EV charging etiquette for beginners <updated>
We've been thinking about the niceties of EV charging lately.
Our team reckons it's kind of like having a posh high tea for the first time; wait politely to start, don't interrupt someone else, be prepared to move if needed and, most of all, no dribbling when the good stuff is on offer.
And just like the arrival of those delicious mini chocolate mud cakes and crust-off cucumber sandwiches, great EV charging etiquette is all about communication. As in 'I really want the last cream-filled brandy snap but am about to vomit' pretty much means the same thing as 'I really only need a partial charge so am happy to move for someone who needs filling up'.
To help everyone get along nicely, we thought we'd put together the top 7 EV charging etiquette rules for Australian and New Zealand drivers:
1. Don't get angry about ICEd spaces. Yes, it's annoying, but rude notes or shouting is going to end in tears. Politely explain WHY you need access to the clearly-stencilled and signed EV only spaces.
2. Don't park in a charging space without plugging in. They're not there just 'cos you've got an EV and it's convenient for the toilets. Only park in a charging space if you're going to...you know...actually plug in.
3. Charge up and move out. Don't hang around all day trickle charging your EV. Get what you need and move your EV to another space, even if you're still hanging around the area.
4. BEVs over PHEVs. Sisters over misters. Chicks over...um, never mind. You get the idea (girlfriend); if you've got an on-board, petrol driven, back-up generator in your EV then you can probably wait until you get home to completely top up. Not so much the BEV driver.
5. Leave a note. If you're not sure about any of the above, just leave a note with your number on it and if someone's got a question they can get in touch. We've even made it easy for you with some free downloadable business card-sized courtesy notes. You're welcome.
6. Free only means you didn't pay - a business or venue will have invested many thousands of $$ into the facility that enables to you easily and reliably get a top up. The capital cost alone might be from $6-10k and that's before you consider the ongoing maintenance and support required to keep the chargers operational and safe. So be sure to frequent the local services e.g. buy a coffee and/or let the operator know you're there because of the charging facility.
7. Check in On Plugshare - If the venue owner doesn't know the charging facility is being used then they may refrain from maintaining the location, not bother policing misuse or worse still decommission the location. So let the business know it's in demand by checking in on Plugshare - it only takes 10 seconds or less!
Yep. Free EV charging courtesy notes...click on images to expand or link below to download (with crops for professional printing):
Do you have any you'd add to your EV charging etiquette list? Let us know...