How To Manage Manners At Public EV Charging Stations
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors
If you drive an electric vehicle, you need to make sure it maintains a healthy charge so you can reach your destination. Even if you charge it every night at home, extended drives such as an epic road trip can deplete your vehicle’s battery. So, you’ll need to find a public charging station. Once you map out a course to the most accessible station during your journey, it’s time to plug in. If you’re new to EV charging, don’t stress – here are some tips to help you navigate the process with efficiency and grace.
Map out your journey before you go
Since gas stations far outweigh the number of EV charging stations, you’ll reduce your stress if you figure out the location of charging stations on your route. If you’re less worried about getting to a station in time, the process will go smoother for you and those around you, according to Cherise Threewitt, a writer for U.S. News & World Report.
Don’t take up a space if you don’t need it
If you’re not actively charging your EV, then you shouldn’t be taking up space at a charger. Charge your EV and move along as quickly and courteously as possible.
“Attention all charge hogs: A charging station does not serve as a daylong or overnight resting place for your electric car. Sometimes EV owners use a charge point as an hours-long parking spot versus a place to recharge and go,” notes Nick Kurczewski, a writer for Kelley Blue Book.
Keep your hands off other vehicle chargers
If another driver has ignored the previous tip and has exceeded the time limit at a space, don’t take matters into your own hands. Leave that vehicle plugged in and try to find another source of power, Kurczewski advises. Perhaps your act of kindness will inspire them not to be a power hog in the future.
Use these tips to help improve your experience during your next charging stop.
DeAnn Owens is a Dayton transplant by way of the Windy City, yet considers herself to be a California girl at heart even though she’s only visited there once. To get through the dreaded allergy season unique to the Miami Valley, she reads, writes, complains about the weather, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their newest addition, a Boston terrier puppy that is now in charge of all their lives. In the future, she hopes to write a novel and travel through time. See more articles by DeAnn.