Electric vehicles are more common than ever on UK roads, and public charging stations are now a shared resource for EV drivers. They’re easy to recognise with their unique EV charging bay markings, so you don’t have to worry about confusing them with regular parking bays.
There’s etiquette when you’re filling up at a petrol station, like moving to the front so the person behind you can fill up too, so what are the unwritten rules for electric vehicles?
There are a few things you need to know to ensure you’re considerate of other drivers at an EV charging station.
This blog covers the dos and don’ts of electric car charging, addresses some of the common dilemmas, such as non-EVs in charging bays and plug-in hybrid access, and finally, explains why being courteous when you’re charging your electric car is so important.
The general rules and laws of EV charging bays
The rule that everyone needs to remember – not just EV drivers – is that charging bays are strictly for charging electric vehicles.
Park a petrol or diesel there, and you’re looking at what could be a pretty hefty fine. It doesn’t stop there. Even if you have an electric car, you can’t stay in a charging bay for long. Once your car is fully charged, you must leave the bay. Get caught by the police or a traffic officer, and again, you could face a hefty fine.
Depending on the EV bay, you can get hit by ‘idle fees’, meaning you’re looking at up to £1 for every minute that you stay on the charger when already fully charged.
These are all things you need to keep in mind when you’re in a charging bay.
Read more: The rules on parking in electric car spaces: A guide
What is good etiquette when charging your electric car?
Let’s look at three of the best pieces of etiquette for charging your electric car.
Plan ahead
Before your journey, check where public charging stations are located. Planning your stops will help you avoid peak times and long waits. You’ll put yourself in a much more comfortable position without worrying about EV bay operations or your car’s low battery life.
Stick to the 80/20 EV charging rule
The 80/20 rule for your electric vehicles is simple: charge it to about 80% and don’t let it drop below 20%.
This helps preserve your lithium-ion battery by preventing overcharging and keeping it in optimal condition.
Appropriate use of the equipment
Handle charging cables with care. EV bays are a fairly recent installation, so it’s important that you keep them in healthy condition.
If you’ve finished charging your EV, you should return the cable to its holder. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly easy to forget or misplace, especially if you are in a hurry.
Forgetting to put the cable back in its holder can either result in the cable becoming tangled or damaged or create a tripping hazard.
What is bad etiquette when charging your electric car?
And of course, we can’t look at the good without also considering bad etiquette.
Blocking charging bays
If you’re about to charge your car, ensure you’re parked correctly so it doesn’t block other drivers from accessing EV charging bays. This way, other drivers can charge their vehicles without having to wait.
Overstaying
This one is pretty straightforward. If you’re done charging, then you don’t need to stay on the charger. Not only is it disruptive to other drivers who may be waiting, but it’s also illegal, as we mentioned earlier.
Unplugging over vehicles
This one is a huge no-no. No matter how much you may need to charge your car, you should never unplug another vehicle from the charger.
Sounds absurd to most, but it’s more common than you think.
Do the sensible thing, wait for the other driver to finish, and then plug your car in.
Using rapid chargers unnecessarily
As we mentioned earlier, some cars don’t need rapid chargers because certain vehicles can’t handle the charging speeds they provide.
If your car only charges at a speed of 10kW, and you’re using a charger that can go to 50kW, you’re taking away from somebody who would actually benefit from fast charger use.
It’s poor etiquette to use these chargers when your car doesn’t need them.
General FAQs around EV charging bays
Can plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) use public EV charging stations?
Yes, PHEVs can use EV charging stations. The one thing to consider is that if the bay uses rapid chargers, they can’t use these ones. Most pHEVs charge between 3.7kW and 11kW. As rapid chargers reach 50kW, PHEVs should use standard charging stations, as they’re best for hybrids.
Should you sit in an electric car while it’s charging?
A common question. It’s generally fine to sit in your car while it’s charging. It’s not going to cause any issues if you do, and you’re not putting yourself at risk if you do so.
How long should I charge my car for?
This varies based on several factors, including your battery size and your car’s charging power.
On an overnight home charger, which charges at an average of 7 kW ( which adds roughly 25-30 miles per hour), your car can take up to 12 hours. Using a rapid charger, you can charge your car from 0 to 80% in less than an hour.
A final thought
Electric vehicles will continue to become part of everyday life on UK roads, and public charging points rely on one simple thing to work well for everyone: consideration.
Understanding your car and how the bays work makes a big difference. Follow good charging etiquette, and you’ll avoid both fines and frustration.
This way, you help to create a fairer experience for all EV drivers.
