^{Charge Up Right: Mastering EV Charging Etiquette}

Welcome to the future of driving! With EVs taking over the roads, charging stations are the new pit stops. Whether you’re an EV veteran or just joined the electric revolution, we all have a part to play in keeping these charging stations smooth, functional, and welcoming. Here’s a mix of helpful tips, etiquette. Helpful suggestions to make you the MVP of the EV community while avoiding the most common charging faux pas.

1. Don’t Be a Charger Hog

Charging stations aren’t personal parking spots. Once you’ve got enough juice to reach your next destination, it’s time to unplug and move on—especially if someone’s waiting. Most EVs slow charging speeds after 80%, so that’s a great time to free up the charger for someone else. If you need to top off to 100% for a long trip, a friendly heads-up goes a long way.
Driver Comment:
"I was stuck waiting for 45 minutes because someone left their car fully charged and went to lunch. A quick app notification would have saved everyone some frustration."

2. Treat the Hardware Like Gold

Charging connectors and cables are the lifeline of your EV, but they’re not indestructible. Here’s the deal:

• Don’t drop the handle on the ground. Ever. It can cause costly damage to the connector or charging ports.
• Return the cable neatly to its holder after use.
• Avoid twisting or tangling the cable like it’s a jump rope.
  Why It Matters: Damaged equipment leads to downtime and pricey repairs, which affect everyone. Treat it like your own, because… well, it kind of is now!
  Driver Comment:
  "I pulled up to a station once, and the connector had a crack from being dropped. It wouldn’t work, and I had to drive 10 minutes to the next charger!"

3. Look Before You Plug In

Now, here’s a big one—take a moment to inspect the station before using it. Charging stations can get banged up, and sometimes, those little dents and scrapes can mean bigger issues for your EV. If the charging handle looks questionable, like it’s been through a few rounds of damage, consider finding another one. The last thing you want is a shorted-out charge port on your vehicle, which is both costly and inconvenient. A quick check could save you a lot of trouble.
Driver Comment:
"It only takes a second to check—trust me, shorted charge ports are common and expensive to replace!"

4. Keep It Clean—It’s Not Your Personal Trash Can

Public charging stations are for charging, not for offloading your garbage. Wrappers, coffee cups, and random car junk don’t belong there. A clean station is inviting for everyone and helps keep the focus on charging, not cleaning up after the last user.
Driver Comment:
"I couldn’t believe it—someone left a bag of fast-food garbage on the ground next to the charger. It’s like, we’re here to help the planet, not trash it!"

5. Silence Is Golden: Respect the Neighbors

Many public chargers are near residential areas, so let’s keep the noise down, especially at night. Avoid blasting music, slamming car doors, or holding loud phone convos.
Why It Matters: Respecting the neighbors helps ensure these stations stay accessible and friendly for everyone.
Driver Comment:
"I was charging late at night and accidentally slammed my car door—it echoed through the whole neighborhood! Now I’m super careful about noise."

6. Be Fair—It’s First-Come, First-Served

Public charging works best when everyone takes their turn. If a station is busy, wait patiently, and avoid pressuring someone to unplug early. If you need to ask how much longer they’ll be charging, be polite. Remember, some EVs take longer to charge than others.
Driver Comment:
"Someone came up to me and kept staring at my car while I was charging. It made me feel so awkward! A simple ‘How much longer?’ would have been way better."

7. Charge What You Need (and Be Strategic)

If your EV can’t take full advantage of a high-speed charger, consider leaving it open for someone whose vehicle can. If your car maxes out at 76kW, it might be better to use a slower charger, especially during peak times.
Driver Comment:
"I’ve started using Level 2 chargers when I don’t need a quick top-up—it just feels fair when others might need the fast charger more than I do."

8. Don’t Linger After You’re Done

Charging spots are in high demand, so once you’re finished, move on. Many charging apps can notify you when your charge is done, so use them to avoid overstaying your welcome.
Driver Comment:
"I had to unplug someone’s car once because it was sitting there fully charged for over an hour while I was waiting. It felt wrong, but I didn’t have another choice."

9. Report Equipment Issues

If a charger isn’t working, report the issue through the app or hotline. Keeping the network running smoothly benefits everyone.
Driver Comment:
"It takes just a minute to report a broken charger. If we don’t let them know, how can we expect them to fix it?"

10. EV Stations Aren’t Gas Pumps—Embrace the Community

Unlike the rush-rush vibes at gas stations, EV charging stations are often social hubs. Chat with fellow EV drivers, swap tips, and make the wait more enjoyable. Just remember to keep things polite—no one wants unnecessary drama during their charge session.

11. Protect Your Wallet—Care for the Hardware

Damaged charging equipment leads to pricey repairs for the station, which might result in higher usage fees for all of us. Treat the equipment with care, and we all save money in the long run.
Driver Comment:
"A little respect for the equipment goes a long way. Let’s not make charging more expensive because of preventable damage!"

12. Be Kind, Be Courteous, Be Awesome

At the end of the day, EV charging etiquette boils down to common sense and kindness. A little patience goes a long way in making the EV community a welcoming space for all.

By following these simple guidelines, you're not just charging your car—you’re helping power a more connected, respectful EV community. Together, we can keep the charging experience smooth, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.

EV LAB Victoria
For expert EV and hybrid maintenance, visit EvLabVictoria.ca. Let’s keep your EV running smoothly and the roads a little greener!

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