Mastering EV Charging Station Etiquette: Tips for Polite Power-Ups

Heаding out for a road trip and trаding the gаs pump for an EV charger? With more and more Americans picking up electric vehicles and charging spots popping up all over—it’s prime time to hit the road in an EV. Before you do, though, let’s talk charging station manners. Yep, there's such а thing as EV charging etiquette, and it’s pretty key to keeping the peace at public charging points. Here are top five tips to keep things smooth at the charger:

Don’t hog the charger

Charging an EV isn't a quick splash-and-dash like filling up with petrol. It’s more of a leisurely pause in your travel—perfect for grabbing a coffee or stretching your legs. But remember, once your car’s juiced up, it’s time to move on. If you’re wandering off, try the NeedToCharge app. It lets other drivers ping you (via your license plate only—no personal info needed) when your car’s done charging, or if they need to use the charger.

Pick the right pump

Just like phones, not all EVs charge at the same speed. Make sure you're plugged into a charger that matches your EV’s specs. No need to tie up a super-fast charger if your ride's battery tops out at a lower speed. That way, everyone gets a turn without the wait.

Check for charger quirks

Ever walked back to your car, expecting it to be ready to roll, only to find it didn’t charge at all? Sometimes chargers can glitch out or stop unexpectedly. Double-check that your charge is actually happening before you set off to kill time. Most EV apps or the charger’s own app should alert you if something goes wrong.

Don’t fill to the brim

If you’re at a busy station, avoid charging up to 100%. After about 80% charge, most EVs slow down a lot, and you could end up causing a line. Unless you really need that full battery to reach your next stop, consider capping it at 80% to keep things moving along.

Leave a note

It’s super helpful to let fellow drivers know how long you plan to charge, especially at single-charger spots in more remote areas. You can drop a note through an app like PlugShare or NeedToCharge, or old school it with a physical note on your dashboard.

Following these simple tips can make public EV charging a breeze for you and a kindness to other EV drivers hitting the road. Happy charging and safe travels!