Public EV charging stations and fuel pumps serve the same purpose—recharging or refuelling your vehicle—but they operate differently. For instance, fuel pumps are always manned, but most EV charging stations are not. Hence, as individuals, we must be disciplined when using public charging stations.
In this blog, we’ve listed some basic etiquettes to ensure charging stations run smoothly and fellow EV users enjoy a seamless charging experience, just like you.
Common Questions & Misconceptions About EV Charging Behaviour
- Can I unplug someone else’s EV while it’s being charged? Will you unplug someone’s mobile while it’s charging at a public hub, like at an airport, just so you can charge yours? Probably not. This kind of behavior is exactly what’s expected at public EV charging stations. Unplugging the charging gun from someone else’s EV mid-session and plugging it into yours because you’re in a hurry is simply unacceptable. However, if the charger displays that the session is complete, you may try to locate the EV owner nearby or contact the network’s customer service and request them to call the EV user to unplug.
Source: AI generated image
- How long should I leave the car at the charging station? Imagine being at a popular restaurant. Once you’re done eating and have paid the bill, you’d vacate the table to make space for others, right? Similarly, it’s good EV charging etiquette to leave the station promptly once your session is over. If you’re away, like having a meal at a nearby hotel, make sure to return as per the estimated time shown in the charging app to free up the spot for others.
- Can I park at an EV charger if I’m not charging? (ICE-ing issue) Imagine using public transport, and you see an empty seat, but it’s reserved for people with disabilities. Would you occupy that seat? Likely not, because it’s common sense. Similarly, if you park your car—EV or ICE—at a spot meant for charging without actually using the charger, it’s inconsiderate behaviour.
Source: AI generated image
- Can I jump the queue at charging stations because I’m in a hurry? Picture yourself waiting in line at a railway station ticket counter, and the queue is moving slowly. Would you skip ahead just because you’re in a rush? Probably not, as that would be unfair to others. The same applies to charging stations. Wait patiently for your turn. Alternatively, you can avoid waiting by booking a charging slot in advance via EV apps like Zeon, Charge Zone, Glida, or Statiq.
Source: AI generated image
- Can I charge 100% at public charging stations? It’s better to avoid it. Charging an EV battery is similar to filling a glass of water—you start with a full flow, but as it nears the top (say, around 80%), you slow down to prevent spillage. Similarly, an EV battery charges quickly until about 80%, after which the speed slows. Staying at a public charging station for that last 20% might inconvenience others. Read on why you should charge 80% at charging stations
Other Considerations
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- Selecting the ideal charging point This is an important but often overlooked aspect. Choose a charger with a power rating that matches your EV’s capability. For instance, the Tata Tiago EV, with its 19kWh battery, supports a charging speed of 19kW. Using a charger rated above 30kW won’t charge it faster. Understanding the difference between battery capacity and charging speed can save you time and effort.
- Keeping cables and charging guns tidy Just like you keep your mobile charger neat and tidy after use, ensure you wrap the cables properly and gently place the charging gun back in its slot after charging your EV.
- Providing feedback on charging stations Once you’re done charging, share your feedback—positive or negative—through the charging app or aggregator platforms like EVJoints. This helps network operators improve the charging experience for you and other EV users.
Conclusion
Just as you follow traffic rules and unsaid road manners, adhering to these basic charging etiquettes will make your visits to charging stations a pleasant experience for you and your fellow EV users. As India’s EV community grows, a little discipline can inspire future generations and encourage more people to switch to EVs.
So, the next time you visit a public charging station, ask yourself, Am I being a responsible EV driver? A small act of courtesy can go a long way. Let’s charge responsibly and build a better EV ecosystem together.
