EV Charging Etiquette: Best Practices

Why Charging Etiquette Matters

As EV adoption grows, charging stations become busier. Following proper etiquette ensures:

Everyone gets a turn to charge
Stations remain available for those who need them
Community stays positive and respectful
Stations stay well-maintained through proper use

Be the EV driver you'd want to encounter at a charging station.

The Golden Rule

Move your car when charging completes.

This is the #1 rule of EV charging etiquette. Idle fees exist for this reason - chargers are a shared resource.

Core Etiquette Rules

1. Don't ICE (Block with Non-EV)

ICE = Internal Combustion Engine

Never park a gas vehicle in EV charging spots.

This is like blocking a gas pump - it prevents EVs from charging.

If you see an ICE vehicle blocking:

Don't confront the driver (they may not realize)
Report to property owner/management
Use SpotCharge's "Report Issue" feature
Look for alternative stations

2. Move Your Car Promptly

When charging completes:

Get notification from your app
Move car within 5-10 minutes
Free up charger for next driver

Set reminders:

Enable push notifications in charging app
Set phone alarm for estimated completion
Check app periodically if you're nearby

Idle fees reminder: Many networks charge $0.40-1.00/minute after charging stops. This can add up fast!

If you can't move promptly:

Don't charge to 100% - stop at 80%
Use Level 2 instead (usually no idle fees)
Choose less busy times

3. Only Use Charging Spots When Charging

Don't use EV charging spots for:

Regular parking (even if your EV is full)
Running into a store without charging
Overnight parking when you don't need a charge

Exception: If the lot is nearly empty and chargers are available, brief parking (under 30 minutes) while shopping is usually acceptable. Use your best judgment.

4. Charge to 80% at Busy Stations

Why 80%?

Charging slows significantly after 80%
80-100% takes as long as 20-80%
Allows more drivers to charge in same time

When to charge to 80%:

DC Fast charging on road trips
Busy stations with cars waiting
Peak hours (lunch, after work)

When you can charge to 100%:

Slow Level 2 charging overnight
Station is empty
You need the full range for your trip

Road trip planning: Plan multiple 80% charges instead of one 100% charge - you'll save time and be courteous.

5. Use Appropriate Charging Speed

Level 2 vs. DC Fast:

Use Level 2 when:

You have 2+ hours to spare
You're shopping, dining, or at work
Station isn't busy

Use DC Fast when:

You need quick charge (under 1 hour)
Road trip situation
No time for Level 2

Why? DC Fast chargers are expensive and limited. Save them for drivers who truly need speed.

6. Don't Unplug Other Vehicles

NEVER unplug another EV - even if:

They're at 100% charge
They've been there for hours
You're in a hurry

Why:

Safety risk (interrupting active charging)
May damage vehicle charging system
Illegal in some jurisdictions
Extremely rude

What to do instead:

Wait your turn
Find another station
Leave a polite note on their windshield (if they're clearly done)
Report to station owner via SpotCharge

Exception: Some networks (like Tesla) allow unplugging after a grace period if idle fees are accruing. Check network policy.

7. Take Only What You Need

If the station is busy:

Don't charge from 90% to 100% (minimal range gain, long time)
Charge just enough to reach your destination plus buffer
Consider splitting your charge (partial now, rest later or elsewhere)

If the station is empty:

Charge as much as you need
No rush to leave

8. Park Within the Lines

Proper parking:

Park fully within EV charging space
Don't block adjacent chargers
Ensure cable can reach your charge port
Don't take two spots

Tight fit? If your vehicle is large (truck, SUV), choose end spots when possible so your size doesn't block others.

9. Keep the Area Clean

Before you leave:

Take all trash with you
Coil cable neatly (if applicable)
Return connector to holster properly
Don't leave anything behind

Report maintenance issues:

Broken cables
Damaged equipment
Overflowing trash
Safety hazards

Use SpotCharge's "Report Issue" feature to notify station owners.

10. Be Patient and Kind

Long wait?

Check SpotCharge for nearby alternatives
Use the time productively (walk, explore, eat)
Don't honk or rush other drivers

Someone waiting?

Acknowledge them with a wave
Give them an estimate when you'll be done
Move promptly when finished

Specific Scenarios

Tesla Superchargers (Open to Non-Teslas)

If you're a non-Tesla at a Supercharger:

Be extra courteous (you're a guest on Tesla's network)
Move promptly when done
Park correctly (non-Teslas may need to use two spots due to cable length)
Don't block Tesla owners if station is busy

Waiting in Line

If chargers are all occupied:

Wait nearby in regular parking (not blocking access)
Monitor SpotCharge or network app for status
Ask drivers how long they'll be (politely)
Have a backup plan (nearby stations)

If someone is waiting for your spot:

Let them know your estimated completion time
Set an alarm to move promptly
Offer to text them when you're done (exchange numbers)

Broken Chargers

If your charger isn't working:

Don't leave your car blocking it
Move to working charger or regular parking
Report issue on SpotCharge
Notify network support

If multiple chargers are broken:

Report all broken units
Check nearby stations
Consider Level 2 as alternative

Multiple EVs, One Household

If you're charging two household vehicles:

Use separate chargers (don't monopolize multiple ports at one station)
Charge both at less busy times
Consider home charging for one or both

What NOT to Do

Bad etiquette examples:

❌ Don't leave car overnight at DC fast charger Wasting expensive infrastructure and blocking others.

❌ Don't charge to 100% at busy station Selfish use of shared resource.

❌ Don't save spots for other drivers Standing in a charging space to "reserve" it.

❌ Don't block access with your parking Poor parking that prevents others from using adjacent chargers.

❌ Don't ignore notifications Leaving car hours after charging complete.

❌ Don't be aggressive or confrontational Honking, yelling, or demanding someone unplug.

Teaching New EV Drivers

If you see someone violating etiquette:

Assume they're new to EVs (they probably are)
Leave a polite note explaining the rule
Report via SpotCharge if it's a safety issue
Be patient - we all learned somewhere

Sample note:

"Welcome to the EV community! Just a friendly reminder that charging spots should be freed up once charging completes to allow others to charge. Idle fees may apply after charging stops. Thanks for understanding! - A fellow EV driver"

Emergency Situations

When you can bend the rules:

Medical emergency:

Charge what you need to reach hospital/safety
Explain situation to waiting drivers

Stranded with low battery:

You have priority - charge enough to reach safety
Communicate with other drivers
Thank them for understanding

Extreme weather:

Staying warm/cool in your EV may require you to charge longer
Safety first - but try to find alternatives if possible

Accessibility Considerations

If you don't need accessible parking:

Don't use accessible EV charging spots
Even if they're the only ones available
Wait for non-accessible spots to open

If you do need accessible parking:

You have priority for accessible EV charging spots
Use them as needed - that's what they're for

Contributing to the Community

Good EV citizen actions:

✓ Leave helpful reviews on SpotCharge Warn others about broken chargers, access issues, or great stations.

✓ Report issues promptly Help keep station data accurate and equipment maintained.

✓ Upload helpful photos Show parking area, signage, connector types.

✓ Thank station owners If a station is well-maintained, leave a positive review or email.

✓ Share knowledge with new EV drivers Answer questions, offer help, be welcoming.

Regional Differences

Etiquette varies slightly by region:

Urban areas:

Higher competition for chargers
Stricter adherence to 80% rule
Less tolerance for idle parking

Suburban areas:

More relaxed
Often less busy
Community-oriented

Highway rest stops:

Road trippers expected to charge quickly
80% rule strongly encouraged
Move promptly (people on tight schedules)

Need Help?

Questions about charging etiquette or community guidelines?

Contact Support or check our Help Center