As more EVs share public chargers, good etiquette matters. A few simple habits make charging faster and friendlier for everyone.
Move when you are done
The most important rule: once your car has the charge you need, unplug and move it. Many stations charge an idle fee if a car stays plugged in after charging ends, often after a short grace period. Set an alert in your app or car so you know when charging is complete.
Only use charging bays to charge
Charging bays are not regular parking spaces. Petrol and diesel cars should never park in them, and EVs should not park there without charging.
Charge to what you need at busy times
At a busy fast charger with others waiting, charge to around 80% and move on. Charging slows above 80%, so the last part of a full charge takes a long time while others wait.
Queues
- Join any queue the station or app uses, and respect the order of arrival.
- Stay with or near your car if others are waiting.
- If you leave your car, consider leaving a phone number on the dashboard.
Sharing a charger
Some chargers have two guns that share power. If you plug into a shared unit, your speed may be lower while another car charges. Choose a free charger when one is available.
Look after the equipment
- Return the cable to its holder and do not leave it on the ground.
- Report damaged or faulty chargers through the app or the help number.
- Never unplug another driver's car unless the station rules clearly allow it.
Treat a public charger the way you would want the driver before you to have treated it.