Electric cars are growing rapidly popular as people become more conscious about their carbon footprint on the environment. While electric cars offer numerous benefits, they also come with a unique set of considerations regarding charging.
Ahead, we’ll explore the best practices for charging etiquette that every electric car owner should know. Read on!
Do’s
From looking after the charger to keeping in contact with fellow electric vehicle (EV) drivers, here are the dos when charging an electric car!
Look after the charger
Looking after the charger of an EV is crucial, as damaged or poorly maintained chargers can pose a safety risk, including electric shock or fire hazards.
Regularly cleaning the charger’s contacts and keeping it free from debris can help ensure optimal efficiency.
Thus, it is a must to put back a charger cord to its designated place after charging to avoid any damage—it’s the bare minimum charging etiquette.
Be prepared to accept less than a 100 per cent charge
Charging in public charging stations can present several challenges. Firstly, charging station availability is limited, especially during peak usage hours, meaning you might not have enough time to charge your EV fully.
Additionally, charging speeds can vary from one charging station to another, with some providing faster charging and others taking longer. Therefore, checking the charging speed before selecting a charging station is essential.
Moreover, charging an EV battery at a high temperature can cause damage to the battery. Since some public charging stations are located in areas with high temperatures, obtaining a full 100% charge may be difficult.
Lastly, over time, the battery capacity of an EV will decline, meaning that even if the battery is still in good condition, obtaining a full 100% charge may not be possible.
Thus, you must always be prepared not to get a 100% charge each time.
Check-in on PlugShare
PlugShare is a mobile and web application that helps EV drivers find and locate public charging stations. It is a comprehensive platform that offers information on various charging stations, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast-charging stations.
This app also provides real-time status updates, allowing users to see when charging stations are available, in use, or out of service.
You can check in to this app to let the charging station owners know that their place is being used. This way, the owners will make sure to maintain their place.
Charge up and move out
Moving your car out promptly after charging at a charging station is important to maximize access, promote efficiency, and show consideration for other EV owners.
Also, it allows others to use the charging station, prevents congestion, and ensures availability for future charging needs.
Communicate with fellow EV drivers
Communicating with fellow EV drivers is essential during charging or any general situation. You can share knowledge and information about charging stations, range, and other EV-related topics before other fellow drivers jump on the queue.
Moreover, you can also build a sense of community among EV enthusiasts, find solutions to common problems, and enhance safety in emergencies.
Don’ts
On the flip hand, you must be aware of the don’ts when charging your car. Hence, you need to avoid these things:
Camp
No one favours a “camper” in any queue, including an EV charging station. This refers to someone who leaves their vehicle unattended for too long during charging.
Although it’s okay to grab a quick meal or coffee during the waiting time, understanding the duration of each charger type is recommended to estimate the time accurately.
Moreover, you can also check in to PlugShare to let other drivers know how long they have to wait in the queue while your car is charging.
Block bays if you’re not charging
Remember: a charging space is a designated area only for charging. If you pull over just to park your car there and do something else, then you’re the problem.
This behaviour is often called “ICE-ing”; you must refrain from doing this at all costs. Instead, park your car in another area in the parking lot if you want to enjoy downtime or get some fresh air.
Being short-tempered or rude
Charging an EV takes time, and sometimes unexpected delays can happen due to factors like high demand or equipment malfunctions.
Getting angry or impatient won’t speed up the process and may even worsen it by creating a tense atmosphere for yourself and others around you.
Additionally, displaying rude or aggressive behaviour toward other EV users or charging station attendants can harm your reputation and make others less likely to want to interact with you next time.
Unplug your neighbour’s
Unplugging your neighbour’s EV while it’s charging is not only rude and inconsiderate, but it’s also illegal in many places.
EV owners rely on public charging stations to keep their cars running, just like gasoline-powered car owners rely on gas stations. It’s important to respect other people’s property and vehicles and be mindful that we all share public resources.
Plus, unplugging an EV can disrupt the charging process and potentially damage the battery, resulting in costly repairs for the owner.
Overstay
Overstaying at a charging point while charging an electric vehicle can cause increased battery wear, slower charging times, and inconvenience for other EV drivers. It’s better to be considerate of others and only use a charging station for as long as necessary.
To avoid overstaying, you can check into your EV charging app and tell the duration directly from the app. This way, you’ll ensure you won’t do this morally prohibited action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 80% rule for EV charging?
The 80% rule for EV charging refers to the recommended practice of regularly charging your electric vehicle (EV) battery up to a maximum of 80% capacity to maximize the battery’s lifespan.
Can I sit in my electric car while it is charging?
Of course! It’s totally safe to not only sit in your electric car during charging but also turn it on and even use it. The only thing prohibited during charging time is to drive off the area when the cord is still plugged into your vehicle.
Should I charge my EV to 100% every night?
Ideally, you should keep your battery between 20-80% charge to maximize its lifespan. However, if you plan a longer trip, it may be necessary to charge 100% to reach your destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing a few EV charging etiquette dos and don’ts can make all the difference in electric car ownership.
Of course, it also helps to remember that there is an understanding of nuanced electric vehicle charging etiquette—respect the charger and those waiting for you to finish charging, and respect any rules or regulations set by businesses or residential areas hosting chargers so that everyone can benefit from electric vehicle ownership.
So get ready to break away from gasoline—it’s time to hit the road confidently! And if you’re interested in switching to used electric cars, visit Kilowatt Cars now—we provide the best quality secondhand electric vehicles for you!
