These days, many people have invested in an electric vehicle (EV) in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint and slow the effects of global warming. Unlike petrol-powered vehicles, pure EVs are powered by an electric motor. This means they don’t require petrol to go and therefore, they don’t release carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions into the air. All you have to do is make sure that it’s charged so that your EV can get you to and from your destination.
However, keeping your vehicle suitably charged is sometimes easier said than done because, unless you have a private EV charging station like a Tesla Wall Connector installation unit at home, you’ll be relying on public EV charging infrastructures to charge your vehicle. Although these stations are convenient, especially when you’re in a pinch, they can be used by anyone at any time.
If there are only a few EV charging infrastructures in your area, you’ll quickly realise that finding a free charging station can be frustrating, especially if you’re a first-time EV owner. Nevertheless, you have to do your best to keep your cool and practise good EV charging etiquette so that you can be a positive newcomer in the EV community.
Never Skip the Line
Electric vehicle charging stations can sometimes be in high demand, and it’s essential to respect the queue. Just like waiting your turn at a conventional petrol station, allowing others to charge before you when they arrive first ensures fairness and efficiency in using shared charging infrastructure. Skipping the line can lead to frustration among fellow EV owners and disrupt the orderly use of the charging station.
Park at the Correct EV Charger
Charging stations often have different connectors and charging speeds, and using the wrong one won’t only inconvenience other users, but it can also damage your vehicle’s battery. That’s why you have to make sure that you park at the correct EV charger for your vehicle. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with your EV’s charging port and the available connectors at the charging station. This simple step helps maintain a smooth and safe charging process for everyone and avoids unnecessary delays or complications.
Don’t Go Over the Charging Time Limit
Charging time limits are often imposed to ensure fair usage of charging stations, especially in busy areas. As a beginner, it’s important to be aware of these limits and adhere to them. Once your EV is adequately charged, promptly move your vehicle to free up the charging spot for others. Going over the designated time limit can hinder the accessibility of the charging station and inconvenience fellow EV owners who are waiting. Respecting time limits is a key element of responsible EV charging behaviour.
Don’t Charge Your EV to 100%
While it might be tempting to aim for a full charge every time, it’s in your best interest to top up only 80% of the way. Charging your battery to maximum capacity constantly can lead to faster battery degradation. Instead, aim for 80% if you want a comfortable charge level that meets your immediate needs. Most EV users recommend 80% because charging rates slow down dramatically after this percentage, making it longer for your EV to reach 100%. With this thoughtful approach, you’ll be able to take better care of your EV battery’s performance while promoting fair usage of charging stations by reducing unnecessary wait times for others.
Never Use It as a Parking Spot
EV charging stations are dedicated to recharging electric vehicles, not as regular parking spots. Thus, avoid leaving your EV parked at a charging station without actively charging it. If you treat the charging station like an ordinary parking spot, you create unnecessary congestion and limit access for those who genuinely need to charge.
Use an App to Monitor Your Progress
To enhance your EV charging experience, consider using dedicated apps that allow you to monitor the progress of your charging session. These apps provide you with real-time information on your battery’s charging status, estimated time to completion, and sometimes even the availability of nearby charging stations. By utilising such apps, you can efficiently manage your charging sessions, ensuring you move your vehicle promptly once charging is complete. This not only benefits you, but it also contributes to the overall efficiency of the charging infrastructure by minimising unnecessary idle time at the charging station.
Be Considerate and Patient
In the world of EV charging, a little consideration goes a long way. Be patient, especially during peak charging times, and be mindful of others who may be waiting for their turn. If you notice a fellow EV owner waiting, try to complete your charging session promptly. Additionally, if you find a charging station with multiple ports, be considerate of the spacing. Park your vehicle in such a way that allows multiple vehicles to charge simultaneously without unnecessary closeness, respecting each EV owner’s space.
Since your EV is completely different from petrol-powered vehicles, it’s your responsibility to learn how to use the facilities that keep it running properly. This includes the proper etiquette that comes with using EV charging stations. With the help of this guide, you can contribute to a positive and cooperative EV charging community.
