Charging Etiquette - WWYD

[SWO]

I would have said something to the BMW driver too.

Beyond that, with the state of chargers these days I won't judge someone for using a charger that's faster than their car is capable of, or fault someone for charging over 80%...though I do think they should be charged a premium >80% (particularly when the stations are full).

Not to beat a dead horse, but an ER Mach-E will charge faster at every point in the charging curve on an EA 350kw charger vs a 150kw station. No judgements there.

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[Space_Pony]

I would skip the DCFC and charge at home in your garage.

 

[SonicBlue]

Just wanted to get some thoughts on how you all would handle this charging situation on Christmas Eve........

Was down to 10% battery after driving all day so went to my normal 350kW charger nearby with 4 stations. All were in use and I was then #1 waiting but soon after three more were waiting. A spot opened up and before I could get in #4 waiter in line took it (Of course it was a BMW). I got out and said there were multiple cars waiting but she disagreed. In the spirit of Christmas I said fine. A little bit later two more spots opened up I got one. So while charging there were four more cars were waiting now. So I checked on progress of all the stations.

One was being used by a Chevy Bolt that had been charging for a hour and was still only at 50%. Saw the charge rate 20kW! Told him about a station just down the road that has 8 150kW stations that are never full......he did not move.

There was a Porsche at 90% but driver was not around. He did come about 10mins later after grocery shopping left.

The aforementioned BMW was now at 90% so I said something again that people were waiting and it would be polite to let someone go. She wanted to charge to 100% and would leave then.

So by the time I charged from 10 to 80% and left all the other cars were still at the station!

My thoughts:
1. Use a charge that closely aligns with your charge capability - I was the only one charging above a 100kW rate everyone else was below for the eight different cars charging and was surprised one was a Kia
2. Charge to 80% if people are waiting
3. Take note at busy chargers who is in front of you
4. Precondition if you can to take full charge capability (It's cold in the DC area right now)
5. Be nice!

Would you have done anything differently?

There’s nothing more annoying than waiting on a shitty little Bolt.

You’re right to be annoyed by everything you witnessed - especially the Bolt - but don’t be that guy lecturing others even if they’re stupid.

As for the line jumper, eff that noise. Although sometimes the waiting line can be a little unclear. Would need to know more about that one.

 

[SonicBlue]

Only thing I would do different is drive a gas powered car for long distances. Especially on the holidays.

Unfortunately your experience is EXACTLY what I would expect and want to avoid.

Crowded chargers, everyone in a hurry, everyone stressed out. Hard pass.

Merry Christmas!

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[ponEpwr]

Would you have done anything differently?

I’d just charge at home.

 

[dalola]

What would I have done differently? I wouldn't have been nearly as nice as you! ?

 

[Sikkun]

Obviously slash all their tires, smash the windows, and wave a gun around threatening everyone.

Especially given there is an apparently empty station down the street.

 

[CarlSagan82]

Most humans are selfish assholes. Welcome to reality. It’s always nice to run into other people who have some type of empathy like yourself. Cutting in line is crossing a line, adults acting like children

 

[Mach-Lee]

So the BMW didn’t have time to wait their turn, but had plenty of time to charge to 100%? Classic entitled snob. I would have said something too, good for you. The other cars, meh.

Still boggles me that there are so many people that waste time charging above 90% at DC chargers when they could simply move on at 80-85% and get to their destination much faster. There needs to be more education from all parties that 100% is a huge waste of time and kills charger throughout. I wish EA would roll out a 85% limit nationwide on holidays to help with the increased demand. Or some kind of time limit like 45 minutes max.

The difference between a 150 kW and a 350 kW charger on the Mach-E minimal, only a couple extra minutes. So I won’t worry about getting a 350 kW station that much. During busy times they should be saved for 800V cars and Rivians that have sustained rates over 150 kW when possible.

 

[Monke]

We had to charge close to 100% several times because we needed 95% to make it to the next charging station. I didn't not wait for a 50 kw charger when I see those slow charging Chevy. I did not seen any of those Chevy at 150 kw or 350 kw when EA were charging by minutes. One time a Lucid air driver confronted me when I was using 350 kw station. He was with his daughter so I did not say much. The poor guy drove an EV without a charging app. The 350 kw was the only working station. The Lucid was charging at 20 kw when we left. I would have shared useful information with him if he was being nice.

I wouldn't not say anything to those who were waiting in line and charged. They could charge the way they wanted. They could pay idle fees if they wanted too. Those were their rights IMO. EA could impose a high rate for charging beyond 90%. I would have asked the #2 and #3 to join me when I approached the #4.

 

[SonicBlue]

So… again, this “line.” I’d like to hear more about that. Oftentimes in shopping center parking lots, which is where EA chargers frequently are, the “line” consists of EVs parking in nearby spots because that’s the only place to wait if there is holiday congestion. It might not have been clear that there was a cue.

 

[Mach1E]

So… again, this “line.” I’d like to hear more about that. Oftentimes in shopping center parking lots, which is where EA chargers frequently are, the “line” consists of EVs parking in nearby spots because that’s the only place to wait if there is holiday congestion. It might not have been clear that there was a cue.

That’s a fair point. There really isn’t a formal line.

Yes common courtesy would say people let whoever was waiting longest go first. But they don’t really have a formal system.

It’s 2024, almost 2025. Some form of digital queue wouldn’t be hard to figure out.

 

[Phil-Springs]

The confusion might explain it, but I think when you pull up to a full station. Part of good etiquette is also to investigate some to help form an informal line. It isn’t like a bunch of EVS parked near a charger with people in them is hard to spot. Now , if you leave your car while “in line” we’ll …

 

[Snakebitten]

Supposedly we want more folks to drive EVs. We promote them for a multitude of reasons.

But if someone chooses to go EV with a Bolt? Around here they draw more ire than a Cummins 3500.

The BMW driver could be a snob.
But I'm not sure the Mach-E driver is immune to a bit of the same?

 

[SonicBlue]

The confusion might explain it, but I think when you pull up to a full station. Part of good etiquette is also to investigate some to help form an informal line. It isn’t like a bunch of EVS parked near a charger with people in them is hard to spot. Now , if you leave your car while “in line” we’ll …

Confusion likely explains it. Especially in the chaos of a holiday parking lot. And I really don’t think DCFC should be expected to be such a communal process to go around and knock on windows to form a cue or keep track of all the EVs in random parking spaces.

I’m gonna cut the lady who “cut” some grace. Our real ire should be directed at the Bolt. Anytime you need to charge at a crowded station, there always seems to be at least one of those little shitboxes hogging a charger. Ironically, the driver is usually sitting in the car. For hours. Perhaps sleeping. Is there so little in your life that you can just sit in a parked car for hours? Perhaps even living there based on the amount of crap that has accumulated inside. I swear that there must be a Bolt Nomad Lifestyle which has replaced the camper for some people.

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