Public Charging Etiquette: Don’t Be That Person

Public charging etiquette has gotten complicated with all the unwritten rules, varying situations, and growing EV population flying around. As someone who uses public chargers regularly, I learned everything there is to know about being a good charging citizen. Today, I will share it all with you.

The Golden Rule

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—move your car when charging completes. Leaving your fully-charged EV blocking a charger while you shop for hours is the cardinal sin of EV ownership.

That’s what makes timely moves endearing to us fellow EV drivers—we’ve all needed a charger and found them blocked by finished vehicles.

Core Etiquette Rules

• Don’t unplug others: Their charging session, their schedule
• Don’t ICE: Never park a gas car in charging spots
• Share nicely: If someone needs a charge more urgently, consider cooperating
• Report problems: Note broken equipment in apps for other drivers

Gray Areas

• Level 2 parking: Less urgent than DC fast—longer sessions are more acceptable
• Workplace charging: Follow your company’s policies
• Destination charging: Hotel/restaurant chargers expect longer sessions

The Community Angle

EV drivers are a community. Good etiquette builds goodwill and makes the charging network work for everyone. Bad behavior creates frustration and damages EV perception. Be the driver you’d want to encounter at a busy charger.