The EV community is growing fast, and with more drivers hitting the road, public charging stations are becoming busier than ever. Whether you’re a new EV owner or a seasoned driver, knowing the unwritten rules of charging can make life easier for everyone. Good etiquette isn’t just about being polite — it helps ensure that chargers are available, safe, and working for those who need them most.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to EV charging etiquette you should follow every time you plug in.
1. Don’t ICE the Charging Spot
First things first: if you’re not charging, don’t park in a charging spot. This is often called “ICEing” (when internal combustion engine vehicles or non-charging EVs block the station). It’s frustrating for EV drivers who genuinely need to charge, and it defeats the purpose of having designated charging spaces. If you’re not actively charging, move along.
2. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
Public chargers aren’t parking spots — they’re fueling stations. Once your car has enough charge to get where you need to go, unplug and move. Many charging networks even add idle fees if your EV is plugged in but not charging, so overstaying can cost you money.
As a rule of thumb, try not to charge beyond 80%. Most EVs charge fastest between 10% and 80%, and the last 20% takes disproportionately longer. Beyond that, you’re hogging the charger without gaining much speed. Unless you absolutely need a full charge for your trip, unplug and let the next driver in.
3. Use the Right Charger
It might be tempting to grab the fastest charger available, but if your EV can’t handle it, you’re just wasting resources — and potentially making others wait unnecessarily. For example, if your car’s max charging rate is 60 kW, plugging into a 120 kW charger won’t make it go faster. Always use the charger that’s appropriate for your EV’s capabilities.
4. Keep It Clean
Treat charging stations like you’d want to find them. Don’t leave behind coffee cups, wrappers, or any trash. Put the charging cable back into its holster so the next driver doesn’t have to deal with it lying in the dirt — or worse, drive over it. A little effort goes a long way toward keeping the equipment working and the space pleasant.
5. Don’t Unplug Other EVs
No matter how desperate you are for a charge, don’t pull the plug on someone else’s car. Even if it looks like they’re at 95% or finished charging, it’s not your place to interfere. At most, if the driver is nearby, you can politely ask if they’re done. Otherwise, wait your turn.
6. Be Mindful of Noise and Space
When charging, park neatly between the lines to avoid blocking access to adjacent stations. Charging stations can get tight, and sloppy parking makes life harder for everyone. Also, while you’re waiting, keep your music at a reasonable level. Nobody wants a charging station to double as a nightclub.
7. Plan Ahead
Before heading to a charging station, check availability through apps or real-time maps. This saves you from unnecessary waiting and helps reduce congestion. It’s also smart to have a backup plan in case your go-to charger is occupied or out of service.
8. Respect Queues and Communicate
If others are waiting, line up in order and communicate politely. A simple, “Hey, are you next?” can clear up confusion. And if you know you’ll be delayed moving your car after charging, let others know — it’s better than leaving them guessing.
9. Safety Always Comes First
Make sure you’re plugging in and disconnecting properly to avoid damaging the equipment. Learn how emergency shutdowns work at the stations you use most often. Mishandling chargers doesn’t just affect your car — it can take a whole station offline.
10. Don’t Public Charge Unless You Need To
This one might sound controversial, but it’s about fairness. If you have enough range to get home or to another reliable charger, think twice before plugging into a busy public DC fast charger. Those high-speed chargers are essential for drivers who are traveling long distances and truly need them. Save the public resources for when you actually require them.
11. Don't Use the Same Charging Port as Another
Naturally, this isn't always possible. Avoid plugging into the same charging cabinet as other people whenever possible. A lot of chargers share power because they are load-balanced. So, you could drastically lower the other driver's charging pace if you begin drawing power from the same cabinet. While utilizing a separate charger is regarded as appropriate EV charging etiquette, this is not always feasible, but keep it in mind wherever possible.
Final Thoughts
Charging an EV isn’t just about plugging in and walking away — it’s about being part of a community that values sharing, respect, and efficiency. By following these etiquette tips — moving once you’re done, keeping the station clean, respecting queues, and using the right charger — you’ll make the EV experience smoother not just for yourself but for every driver on the road.
A little courtesy goes a long way. So the next time you pull up to a charging station, remember: charge responsibly, unplug promptly, and keep it clean.
