We all know the standard petrol station etiquette; pick a lane and stick to it, don’t do your big shop and leave your car at the petrol bay and park as close to the pump as possible. But what about EV charging? As more people switch to EV’s and PHEV’s, more charging points are cropping up in supermarket carparks and petrol stations alike. There aren’t really any laws concerning how you should use them, but there are some unwritten rules that you might want to stick to…
Here at Elite Vehicle Charging, our battery storage portable chargers are the perfect EV charging solution, allowing EV drivers to optimally charge their vehicle on-the-go. Our charging units also provide power to off-the-grid locations and events where the demand is high, benefitting organisers and individuals alike. Wondering how to keep your fellow EV drivers happy? Read our latest article below.
Plug-in Vehicles and Charging Only
If the car park is busy and parking in an EV spot when you have an internal combustion engine (ICE) seems like the most practical option, don’t do it. Those spots are designated specifically for EV drivers to charge their vehicles as they go about their day, and you could leave someone without charge if you park there. Electric vehicle charging points, particularly rapid chargers, can be few and far between in some areas, so it wouldn’t be fair to steal a spot when you don’t need one.
If you are an EV parking in an EV spot, but you’re not there to charge, you should free it up for someone else. It’s like parking your car next to a petrol pump but not filling up; it takes the purpose away from someone else. If you’re looking for an alternative way to charge, our portable battery storage chargers are available for hire for a range of events looking to accommodate more EV drivers. You can inquire further by giving us a call on 0800 702 2661.
Do Not Unplug Anyone
If you’re in desperate need of a charge, and you see a vehicle already plugged into an EV rapid charging unit, resist the urge to unplug. They may have been there a while, but some chargers may not be fast charging, and it’s simply common courtesy. Instead, try looking elsewhere to recharge. You can find your nearest rapid charging network by using apps such as Zap Map.
It may not seem like it, but there are actually more electric car charging points in the UK than petrol stations. They’re more likely to be found in bigger cities such as London or Manchester, and remote locations can be left out in the cold. By providing battery storage chargers, we can solve this EV conundrum by charging up EV’s where connecting to the infrastructure is either expensive or impossible.
Leave the Bay as Soon as You’ve Finished
So, you’ve left your car in a charging bay, completed your errands, and your vehicle has managed to fully charge during this time. Once the charger has served its purpose, don’t leave it there for longer than you need to. It might be tempting to just leave it charging all day, but it can take away a much-needed charge from someone else.
Like at a petrol pump, as soon as you’ve filled up and paid, you should vacate the pump as soon as possible, especially if you’re thinking of undertaking your weekly shop. It’s simple manners, and you won’t have any angry EV drivers in your case.
Stick to These Rules with a Portable Chargers
It can be hard to follow these rules exactly, especially the last one. Sometimes, you never know how long you’re going to be, and you may need to charge up fast. As well as charging at home, consider looking towards a battery storage charger, especially if you travel long distances.
Our cutting-edge technology can be deployed in remote locations across the country as destination chargers, as well as providing charge to all kinds of events. If you wish to find out more, you can give us a call on 0800 702 2661. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form.