Keeping EVSE in good working order requires a little bit of work on the part of both the EVSE host/owner and the electric car drivers who use the public charging stations. Keeping chargers and the area around them safe and clean is essential to keeping chargers in prime condition. Keeping public chargers and the area around them safe and clean is everyone’s responsibility. Do your part to maintain public chargers. Be a thoughtful host and a polite electric vehicle driver by putting etiquette and equipment safety first.
Electric vehicle charging etiquette is crucial for ensuring a positive experience of battery back for all other EV owners and drivers. This includes using the right charging station, moving the vehicle promptly after charging, avoiding unplugging other EVs, paying attention and exercising common courtesy.
Misused or damaged equipment can’t be used by potential customers and also presents liability issues. Remember the following etiquette tips and rules to keep public chargers working safely for years to come
For Hosts:
1-Make Sure Guests Use Charging Spots Just for Charging. Most EV drivers are polite EVSE users and remember to move their cars after the vehicle has been fully charged. Drivers do, however, sometimes forget or ignore signs telling them to move their car once a charging session is complete. That doesn’t mean you have to leave a car mis-parked in a valuable charging spot all day. Blink is the first EV charger network to issue fees for leaving an EV parked in a charging spot after the first EV charging up is fully charged. Charges don’t kick in immediately; drivers have a 15-minute grace period before additional charges begin.
They are reminded several times via email and text to move the vehicle once charging is completed, but sometimes they still fail to move the EV. Charges then accrue at $0.08 a minute, which equates to $4.80 an hour, or $115.20 per day. There is no ceiling to a certain speed or number of charges; charges will continue as long as the vehicle is plugged in.
Charge occupancy fees if the charging station is busy to let as many other customers use access to power from the chargers as possible. In less busy locations, during off-hours, it may not be necessary for the gas station to charge occupancy fees.
2—Limiting Liability. Don’t leave charging cords lying on the ground; instead, wind them up and put the connector on the plug back where it belongs. You want to check this a few times a day, especially in areas with poor lighting. Cords on the ground present a tripping hazard, which is a potential liability for garages and lots of parking space.
3—Get a cellular repeater. This device can ensure your battery has a strong connection to the Blink network so you can always control the equipment and charge for use. At the same time, it makes your garage a safer place for your customers. According to alternativewireless.com, Sina Khanifar, founder at Open Signal & Repeater Store says, “The two main cost of things are power and connectivity. In order to be able to create reservations and bill users, most… are choosing to use cellular connectivity.” The FCC reports 70% of emergency calls come from cell phones, but they’re useless if they don’t work in concrete garages. Cellular Repeaters not only allow most EVs and chargers to connect to the network, but they also allow guests to use their cell phones in the garage, increasing public safety.
4—Keep up maintenance. We never like to see a Blink charger out of use, and of course, as a vendor, you can’t charge for use of the equipment if it’s unusable. If you’re a member of our network, our team comes to you to fix the problem and it’s on us. If you own the charger, we’re more than happy to set your business up with access to a third-party repair shop if possible.
When hosts and drivers both do their part to maintain the public chargers, everyone wins, save for creating safe, clean spaces charging stations designed to last a decade! Be everyone’s favorite garage and a polite EV driver by following EV driver etiquette tips and making it as easy as possible for all EV drivers to park and charge up.
For Drivers:
1—Charging Spots Are for Charging. As obvious as it seems, electric cars that are not being actively charged should not be parked in a charging space. Once your car is finished charging, move it as soon as you can so the next driver to pull up can use it. While few may mind the extra miles or waiting 10 minutes, leaving your charged car in a space for hours won’t earn you any points with other EV drivers. Some apps, such as PlugShare, can create online waiting lists so it’s obvious when each driver’s turn is up. Leaving your car in a charging spot long after it’s charged can result in pricey occupancy fees.
3—Don’t Unplug Other Vehicles. On the other hand, it’s also considered impolite to unplug the vehicles of other drivers, even if their car has been there a long time. Exceptions? If you’re 100% sure the car is charged and you’re desperate. A car has been parked there all day, you’re at 10%, and have an emergency? Unplug them and use the charger. Another exception to the rule is if the car has a sticker on it that says it can be unplugged. Putting these stickers on your car is an excellent way to maintain goodwill. If you know the next person around, you’re likely to forget to unplug your car right away.
4—Leave the Charging Station Tidy. Don’t leave charging port cords laying on the ground; instead, wind them up and leave a note to put the plug back where it belongs—even if you didn’t find it that way. Cords on the ground present a tripping hazard, which is dangerous for users and potential liability for garages and lots. Don’t leave litter, such as cans and snack bags around the front charging bay charger. Remember, you purchased an EV partly because it’s good for the environment!
5—Be helpful to other EV drivers. Tipping off other drivers about the location of chargers, how busy they are, the rate charged, and parking fees are considered good form. Sites like PlugShare gather this information and share it with users. Unfortunately for electric vehicles, the most common posts on these sites are complaints about drivers breaking rule one! Be aware and courteous and unplug your electric car only when it is charged.
6—If the charger is in a neighborhood, keep in mind you’re now part of it. Blaring radios, yelling, screaming, and loud conversations around charging stations are likely to rub neighbors the wrong way, especially after 9 pm. So is leaving a mess behind. Such actions will result in complaints, and a large number of complaints may result in the plug or charger being taken out.
When hosts and drivers both do their part to maintain the public chargers, everyone wins, creating safe, clean spaces charging stations designed to last a decade! Be everyone’s favorite parking garage and a polite EV driver by following EV driver etiquette and making it as easy as possible for all EV drivers to park and charge up.
