EV Charging Etiquette

This is the most important rule. Once your EV finishes charging, move it within 5 to 10 minutes. A parked-but-charged car blocks other drivers who may be low on battery. Most networks enforce this with idle fees — Tesla charges $0.50 to $1.00 per minute, Electrify America and EVgo charge similar rates. Set a phone timer or use the car's app notification to know when to move.

At DC fast chargers, stop at 80% unless you absolutely need more range to reach your next stop. Charging from 80% to 100% takes as long as 10% to 80% because of how battery chemistry works. You're occupying a shared resource for diminishing returns while others may urgently need a charge. Save full charges for home or hotel overnight Level 2 chargers.

EV charging spots are not general parking. Don't park there if you're not actively charging, even if the lot is full. This applies to both EVs and ICE (gas) vehicles. "ICE-ing" — when a gas car blocks a charging spot — is illegal in some states and always inconsiderate. Some parking lots now enforce fines or towing for non-charging vehicles in EV spots.

After unplugging, place the connector back on its holder and coil the cable off the ground. Cables dragged across pavement wear out faster, and connectors dropped on the ground can get dirty or damaged. This is especially important at Level 2 stations where cables are long and easily tangled. A clean, organized station is easier for the next person to use.

At busy stations (common at highway Tesla Superchargers on holidays), form a single line and take the next available charger in order. Don't hover behind a specific charger or rush to grab one ahead of someone who arrived before you. Some stations have formal queue systems — Tesla's app shows your queue position at busy locations.

Unplugging someone's car while it's actively charging stops their session, potentially wastes their money (session fees), and may leave them short on range. Most EVs lock the charging cable while a session is active, preventing removal. If a car appears done (green indicator light, cable unlocked), opinions vary — but the safest approach is to wait or leave a note.

If you encounter a broken charger, report it through the network's app or by calling their support number. This helps the network dispatch repairs faster and warns other drivers. See our broken charger guide for per-network contact numbers and troubleshooting steps. Also report on PlugShare to alert the community.