The short answer#
Public EV chargers are a shared resource, and a few simple habits keep them available and working for everyone. The most important is the simplest: move the car when charging is done.
The habits that matter#
Move the car when you are done#
A fully charged car on a fast charger blocks it for no benefit. Once the session is complete, move the car so the next driver can use the charger. If you are shopping or dining, set an alarm to return.
Use the right charger for the session#
Not every charging need requires a 350 kW fast charger. A slow top-up does not need the fastest unit. Using a lower-power charger when it is enough leaves the fast charger for the driver who needs it.
Do not overstay#
The last 20% of an EV battery charges slowly, and sitting on a fast charger for that last stretch blocks it for a long time. If you only need enough range to reach your destination, stop earlier.
Report faults#
If a charger is broken, report it through the network's app or support line, with the charger ID and the issue. A broken charger that nobody reports stays broken.
Leave it tidy#
Return the cable to its holster, close the connector cap, and leave the area clean. A cable on the ground is a trip hazard and a fire risk.
Be patient and polite#
Networks are still growing, and queues happen. A short wait is normal. Be considerate of others who are also waiting for a charge.
Why it matters#
Charging networks are still scaling up to meet demand, and a single car occupying a charger for an hour after it is full can strand several drivers. Good behaviour is not just courtesy — it is how a limited network serves the most people.
Home charging removes most of these pressures, which is why it is the default for daily driving. Public charging works best when everyone uses it with the next driver in mind.
Why it matters beyond courtesy#
A single car occupying a fast charger for an hour after it is full can strand several drivers on a network that is still scaling up to meet demand. The etiquette is not just politeness — it is how a limited number of chargers serves the most people.
Home charging removes most of these pressures, which is why it is the default for daily driving. A household with a home charger does not depend on public chargers for the routine, and the car is simply plugged in overnight. Public charging then works best as the exception, used with the next driver in mind.
Bottom line#
Public EV chargers work best when everyone treats them as shared. Move the car when done, use the right charger for the session, report faults, and leave the area tidy. The habits are simple and practical, and they make a crowded network far easier to use.
For the daily pattern, see the home charging guide.
Straight answers
Questions people ask about this
What is EV charging etiquette?
It is the set of habits that keep shared chargers available and working for everyone: moving the car when charging is done, using the right charger for the session, and reporting faults. None of it is complicated, but it makes a big difference to a crowded network.
Should I move my car when it is done charging?
Yes. Once charging is complete, move the car so the next driver can use the charger. A fully charged car sitting on a fast charger blocks it for no benefit.
Is it OK to charge to 100% at a public charger?
It is fine if you need the range, but the last 20% is slow and blocks a fast charger for a long time. If you only need enough to reach your destination, stopping earlier keeps the charger available for others.
What should I do if a charger is broken?
Report it through the network's app or support line, and note the charger ID and the issue. Do not leave it unreported — a broken charger that nobody reports stays broken.
Sources and further reading
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