With the electric car, filling up is not done like at the gas station. We are in a new world, in a completely new scenario, with its own rules: it is true there are ultra-fast charging stations, but it is never the same thing.
So the English company LeaseElectricCar has set up a real etiquette of the motorist who drives electric cars. To which, for us Italians, a premise must be added: leaving the car in charge attached to the column is not only rude, but also has an additional cost. Some kind of fine. With us after 30 minutes from the completion of the top-up, EnelX charges € 0.09 per minute if you are using an AC outlet, 0.18 if you are dealing with the DC. In practice, a fine of 4.5 or 10.8 euros per hour respectively. But only in the time slot that goes from 8 in the morning to 22, this to avoid crazy nightly alarms to go and free the column.
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In any case, here is the etiquette:
1. The charging station is not a parking lot
Only park in electric vehicle spaces if you are actually charging the vehicle. When your car is full, leave the charging station and park elsewhere. Other drivers of low battery electric vehicles may otherwise be left on foot because of you.
2. Take care of the charging point
Always leave the charging station as you found it and ready for the next motorist. If you are using public cables, put them back in place. Leaving them out can trip pedestrians and decrease their durability over time.
3. Plan your charging times
Public charging points are limited in number. Check it out where the charging points are located local or those along your journey. Also pay attention to how long it takes your vehicle to reach maximum charge. This helps not to over-occupy the stations.
4. Ask politely
If you are in a hurry to charge your vehicle, politely ask other electric vehicle drivers if you can use the station they are in as soon as they are done. Make sure you return the favor in the future.
5. Start charging
After connecting the car, make sure charging has started correctly before walking away.
6. Do not unplug
Whatever you do, don’t disconnect another vehicle so you can charge yours. It is not always possible because the centralized locks also block the detachment of the column, but in some cases of refills in private or condominium garages the maneuver is possible.
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7. Fast charging
Connect your electric car to one fast charging station only if your vehicle can recharge quickly.
8. Fully charged
If your battery is charged enough, don’t stop at a busy charging point just to complete the cycle at 100 by 100. There may be someone waiting behind you whose charge is low and in dire need of a recharge.
9. Do not block the column
If you drive a petrol or diesel car, do not park in the charging stations.
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