EV Charging Etiquettes
Introduction
Every November, the media spotlight lightens the escalating pollution levels in our cities and the air we breathe becomes increasingly hazardous to our health. The government starts blaming farmers and deploys giant air purifiers, strategically positioned within urban centers. People start talking to initiate artificial rain and the importance of planting trees to mitigate pollution levels. But amidst these discussions, there’s a ray of hope — Is there any long term solution?
The government implements various measures annually to tackle the rising pollution levels. But one promising solution that we can achieve as an individual is the adoption of electric vehicles in our country. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel cars, EVs rely on charging stations to refuel, making shared access to these charging stations crucial. As the Electric vehicles become more common on our roads, it has become essential for drivers to learn the essence of EV charging etiquette.
In this article, we’ll dive into the realm of EV charging — what to anticipate and how to navigate this evolving culture as we embrace our generation towards the transition to the electric vehicle era.
Charging Etiquettes
1. Respect the Charging station
a. The first rule is the most important one. Envision yourself in search of a parking spot for your non-EV car, growing increasingly impatient by the moment. Suddenly, you spot an unoccupied space, only to realize it’s designated for electric vehicles. Would you still choose to park there?
b. The answer is evident, yet let’s underline the significance of the charging station and don’t occupy that spot. We already have very limited charging stations in our surrounding area and we usually see bikes and petrol/diesel cars parked in the charging station. Don’t park your non-EV in EV parking.
2. Avoid Overcharging
a. Avoid overcharging your vehicle. Always remember the 80% rule. If the battery has been charged to 80% and you’re seeing someone waiting then you should leave the charging station.
b. If you’re charging your vehicle where you’ll be parked for an extended period (e.g., workplace, malls), then aim to move your vehicle once it’s fully charged to allow others access.
3. Need vs Convenience
a. If you’re out for some grocery shopping with enough battery to return back to home and you see a charger at the grocery parking then consider leaving public charging stations for those who rely solely on them.
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b. Avoid using fast chargers for top-ups when slower chargers would suffice, as fast chargers are often in higher demand.
4. Communicate
a. Utilize EV charging apps like NHGrid to check the station availability and share updates with your fellow EV friends.
b. If you find any charging station which is showing as available but not doing the needful then report that on the app right away.
5. Plan your trip
a. When embarking on a road trip with your electric vehicle, a thorough planning is key to ensure a smooth journey. For example, if the range of your EV is 450 KM then search and mark a charging station, on the route, before your battery is exhausted. Consider finding one charging station, which is in working state, at around 300KMs.
b. Moreover, this proactive planning enables you to maintain a sense of reassurance and confidence throughout your EV road trip, ultimately enhancing the overall travel experience. Because the “range anxiety” is real!
6. Do’s and Don’ts
a. If your vehicle uses a charger of maximum 55KW then do not plug it into a 350 KW charger. The battery will not be charged quickly. Period. Moreover, you will also introduce problems to fellow drivers who have vehicles that can use 350 KW.
b. Keep your hands to yourself and don’t play around with the plugs of other EVs. No matter what, those vehicles are 100% charged already. Just be kind and wait for the driver to return back.
c. When you’re done charging your vehicle, do put the cable back to its place. This is important because if it’s laying around on the floor then it’s gonna break and you might not be able to charge your vehicle again the next day.
Conclusion
Imagine the situation 5–10 years from now, we are going to see an immediate surge in electric vehicles. It would be an immense necessity to follow these etiquettes to avoid problems. By following these guidelines and promoting a culture of respect and cooperation among EV drivers, we can ensure that charging stations remain accessible and functional for all.
Regardless of whether you’re an experienced EV owner or currently in the transition, embracing the charging etiquette represents a widespread adoption of EV culture and yes this is going to be the future! Please follow NHGrid for more such insights.
