Public Charging Etiquette

Public Charging Etiquette & Best Practices

Adhering to public charging etiquette ensures an efficient, frictionless experience for the entire EV community while maximizing infrastructure availability.

1. Match the Vehicle to the Right Charging Infrastructure

Every electric vehicle has a fixed maximum peak reception power built into its Battery Management System (BMS). A vehicle will not draw more power than its internal limit, even when plugged into a ultra-high-output DC fast charger.

• Optimal Allocation: Always attempt to select a charging gun that matches the vehicle’s maximum intake capability. Avoid occupying high-output dispensers unnecessarily.

• Low-Power Vehicles: Early-generation or smaller-battery EVs (such as the 30 kWh Tata Nexon EV or Tiago EV) have a peak DC charging reception capped below 25 kW. Avoid blocking high-power stations (60 kW or above) whenever a lower-capacity alternative is available, allowing high-reception vehicles to utilize full speeds.

2. Standardized Parking Discipline

• Alignment: Always park precisely within the designated charging bay lines.

• Bay Preservation: If a charging station features dual or multiple dispensing guns, ensure the vehicle is positioned so it does not inadvertently block access to adjacent charging slots or pinch the reach of other cables.

• Non-Charging Vehicles: Never park in an EV charging bay if the vehicle is not actively charging or waiting for an immediate session.

3. Session Accessibility & Contact Protocols

• Proximity: Whenever possible, remain in or near the vehicle during short DC fast-charging sessions.

• The Dashboard Contact Note: If stepping away from the vehicle is unavoidable, place a clearly legible contact number on the dashboard. This allows fellow drivers to coordinate or get in touch if an unexpected session error occurs, or if the charging cycle finishes ahead of schedule.

4. Strategic State of Charge (SoC) Management

DC fast-charging speeds follow a distinct charging curve, where power delivery tapers off drastically at higher States of Charge (SoC) to protect battery health.

• The 90% Threshold: For the best balance of charging time and travel efficiency, terminating DC fast-charging sessions at or before 90% State of Charge (SoC) is highly recommended. Because charging speeds drop significantly above this point, the extra energy gained rarely justifies the additional waiting time. Continuing the journey and charging at the next stop is faster overall, reduces station congestion for fellow drivers, and directly benefits Charge Point Operators (CPOs) by maximizing equipment utilization and turnover.

• Exceptions to the Rule:

  • When the extra range up to 100% SoC is mathematically essential to cross a critical charging desert and reach the next available plug safely.

  • When completing a periodic cell-balancing cycle. Note: Cell balancing is critical for battery pack health but is highly optimized when executed via a slow AC Type-2 charger every 3 to 4 fast-charging cycles rather than clogging a public DC dispenser.

5. Active PlugShare Integration

PlugShare acts as the primary crowdsourced navigation layer for the EV community. Keeping it updated prevents wasted detours and charging anxiety for fellow drivers.

• Real-Time Check-ins: While charging, always log a live check-in on the PlugShare application. This simple digital notification informs the community that the station is actively occupied, assists incoming drivers in estimating waiting queue intervals, and accurately flags broken or non-functional hardware.

• Crowdsourcing Missing Infrastructure: If a newly commissioned, hidden, or remote public charging station is missing from the PlugShare directory, take a few minutes to add the new listing. Ensure the entry includes precise GPS coordinates, the host network name, total number of guns, maximum power outputs, and clear photos of the physical layout to ease discovery for future travelers.