and respecting station rules, enable equitable and streamlined public charging if widely followed. And avoiding poor behaviors like hogging chargers, cutting lines, and parking non-EVs in EV spots prevents frustrations.
With continued education and lead-by-example courtesy, these ideals will spread. We’re all navigating this EV era together. Patience and compassion for others will see us through bumps in the road. The journey ahead looks bright if we all contribute through small mindful actions.