You finally found it: the last open public charger in the lot. But as you pull up, you see it's being blocked by a car that isn't even charging. Frustrating, right?
With millions of new electric vehicles hitting the roads, public charging stations are getting busier than ever. Knowing the "unwritten rules" of EV charging etiquette is no longer just nice—it's necessary. These simple guidelines ensure the system works efficiently for everyone, reducing stress and saving time.
This guide is here to help. We'll cover the 10 essential rules for polite and effective charging, and, just as importantly, we'll tell you exactly what to do when you encounter someone who isn't following them.
The Golden Rule of EV Charging: Charge Up and Move On
If you remember only one thing, make it this: a charging spot is a fuel pump, not a personal parking space.
Its purpose is to provide energy. Once your car has enough charge to get you to your next destination, the right thing to do is unplug and move, freeing up the charger for the next person. Adopting this mindset is the foundation of all good EV charging etiquette.
The 10 Essential Rules of EV Charging Etiquette
Think of these as the official best practices for the EV community. Following them will help you and everyone around you have a much better day.
1. Don't Block a Charger (Never "ICE" a Spot)
This is the cardinal sin of charging. "ICEing" (from Internal Combustion Engine) is when a gasoline-powered car parks in a spot reserved for EVs. But this rule also applies to EVs! If you are not actively charging, do not park in a charging spot. It's a limited resource that another driver might desperately need.
2. When You're Done Charging, Move Your Car
Many charging networks, like Electrify America, now charge idle fees—per-minute penalties that start a few minutes after your charging session ends. Set a notification in your vehicle's app or on your phone to remind you when your session is nearly complete. As soon as it's done, return to your car and move it.
3. DC Fast Chargers Are for Quick Stops: The 80% Rule
DC fast chargers are the marathon runners of the EV world, designed for rapid charging on long trips. They are also the most in-demand. The unofficial rule here is to charge only to 80%.
Why? Because an EV's charging speed slows dramatically after reaching about 80% capacity to protect the battery's health. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that the final 20% can take as long as the first 80%. By moving on at 80%, you use the charger during its most effective period and free it up for others much sooner.
4. Level 2 Chargers Offer More Flexibility
Level 2 chargers are much more common and are found at workplaces, hotels, and shopping centers. Because they charge more slowly over several hours, the etiquette is slightly different. If you are at work for the day, it's generally acceptable to charge to 100%. However, if the station has a sharing feature or if you see others are waiting, it's still good practice to move your car once you're full.
5. Never Unplug Another EV... Unless It's Clearly Finished
Unplugging someone else's car mid-session is a major no-no. However, there is one exception. Many EVs have an indicator light near the charge port that changes color or stops blinking when the car is fully charged. If you can clearly see the car is 100% finished and the owner is nowhere in sight, it is sometimes considered acceptable to unplug their car and use the charger. Proceed with caution and kindness.
6. Keep the Station Tidy
This one is simple: leave the station better than you found it. Neatly wrap the charging cable and place the connector back in its holster. This prevents the heavy cable from becoming a tripping hazard and protects the expensive connector from damage by being run over or dropped in a puddle.
7. Communication is Key: Leave a Note
You can solve most potential conflicts with good communication. Use a dashboard tag or a simple note to tell other drivers your status. You can include:
•Your phone number for texts.
•Your estimated departure time.
•The charge level you're aiming for.
This small gesture shows consideration and helps everyone plan their charging. Community apps like PlugShare also allow you to "check in" to a station, letting others know it's in use.
8. Pay Attention to Station-Specific Rules
Not all chargers are created equal. Read the signs at the station. Is there a time limit? Is charging reserved for customers of a specific business? Is there a fee for parking? Knowing these rules beforehand can save you from a ticket or a towing fee.
9. Know Your Vehicle and the Charger
This is one of the more subtle EV charging best practices. If your car can only accept power at 50kW, you don't need to occupy a 350kW ultra-fast charger if a 50kW or 150kW station is available. Using a charger that matches your car's capabilities leaves the most powerful (and most in-demand) chargers open for vehicles that can actually use them.
10. Be Patient and Kind
The public charging infrastructure is still growing. You will encounter broken chargers, long lines, and people who are new to the EV world. As a guide from AAA on driver interactions suggests, a little patience and a friendly attitude go a long way. Everyone is trying to get where they're going.
Quick Reference: The Do's and Don'ts of Charging
| Do's | Don'ts |
| ✅ Move your car as soon as you're done. | ❌ Don't park in a charging spot if you aren't charging. |
| ✅ Charge to 80% at DC fast chargers. | ❌ Don't hog a fast charger to get to 100%. |
| ✅ Wrap the cable neatly when you leave. | ❌ Don't unplug another car unless you're sure it's finished. |
| ✅ Leave a note or use an app to communicate. | ❌ Don't assume every charger is free to use for any amount of time. |
| ✅ Be patient and helpful to new drivers. | ❌ Don't get into confrontations with other drivers. |
What to Do When Etiquette Fails: A Problem-Solving Guide
Knowing the rules is half the battle. Here’s what to do when you encounter a problem.
Scenario 1: A Gas Car (or a non-charging EV) is Blocking the Spot.
This is frustrating, but direct confrontation is rarely a good idea.
- What to do: Look for parking enforcement signs or contact information for the property manager. They are the ones with the authority to ticket or tow the vehicle. Take a photo if needed as evidence. Do not leave an angry note or engage the driver directly.
Scenario 2: An EV is Fully Charged but Still Plugged In.
You need the charger, but someone is camping out.
- What to do: First, look for a note or dashboard tag with a phone number. A polite text is the best first step. If there's no note, some apps like ChargePoint allow you to join a virtual waitlist and will notify the current user that someone is waiting. As a last resort, you can call the customer service number for the charging network, but be prepared that they may not be able to do much.
Scenario 3: The Charger Isn't Working.
You've tried everything, but the station is out of order.
- What to do: Report the broken charger to the network operator using their app or the phone number on the station. Then, do the community a favor and report it on PlugShare. This simple act can save the next driver a lot of time and frustration.
Good Etiquette Builds a Better EV Community
Good EV charging etiquette boils down to one simple idea: be considerate. By treating public chargers as the shared, valuable resources they are, we can make the experience faster, more efficient, and far less stressful for everyone.
The transition to electric vehicles is a journey we are all on together. A little bit of planning and a whole lot of kindness will ensure the road ahead is a smooth one.
Authoritative Sources
1.U.S. Department of Energy (AFDC): Official guidance on public charging best practices.
Link: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_charging_public.html
2.PlugShare: The essential community app for finding and reviewing chargers, featuring user check-ins and station health reports.
Post time: Jul-02-2025