Charging Etiquette 101: Quick Tips to Charge Faster, Avoid Hassles and Be a Good EV Neighbour
If you’ve been driving electric for a while, you’ve most likely had that moment where you’ve pulled into an EV charging station with 5% left, only to find someone topping up from 80%. While scrolling social media like it’s a Sunday picnic. Frustrating, right?
EV charging has its own unwritten social code. It keeps things smooth, fair and frustration-free for everyone. And now, as charging stations multiply and more drivers plug in, good etiquette is more than just politeness, it’s essential to keeping the whole ecosystem running efficiently (and frustration-free).
Here’s a quick refresher on the do’s and don’ts, and small courtesies that make the EV world a little more civilized.
Spoiler: RoadtoEV makes a lot of this easier.
1. Don’t Be a Space Hog!
This right here is the golden rule: charge, don’t park. Public charging slots aren’t parking spots for errands, coffee breaks or day-long office stints. Session’s done? Unplug and move.
Most chargers and apps alert you when your battery is full or you’ve hit the pre-set limit. That’s your cue to head back. Blocking a charger when your battery is already satisfied is like holding up the buffet when you’re done eating. Everyone else is still waiting with their plate.
If you don’t want to deal with reminders or interruptions, you can simply book a home charger through RoadtoEV app instead. It guarantees you a dedicated slot, so you can charge comfortably without worrying about someone tapping impatiently on your window.
2. Be Smart About Your Charging Levels
Not all EV charging is created equal. Fast chargers (Level 3/DCFC) are meant for quick boosts, road trips or emergencies. L2 chargers, like the ones most people have at home, are perfect for daily or overnight top-ups.
Now for the etiquette meets efficiency part. Don’t fill up at fast chargers if you don’t need them. Charging from 80% to 100% at a DC fast charger can take as long as getting from 20% to 80%. But it doubles your time at the plug. Meanwhile, others are still waiting their turn.
If you just need a routine recharge, find an L2 host through RoadtoEV. You’ll get a reliable, scheduled session, often at a lower cost. And the best part, you’ll be helping rebalance demand across the charging network.
3. Communicate and Label Clearly
If you’re using a charger in a shared garage, condo or workplace, clear communication goes a long way. Leave a note with your contact info if you’re comfortable, or set a clear return time. You can also hang tags that say “Charging until 3 PM. OK to unplug after.”
RoadtoEV’s app makes life so much simpler. It handles all this communication for you. Bookings are scheduled easily, so hosts know when to expect you. You can also message them directly through the app if plans change. No awkward notes. No guesswork.
4. Keep Cables Tidy
This one’s a small but surprisingly important one. Tripping hazards, damaged cords or tangled cables can ruin someone’s day. Not to mention, their equipment. Always coil or hang the cable neatly after use.
If you’re hosting your charger through RoadtoEV, neatness pays off. Well-kept listings will attract more users, earn better reviews and lead to higher utilization. Think of it like curb appeal. But for EV chargers.
5. Don’t Unplug Others Without Permission
This one is the most frustrating of all. Especially if you’re the driver who’s been unplugged. You return to your vehicle thinking it’s been charged up only to find someone yanked out the cable 5 mins after you put it in.
Conversely, it’s also tempting to do it, especially when you’re running late.
But unplugging another driver’s EV is a BIG NO-NO. Unless they’ve clearly indicated it’s okay. Some EVs lock their connector while charging, but not all. Unplugging without consent can interrupt a session or trigger alerts. And fights.
If you’re tired of waiting around at unpredictable public chargers, skip the drama. Book a guaranteed charger via RoadtoEV. You’re the only one on the schedule. You’ll know it’s available, and you’ll never have to play unplug-and-pray again.
6. Share the EV Charging Love
If you own a home EV charger, you’re sitting on a resource that can make EV life easier for your community. And earn you cash.
Listing your charger on RoadtoEV lets nearby drivers find and charge using your plug when you’re not using it. You set your availability, your price and your terms. Whether you live near a busy downtown, a highway route or an apartment-heavy neighborhood with few public options, your driveway can become someone else’s stress-saver.
And here’s the win-win: by hosting, you’re helping reduce congestion at public chargers. While getting compensated for something that would otherwise sit idle.
7. Be Kind to Noobs
We all started somewhere. New EV owners may not yet know what SOC means (that’s state of charge, btw), or why plugging into a 110-volt outlet is basically an overnight affair.
If someone’s confused or asks questions at a station, help out. Or at least, don’t roll your eyes. The faster people learn, the smoother everyone’s charging experience becomes.
Also, please point them to RoadtoEV. Here they’ll find verified chargers, clear instructions and predictable bookings that make the transition from gas to electric feel easier. Woohoo!!
8. Respect Private Property
When using community or home-listed chargers through RoadtoEV, remember you’re on someone’s property. Follow any posted instructions, park neatly and treat the space like you’d want yours treated.
Hosts, for your part, can use the app to clearly mark parking spots, add guidance photos and note any restrictions. For example: “please don’t block driveway” or “ring doorbell, if needed”.
Transparent listings keep both sides happy.
9. Plan Ahead and Reduce Stress.
The best way to avoid queue frustration…. Plan your charging.
RoadtoEV lets you properly plan your charging. It also allows you to see chargers available in an area which helps you plan ahead. So you’re not stuck waiting or paying peak rates.
For longer trips, mix it up. Use DC fast charging when you’re on the move. And book L2 sessions through RoadtoEV for overnight stops or day trips. It’s not just cheaper, it’s more predictable, as well. Less “we’ll wing it”.
However, with RoadToEV it might be possible to "wing it" as chargers are plentiful and in more neighbourhoods.
10. We’re All in This Together
Charging etiquette is about building a culture of shared access and respect. The EV ecosystem only works when people think beyond their own battery percentage and consider the community moving forward.
As an EV owner, RoadToEV helps you find chargers, so you are not out in the cold getting range anxiety attacks. It becomes prudent to help others stay out of the cold as well, by listing your home L2 charger on RoadToEV, too. Not only it can help you make some money, but also contribute to growing the EV community.
That’s what makes RoadtoEV powerful. It doesn’t just solve logistical problems, it’s building a community around responsible, accessible and collaborative charging.
So the next time you plug in, do it with consideration. And a good helping of pride. You’re not just charging your car. You’re helping power a better, cleaner and smarter network for everyone.
Ready to Plug In the Right Way?
Whether you want to book reliable home chargers or turn your own driveway into an earning opportunity, RoadtoEV makes it simple.
Download the app, sign up, and start powering the future, one courteous charge at a time.
Visit RoadtoEV.com to learn more and get started today.
For EV Auto Makers, Home L2 Charger Manufacturers and Public Charger Operators, and other businesses looking to partner with RoadToEV app contact marketing@RoadtoEV.com