EV Charging Station Etiquette
EV Charging Station Etiquette
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While charging your EV might seem like a straightforward process. All you need to do is find a charge station, plug-in and plug-out, and your interaction is complete. But are you aware that charging etiquette is a thing? That’s right; there are a bunch of do’s and don’ts when it comes to charging your vehicle at a public charging station. Below, we have come up with a list of unwritten rules that we highly suggest you follow, and while most of these things might seem like common sense, following these rules is essential to ensuring that your fellow drivers can safely charge up as well. Once you are done reading, check out our complete EV inventory at Don Vance Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.
Charging Spaces are for Charging
While this might seem like a no-brainer, we must first tell you that charging spaces are only for charging. Once you are done charging, drivers need to move on and park somewhere else. This is particularly important because there may be drivers who are low on charge and desperately need to use the charging bay. There is no reason to park your car in a charging bay if you don’t need to charge, so be sure only to park there if you need to. Next, when you do leave the charging bay, be sure to leave it how you left it for the next driver. If you are using public cables, put them away when you’re done. Leaving them out will cause a tripping hazard, and the weather can also damage them.
Plan Charging Times
It’s essential to remember that public charging points are on a first-come-first-serve basis, with few of them to go around. Check where the local charging ports are in Springfield or where they are on your journey. You should also be mindful of how long it takes for your vehicle to reach a maximum charge, and you need to move when it is fully charged up. Just be sure to make some preparations before you start driving, and there are apps for this, such as Google. Also, if you are desperate to charge your vehicle, you can politely ask another EV driver if you can use the charging space they’re in as soon as they are finished, and be sure to return the favor in the future. Being polite makes life so much easier.
When You Charge
Once your EV is plugged in, ensure your vehicle is charging before you walk away from the vehicle. In other words, you stopped at the charging bay and ensure that your vehicle is charging so that you’re not keeping anyone waiting. Next, whatever you do, never unplug another vehicle so that you can charge yours. The only time this would ever be acceptable is if the driver has left a note on their car telling other drivers that it is safe to unplug them. Remember that it is not all about you; other drivers also want to charge.
Rapid Charging and When Fully Charged
Only plug your EV into a rapid charging bay if your vehicle can rapidly charge. Once your vehicle is good to go, move out of the space. Only fast-charging EVs can use the fast charger, so you must know your stuff. If your battery is pretty full, never stop at a busy charging point so that you can top up. There could be another driver waiting behind you who has a low charge and desperately needs to charge their vehicle. Just because you can charge it doesn’t mean you have to, so be mindful of others. Finally, never block the bay, and if you drive a diesel or gasoline-powered vehicle, don’t ever park in the charging bay as they are only for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Test Drive a new EV at Don Vance Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM
We couldn’t recommend driving an EV enough, and the best place to get one is here at Don Vance Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM! Here at our dealership, you will find the latest Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe versions, which are perfect for your everyday needs and off-roading. Our team will gladly set you up with a test drive of one of the fantastic 4xe vehicles on our lot, and if you enjoy your test drive, then be sure to check out our finance department, where we will get you a great deal and take your trade-in if you have one. You can also view our complete EV inventory here on our website.