Let’s dive into a topic every EV driver across Europe should care about: charging etiquette! With more electric vehicles hitting roads in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Austria, and Belgium, public and destination charging stations are experiencing increased demand. Unlike traditional fuel stops, EV charging sessions typically last between 15 and 60 minutes, making good etiquette essential to ensure everyone gets a chance to charge.
Think of destination charging like sharing facilities at your favourite café, hotel, or shopping centre—everyone benefits when we practice basic courtesy and consideration. Understanding these simple rules creates a better charging experience for everyone involved.
Why Charging Etiquette Matters at Destination Stations
Imagine arriving at your hotel or a shopping centre equipped with destination charging facilities, only to find charging bays blocked by vehicles that have been charging for hours. Frustrating. Good charging etiquette prevents this frustration by encouraging drivers to cooperate, ensuring chargers remain accessible for everyone.
Practicing etiquette, such as promptly moving your car after charging, not only enhances your personal experience but also fosters a positive community spirit among EV drivers.
Key Rules of Charging Etiquette
1. Don’t Hog the Charger
We understand that you might want to finish your work, have lunch, or shop while charging your EV. However, being aware of the time your car occupies a charging spot can greatly benefit others.
- Know Your EV’s Charging Habits: Most vehicles charge efficiently up to 80% State of Charge (SoC). After that, charging slows down significantly. If you don’t need a full battery, unplugging at 80% can significantly improve charger availability for others.
- Regularly Check Charging Status: Keep track of your charging through your EV app or charger interface. Once you reach your target charge level, promptly unplug to free the spot for the next driver.
2. Only Park if You’re Charging
Charging spots are reserved for active charging, not parking. Avoid occupying charging bays if you’re not plugged in. This ensures chargers remain available for drivers who genuinely need them, especially at popular destination locations like shopping centres, hotels, workplaces, and tourist attractions.
3. Minimise Idle Time
New to destination charging? Spend a few minutes learning how public chargers work before you arrive. Being prepared helps minimise the time you spend idling at chargers, allowing others quicker access.
4. Smart Solutions Make It Easier
Good etiquette is easier when the right systems are in place. That’s where innovative charging platforms like Capacity by Cegeka come in. As a partner of Pluq, Capacity helps manage destination charging stations across Europe by integrating EV charging with access control, reservations, and real-time monitoring.
Thanks to Capacity, drivers can:
- Reserve charging spots in advance to reduce uncertainty and wait times.
- Receive automatic reminders when their charging session is complete, encouraging them to move their vehicle promptly.
- Access chargers equipped with ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) for seamless, contactless use.
- Pay easily through one unified platform, without juggling apps or cards.
For property owners, the platform allows better control, transparency, and monetisation of their charging infrastructure, without added complexity. Together with Pluq’s Charging-as-a-Service model, this creates a smoother experience for both drivers and site operators.
5. Stay Connected with Fellow EV Drivers
Communication significantly enhances the EV charging experience. Charging apps like PlugShare enable you to share charger availability, report issues, and even leave helpful tips for others. Regularly updating charger status via these apps helps fellow drivers plan effectively and reduces unnecessary waiting at destination chargers.
At workplaces, even something as simple as a shared WhatsApp group among EV drivers can work wonders, allowing colleagues to notify each other when a charger becomes available or when a session is nearly complete.
6. Be Polite and Considerate
Whether using an app or interacting in person at charging locations, politeness and patience make the charging experience pleasant for everyone involved.
Additional Etiquette Tips
Maintaining proper etiquette at destination charging stations involves simple actions that make a considerable difference:
- Keep it tidy: Always return the charging cable neatly to its holder to prevent hazards and tangles.
- Leave no trace: Ensure the charging area remains clean for the following user by disposing of rubbish properly.
- Park thoughtfully: Park so that other drivers can easily access nearby charging spots without difficulty.
Small gestures like these significantly improve everyone’s charging experience.
The Impact of Good Charging Etiquette
Good etiquette isn’t just courteous—it can save you money. Many charging providers now impose idle fees or so-called ‘kleefboetes’ once your battery is fully charged but your vehicle remains plugged in. These additional costs can be easily avoided by unplugging and moving your car once charging is complete. It’s a simple habit that prevents unnecessary fees and keeps chargers available for others.
Destination charging stations are valuable community resources across Europe. Proper etiquette reduces wait times, promotes smooth usage, and enhances overall satisfaction for all electric vehicle (EV) drivers. By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable charging ecosystem, actively supporting the growth of the electric vehicle community.
Practicing thoughtful charging etiquette ensures every EV driver enjoys stress-free charging at their favourite destinations, building a stronger, more considerate community.
Ready to Lead by Example?
Small actions have a significant impact. The future of destination charging is in our hands; let’s keep it flowing smoothly.
