Follow these 10 etiquette tips at the EV charging station (Please...)

According to Statistics Canada, one in seven new vehicles sold last year in Canada came equipped with an electric charging cable, and the market for used EVs is also starting to grow. With nearly a million fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles now on the road in Canada — half of which are in Quebec — the number of people using public charging stations is growing.

Unfortunately, not all users are aware of proper etiquette at these stations. Some monopolize more than one charging spot, while others are unaware their choice of terminal impacts those already charging. Here are the 10 “commandments” of the perfect électromobiliste.

1) Don’t park in front of an EV charger if you’re not charging

Driving an electric vehicle doesn’t give you the right to park at a public charging station without using it. If an EV parks at a charging station, it’s to plug in, not to just use the space as a VIP parking spot. In fact, some provinces have included fines in their highway traffic acts for motorists who park their vehicles (electric or not) at a charging station without plugging them in: $125 in British Columbia and Ontario; and from $100 to $200 in Quebec.

If you come across someone parked in front of a charger and not using it, the Association des Véhicules Électriques du Québec (AVEQ) suggests you print and keep a few of these “Courtesy Tickets” in your glove compartment, for distribution under said offender’s windshield wiper.

2) Consider unplugging after reaching 80% battery

On ultra-fast-charging stations, the latest EVs take 20 to 30 minutes to fill up to 80% of their battery capacity. However, after reaching this threshold, the energy intake slows down considerably.

Not only does an EV recharge at a higher cost at this point, but it also takes up space that could be used by others—those more hurried to reach their destination, or running on emptier batteries. Exceptions aside, maybe don’t rely on the public charging station for that last 20%. Instead, unplug and give the next person in line a chance.

3) Stay with your vehicle if you’re fast-charging

As mentioned above, it now takes only a few minutes to charge an EV at an ultra-fast-charging station. You can certainly pop into the convenience store or restroom, but otherwise, it’s best to stay with your vehicle, and then unplug it as soon as the charge is complete.

As the AVEQ puts it: “Would you leave your gas-powered car parked at a gas station pump to go shopping for three hours?”

4) Give others a heads-up if you’re slow-charging

At a Level 2 charging station, an EV may spend two, three, or even six hours recharging. To help out other electric motorists, leave a note on your windshield indicating your expected finished-charging time. This could help others plan their next recharge, or push them to opt for another charging location.

Some people even write down their phone number, so that if someone else with an EV with a low battery comes along, they can contact the person so they can choose to free up the space.

5) Consider preconditioning for faster charging in winter

In the winter, think of pre-conditioning your EV before arriving at the fast charging station. It means you’ll begin the process with a battery that’s already somewhat warmed up. You’ll charge faster, pay less—and will make way for others more quickly.

6) Clear out of the space when you’re fully charged

When the app you’ve downloaded to your phone indicates your EV’s charge is complete, stop what you’re doing and move your vehicle to a normal parking space. Not only does this free up the station for others, but it also lets you avoid the “immobilization” charges that more and more terminals are imposing.

7) Do not unplug others’ vehicles

The onboard computer of an EV parked at a public station shows a full charge, but the owner still hasn’t shown up to move it? Yeah, it’s tempting to pull the plug—but don’t do it. On the one hand, it’s extremely impolite to do so; in fact, CAA-Quebec have been informed of some cases of “road rage” that have started over people doing this. And some vehicle’s don’t allow the connector to be removed from their charging port when the doors are locked, so you may just get into trouble for nothing.

8) Try to avoid sharing the same port as another EV

“Shared” public stations have the disadvantage of a reduced energy flow when two EVs are connected. Perhaps you’ve already experienced it: you’re alone at a terminal, and your EV’s computer shows 30 minutes left for a full recharge. But then another EV parks next to you and starts using the second plug attached to “your” charging station. Suddenly, your recharging time doubles to over an hour.

That’s why, whenever possible, you should look for unoccupied stations. If another electric motorist pulls into your charging station lot, perhaps you can gently point them to one of the other “shared” ports that’s as yet unoccupied.  If none are free, however, expect your charging rate to diminish—but don’t complain. Everyone has the right to its recharge!

9) Make sure you know how to charge before plugging in

As a first-time electric motorist, you should familiarize yourself with the charging process before pulling up to a public station. Consult the owner’s manual, which is full of important details about the operation, starting with the steps to take to plug in—and to unplug.

Also, download in advance any necessary charging applications, and take a moment to integrate your payment methods into your smartphone. This way, not only do you spare yourself your own time, but you save the time of others waiting to charge their vehicles.

10) Put away connector and cable when you’re finished

Once you’ve finished recharging, be sure to put both the connector and the cable away. Leaving them lying around on the ground could result in them being run over or damaged by another EV, or being pulled away from the charging station. Replacing these devices is expensive, and they’re of no use until they’re replaced.

One last tip for the road: If you see someone at a nearby charging station having trouble plugging in or starting the recharge process, be the Good Samaritan: go and help them! Energy transfer is good, but knowledge transfer is even better!