EV charging etiquette is mostly just common sense
New 'idle fee' will help, but we need you to follow the rules
If you're like many electric car owners, the vast majority of your charging is done at home. But not everyone has access to charging at home, and all drivers lean on public Level 2 and fast-charging for top-ups from time to time.
And that's where it helps to remind yourself, and other EV drivers, that public charging is all about community. Be patient and courteous, don't overstay your welcome, and be as helpful as possible, either face-to-face or through notes or PlugShare check-in posts that spread helpful information.
Meanwhile, we're helping ensure fairer access to our fast-charging stations. As of May 1, there's an "idle fee" at our charging stations that's designed to dissuade drivers from staying too long at a charger. Once your vehicle stops charging, you'll have five minutes to disconnect before a 40-cents-per-minute idle fee kicks in.
The other change is that you'll no longer be charged by the minute at our charging stations. Instead, you're charged by the energy that goes into your vehicle, in kilowatt-hours (kWh): 34.79 cents per kWh at all fast chargers, and 28.65 cents per kWh at Level 2 chargers.
Here are some helping reminders about EV etiquette.
1. Take only what you need, and limit your charge to 30 to 40 minutes
Even if you use our fast chargers regularly, plan to limit the time you spend parked at a station. It can prevent others – including those in serious need of a charge to get to Point B – from using a station. Learn how long it takes your car to reach an 80% charge and stop there – charging that last 20% can take as long as it takes to go from 10% to 80%.
2. Stay close by in case you need to move your vehicle to let someone else charge
If you're going to grab a bite, make it a quick one. Consider leaving a message on PlugShare or on your dash or windshield, possibly with your phone number or a message that you're sitting at a nearby café or restaurant.
3. Don't park in an EV charging stall if you're not charging or waiting to charge
Gas-powered vehicle owners do it, but so do EV owners. Take care to never use an EV charging stall as a parking spot.
4. Put the charging cable away, and keep the station tidy
When you're done, put the charging cord away so that people don't trip or drive over it. Keep in mind that while we're now designing stations for accessibility – including for drivers in wheelchairs – we can all help keep stations tidy and uncluttered.
5. Don't unplug others, unless there's a note that gives you the green light
Some drivers will leave a note on their vehicle, or on PlugShare, saying that it's OK to unplug them. Resist the temptation to unplug anyone else, as doing so could do damage to the vehicle or the charger.
6. Educate, don't agitate
While it's tempting to leave a nasty note when you've been "ICE'd" (denied a charging spot by the driver of an internal combustion vehicle), try to be nice about it. Leave a note that lets them know why they shouldn't be parked there.
7. Use PlugShare to keep others informed
Make it a habit to check in and check out on PlugShare. If there's a problem at a station, or if you have advice on how best to park for access to a shorter cable, leave a comment on PlugShare. Maybe even give a heads-up that you'll be done and gone at a certain time.
8. It's OK to ask for help
If you're desperate for a charge, try to get in touch with the driver who's charging. In some cases, you can park close enough to reach the cable, then leave a note to ask the departing driver to plug you in. It's a community, and it works.
9. Help a newbie
If someone's struggling, help them out. After using gas pumps for so many years, those first few charging sessions can be daunting. Ask if you might help out a driver, such as someone who's renting an EV who may be unfamiliar with the car or the charging experience.
10. Know your car, and plan ahead
Use your BC Hydro EV app, PlugShare's Trip Planner, or A Better Route Planner to explore your options for a trip. Know what your vehicle's charging speed capabilities are, and it's range in different conditions. Allow for decreased range based on temperature, high-speed highway driving, and/or the number of big climbs. Preload apps or secure RFID cards to ensure it's easy to use chargers on networks you plan to use.
Related:
Related Stories
Four EV road trips showcase fast charging options in B.C.
Four B.C. road trip ideas that showcase the availability of fast chargers on our highways, and the short stops that will get you to fantastic places in your EV.
Learn more