EV charging etiquette isn't just about being polite—it's about making the charging network work for everyone. As more drivers switch to electric, following these unwritten rules keeps chargers available and the EV community friendly.
This guide covers the do's and don'ts of charging in the UK, from public rapid chargers to workplace charging bays.
The Golden Rules of EV Charging
Rule 1: Don't Hog the Charger
The Issue: Leaving your car connected after charging completes blocks others.
The Rule:
- Move your car within 10-15 minutes of charging completing
- Set a phone alarm if you're shopping
- Use app notifications to know when done
Why It Matters:
- A 50kW rapid charger can serve 3-4 cars per hour
- A car sitting at 100% for 2 hours blocks 6-8 potential users
- Creates frustration and damages EV reputation
Exceptions:
- Overnight destination charging (hotels, etc.) - designed for long stays
- Chargers with idle fees - you're paying for the time
- Remote locations with no queue - common sense applies
Rule 2: Only Charge What You Need
The Issue: Charging to 100% at rapid chargers when 80% gets you home.
The Rule:
- At busy rapid chargers, charge to 80% max
- Calculate: Do I need full charge or just enough to reach home/next charger?
- Leave space for someone who genuinely needs it
The Maths:
- 20-80% takes approximately 25-35 minutes
- 80-100% takes another 25-40 minutes (slower charging)
- Stopping at 80% nearly doubles charger throughput
When 100% Is OK:
- Long journey with no charging options ahead
- Empty car park with multiple available chargers
- Destination charger (7kW) where you're staying anyway
Rule 3: Don't ICE a Charging Bay
The Issue: Non-electric vehicles parking in EV charging spaces.
"ICEing" = Internal Combustion Engine vehicle blocking EV bay
If You're an EV Driver:
- Only park in EV bays if you're actually charging
- Once charged, move to regular parking
- Don't use EV bays as "premium parking"
If You See ICEing:
- Report to car park management
- Use Zap-Map to report blocked charger
- Don't leave aggressive notes (counterproductive)
Legal Position:
- Private car parks: Civil matter, operator can fine
- Council car parks: Some have enforceable EV-only rules
- Supermarkets: Usually not enforced but bad form
Rule 4: Don't Unplug Someone Else's Car
The Issue: Unplugging another car mid-charge to use the charger yourself.
The Rule: NEVER unplug someone else's car. Ever.
Why:
- You don't know their situation (medical appointment, low battery emergency)
- It's essentially theft of electricity they're paying for
- Could damage their car's charging system
- Creates confrontation and bad feeling
What to Do Instead:
- Wait patiently
- Use Zap-Map to find alternative
- Try another charging network's app (charger may appear available)
- If desperate, leave a polite note with your phone number
Exception: If a car has been there for hours, clearly finished, at a rapid charger, some argue a polite unplug is acceptable. This is controversial—better to report to operator.
Rule 5: Queue Fairly
The Issue: Queue jumping, reserving chargers, or aggressive behaviour.
UK Queuing Rules:
- First come, first served (obviously)
- Form a single queue, not per-charger
- Don't "reserve" a charger by standing next to it while your partner parks
- If someone's waiting, acknowledge them
Busy Rapid Charger Etiquette:
- Check if anyone's waiting before you arrive (Zap-Map often shows this)
- If queuing, stay in/near your car
- When a charger frees up, the next person in queue takes it
- If two chargers free at once, the queue moves up accordingly
Communication:
- A friendly wave to acknowledge the queue
- "Are you waiting?" if unclear
- "I'll only be 20 minutes" helps others plan
Public Charging Etiquette
Motorway Services
Highest Etiquette Standards Apply:
Do:
- Charge only what you need to reach next services/destination
- Stay near your car (or leave phone number visible)
- Move as soon as practical after charging
- Use 350kW chargers only if your car supports 150kW+
Don't:
- Go for a full meal while charging (unless genuinely needed)
- Charge to 100% during busy periods
- Leave car unattended for extended periods
- Block manoeuvring space with open doors/cables
Peak Times (Higher Etiquette):
- Friday 4pm-8pm (weekend getaway traffic)
- Sunday 2pm-6pm (return traffic)
- Bank holiday weekends (all day)
- School holiday periods
Supermarket Charging
Usually More Relaxed:
Appropriate Use:
- Charging while doing a full shop (30-60 mins)
- Topping up during weekly grocery run
- Using free/cheap charging to reduce costs
Inappropriate Use:
- Parking all day while at work nearby
- Charging to 100% and leaving car for hours
- Using as dedicated "charging station" without shopping
Tesco/Sainsbury's/Lidl/Aldi:
- Generally 1-hour max implied
- Some have time limits on signage
- Free chargers = high demand, be considerate
Destination Charging (Hotels, Gyms, etc.)
Different Rules Apply:
Hotels:
- Overnight charging is expected and appropriate
- Ask reception about protocol (some rotate cars)
- Don't hog the only charger if others need it
- Unplug in morning if you're not leaving immediately
Gyms/Leisure Centres:
- Match charging to your visit duration
- 1-2 hours typical and appropriate
- Move if you finish before your session does
Workplaces:
- Follow any company policy
- Share fairly with colleagues
- Don't charge every day if demand exceeds supply
- Consider rotation system if needed
Workplace Charging Etiquette
When Chargers Are Limited
Fair Sharing Systems:
1. Rotation System
- Monday: Person A
- Tuesday: Person B
- etc.
2. Need-Based Priority
- Long commuters get priority
- Those without home charging get priority
- PHEVs may have lower priority than BEVs
3. First-Come System
- Whoever arrives first charges
- Must move when complete
- Works with good notification systems
Unwritten Workplace Rules
Do:
- Move your car when charging completes
- Share fairly (don't charge every day if others need)
- Communicate with colleagues ("I'll move at 2pm")
- Report faults promptly
Don't:
- Hog the charger when others are waiting
- Charge to 100% just because it's free
- Get territorial about "your" charger
- Leave cables across walkways
If No Policy Exists:
- Suggest one to facilities/HR
- Propose fair rotation or booking system
- Offer to be "EV champion" and coordinate
Cable and Equipment Etiquette
Cable Management
At Public Chargers:
- Return cables to holsters/hooks when done
- Don't leave cables stretched across bays
- Coil neatly if no holster provided
- Check you haven't trapped cable in connector
Your Own Cable:
- Don't leave personal cables unattended
- Some chargers have cable locks—use them
- Tidy cable back to car when done
Equipment Care
Treat Chargers Well:
- Don't force connectors that don't fit
- Report faults via app (helps everyone)
- Don't hit chargers with car doors
- Protect cables from being driven over
Common Sense:
- If something seems broken, don't use it
- If screen is unresponsive, try gentle touch (not hammering)
- If connector is stuck, call helpline (don't force)
Handling Conflicts
When Someone Breaks Etiquette
Stay Calm:
- Assume ignorance before malice
- New EV owners may not know the rules
- A polite word usually works
Approach:
- Friendly first: "Hi, are you nearly done? I'm running low."
- Informative: "Just so you know, most people move once charged."
- Walk away: Don't escalate—find another charger
Never:
- Get aggressive or confrontational
- Leave nasty notes
- Touch their car or unplug without permission
- Post identifiable photos/videos on social media
When You Make a Mistake
It Happens:
- Forgot to move car after charging
- Accidentally took last charger when someone needed it more
- Didn't realise there was a queue
Response:
- Apologise genuinely
- Move quickly if asked
- Learn for next time
- Don't get defensive
Special Situations
Emergencies
When You're Desperate:
- Low battery, no other options
- Medical emergency requiring vehicle
- Safety concern requiring quick departure
What's Acceptable:
- Politely explaining your situation
- Asking if someone can let you charge first
- Using any available charger regardless of your car's capability
What's NOT Acceptable:
- Unplugging others
- Lying about emergencies
- Aggressive queue-jumping
Bad Weather
Rain:
- Connectors are waterproof—charging in rain is fine
- Be quick to reduce exposure
- Dry connector before inserting if very wet
Snow/Ice:
- Clear ice from connector before use
- Be careful on slippery surfaces
- Allow extra time for cold battery charging
Late Night Charging
Considerations:
- Noise (closing doors, talking) in residential areas
- Personal safety (well-lit locations preferred)
- Charger availability (often better late night)
Etiquette:
- Be quiet if residential area
- Let others know if you see them (safety in numbers)
- Don't block in other cars overnight
Etiquette by Network
Tesla Superchargers (Open to Non-Tesla)
Specific Rules:
- Use Tesla app for payment (required)
- Pricing may be higher for non-Tesla
- Don't block adjacent stalls (paired chargers share power)
- V3 Superchargers: Individual power, no sharing concern
Gridserve Electric Highway
Their Expectations:
- 45-minute suggested max during busy periods
- Use app to check availability before arriving
- Report faults via app
BP Pulse
Notes:
- Subscription saves money if regular user
- Some chargers have idle fees after charging
- Move promptly to avoid charges
Pod Point
Notes:
- Many free chargers at Tesco, Lidl
- Some have time limits (check signage)
- Contactless payment now widely available
The Future of Charging Etiquette
What's Changing
More Chargers:
- Less pressure at each location
- Etiquette becomes less critical
- But population of EVs growing too
Idle Fees:
- More networks charging for overstaying
- £10-15/hour common for blocking
- Financial incentive to move
Reservation Systems:
- Some networks testing booking
- Reduces queue anxiety
- May reduce spontaneity
V2G and Smart Charging:
- Cars may communicate with each other
- Automatic queue management possible
- Technology solving etiquette problems
Be Part of the Solution
EV Ambassadors:
- Good etiquette = good EV reputation
- Every interaction shapes public perception
- Help new EV owners learn the ropes
Community Building:
- EV owners helping each other
- Sharing charger availability info
- Friendly waves and nods
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is it acceptable to charge at a rapid charger?
At busy locations, aim for 30-45 minutes maximum, charging to 80% rather than 100%. At quiet locations with no queue, staying longer is fine. Use common sense—if people are waiting, finish up. If the car park is empty, take your time.
Can I use a rapid charger if my car only charges at 50kW when 350kW chargers are available?
Yes, but with consideration. If all chargers are the same type and there's no queue, use any available. If there's a mix and a queue, let faster-charging cars use the 350kW units if your car can't benefit from the extra speed.
Is it rude to charge at free chargers when I can afford to pay?
No. Free chargers are provided as an incentive—using them is their purpose. However, if there's a queue and you're just topping up a nearly-full battery, it's courteous to let someone with greater need go first.
What should I do if someone is parked at a charger but not charging?
First, check if they might be about to start (setting up app, etc.). If clearly not charging, you can politely ask or leave a note. Report to charger operator if a regular problem. Some car parks enforce EV-only bays and may ticket.
Should I charge to 100% if electricity is included in my workplace benefits?
Not if chargers are limited and colleagues need them. Charge what you need for your commute home plus a buffer. Charging to 100% daily when you could manage with 60% is unfair to colleagues who may need the charger.
Is it OK to use an EV charging bay if I'm just popping into a shop quickly and won't charge?
No. EV charging bays are for charging, not convenient parking. Even a "quick" 5-minute stop could mean someone desperate for charge has to wait or go elsewhere. Use regular parking for non-charging stops.
