We all recognize that proper driver etiquette makes traveling easier and safer for everyone. But did you know there's specific etiquette for electric vehicles (EVs), especially in places with shared EV charging infrastructure like multifamily communities?
Your Guide to EV Driver Etiquette in Multifamily Communities
Posted 06/14/2024
The best guideline for EV charging is to treat others as you would like to be treated. This promotes good manners in the EV driving community, keeping it friendly and safe for everyone. Here’s what you should know about common EV driver etiquette for living in multi-unit dwellings, such as apartment buildings or condominiums where multiple drivers share charging stations.
Mind the clock
At apartments, charging stations are often limited, so always move your vehicle when it’s fully charged. If you want to be even nicer, move it when the battery gets to 80% full. EV batteries often take as long to fill the final 20% as they do for the initial 80%, so moving when your battery is nearly full keeps charging stations open for others who need them.
Most multi-unit dwellings will likely have Level 2 charging stations, like the Blink Series 8 Level 2 EV Charging Station, which can generally charge an EV in four to eight hours depending on the vehicle and amperage. As an EV driver, take only as much time as you need or are allowed.
Use just one parking spot
Much like with gas tanks, EVs have their charging ports in various locations. Know where yours is and park your vehicle to access it without taking up more than one charging-dedicated parking spot. You may need to back in or adjust your parking to avoid taking up more than one spot while charging.
Adhere to any posted rules
Follow posted signs about time limitations or other rules. They help facilitate easier charging for everyone at the multi-unit dwelling. If there’s a two-hour time limit, don’t park for five hours. Similarly, if there’s a “Parking While EV Charging Only” sign, move your vehicle once charging is complete. Allowing everyone a chance to charge their vehicle helps the EV driving community grow and keeps it enjoyable for all.
Refrain from touching other drivers’ EVs
As tempting as it may be, don’t unplug another person’s EV, even if they are hogging the charging station. It’s also not acceptable to stretch a charging cable over another person’s EV to reach your own. If other drivers leave their vehicles plugged in in a disruptive manner, talk to your building or parking manager.
Leave the charging station neat and tidy
Just as you wouldn’t leave a gasoline pump nozzle on the ground after filling your car, don’t leave an EV charging connector on the ground. Wrap the cable back around its holder if it has one. If you dirty the screen by touching it with dirty hands, wipe it off. Treat the EV charging station as if it were your own property. This helps everyone.
Alert the proper authority about out-of-order stations
If a charging station in your building isn’t working, alert the property manager so they can call for repairs. At Blink charging stations, EV drivers can report issues using the Blink app or by calling Blink’s 24/7 customer service. Most station errors at a Blink charger can be fixed with an over-the-air reset, while others may require the facilities manager to perform a power cycle. Some station issues may require a hardware repair at Blink’s Network Operations Center, though support is available as needed. Outside of your building, it’s good EV driver etiquette to alert the charging company if one of their stations isn’t working. Reporting non-working stations helps keep the EV charging network in our homes and across the country running smoothly.
Offer help, if appropriate
Gasoline pumps are fairly standard across stations, but EV charging stations are not. If you see someone struggling to use the charging station, offer assistance and suggest to your building manager that a sign explaining how to use the stations be added.
Consider leaving a note (on your own EV)
If you’re unsure whether you can disconnect your EV in time, leave a note on your vehicle explaining this to others and letting them know they can unplug your vehicle (if you’re okay with that). It’s best to unplug on time, but in situations where you’re uncertain, a note can help others navigate the situation.
Leave EV charging stations open for EV charging
This may seem obvious, but if you drive an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, don’t park in spots reserved for EV charging. This practice is referred to as “ICE-ing” and you risk having your vehicle towed at your expense. Similarly, while EV charging spaces are often at the front of the parking lot, these spaces should only be used by EVs while charging. If you don’t need to charge, don’t block the charger.
Conclusion
The refueling process for vehicles is rapidly changing, and in multifamily dwellings, many drivers must share the available charging stations. By being courteous to other drivers, familiarizing yourself with other charging options in the area, and promptly reporting broken stations to the proper authority, you can help make the transition to EVs smooth for everyone.
Ready to speak to an expert about installing EV charging stations at your multifamily community? Please contact Blink Charging today to get started.