Charging etiquette. Would you do the same?

[whitex]

Yeah well, I'm portuguese so there's a higher chance of me pouring gasoline on the car and set it on fire if it's hogging up a space... I'm just not willing to carry a jerry can full of gas in an EV jk jk ?

It depends on the day really. So far I have unplugged 3 cars, 2 of them at the same day so my track record is pretty ok I think. I usually check chargers beforehand on my app. If they're occupied I just choose another one. It's those special circumstances that let Mr. Hide out.

In any case, I repeat, in Portugal, a car that is *NOT* actively charging, can be towed by the Police if requested. All that is needed for that to happen is a) the charging stall having the plate "em carga" and b) an angry EV owner taking the time to call the cops and waiting for them to show up with a Tow. unplugging a fully charged or erroed out vehicle is the lesser evil for the infractor to be honest.

I still feel bad about doing it.

There was an incident of this in the USA where a US Energy Secretary was travelling in an EV for as a public relations stunt, but had her entourage drive ahead and block DC chargers for her with an ICE car. Eventually an EV owner called the cops.
https://insideevs.com/news/686316/us-energy-secretary-staff-blocked-charger-ice-car-ev-road-trip/#:~:text=US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm,government official's convoy of EVs.

It seems inconsiderate people are everywhere, even at highest levels of government. And yes, if your staff does something you are responsible for it. I didn't see any follow-ups about the staffer who ordered it or the one who executed the ICEing of the EV charger being reprimanded or fired, so obviously she approved of their actions, and since Biden (her boss) didn't publicly reprimand or fire her, he is implicitly approved of her actions. The Democratic party also did not condemn this incident, so we can assume they are no different. So if we don't have courteous behaviors at the highest office of the government (president) of a nation, why should we expect it from its citizens?

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[Hanny]

I’m thinking this thread is highlighting the different countries and their culture/customs, as we see what might be accepted in one country may differ from/in another.

The UK tends to be more aggressive about others touching or encroaching on personal item/ space, there is an expectation that people have to take their turn/queue with very little tolerance for those who don’t take their turn regardless of circumstance ….. but that’s just a quirk for this island of old traditions.

 

[tchavei]

I’m thinking this thread is highlighting the different countries and their culture/customs, as we see what might be accepted in one country may differ from/in another.

The UK tends to be more aggressive about others touching or encroaching on personal item/ space, there is an expectation that people have to take their turn/queue with very little tolerance for those who don’t take their turn regardless of circumstance ….. but that’s just a quirk for this island of old traditions.

In that case my worst scenario is unplugging some american tourist from Texas with an EV for sure? I heard they have guns. Albeit thinking of it... they can't bring them here... there's still Knifes and stuff. ?

 

[Hanny]

In that case my worst scenario is unplugging some american tourist from Texas with an EV for sure? I heard they have guns. Albeit thinking of it... they can't bring them here... there's still Knifes and stuff. ?

errr, I think you may get a negative response from your assumptions that Texans are that way inclined. All the Texans I have met or know are the complete opposite.

Whilst in the UK, they are not afraid to voice the fact that a queue has been jumped and some willing to block the said queue jumper either from entering or exiting…..if you the physically make contact with the blocking vehicle ….. the the mob descends……..

 

[Jhenson29]

I get your point. I agree we need more DC chargers.

Well, I’m not sure you do, entirely.

I didn’t actually say one should never wait. I said it should be fast enough for people to wait while it charges.

If you can’t wait by the car while it charges, it’s not fast enough (note that nothing is currently fast enough by my standards; hence my lack of EV travel).

In other words, fast enough that they are staying by their car and not wandering off, as that appears to be the source of the current complaint.

The exception would be hotels where I see a use for L2 in every spot and speed is not the issue. I have a separate post about that on here somewhere.

Like I said, anecdotal evidence is not much of evidence.

I agree with you, however the below points.

1. The speed and quantity of gas stations relative to DCFC is not anecdotal and what drives the distinction.
2. I again reiterate my point was never that one should never wait. So how many times you or I wait is irrelevant to my original point.
3. I refuel a lot, all across the county due to my job. For the last 18 years. While I agree my statements are still just anecdotal, I have a large number and wide sampling. So yes, a couple of times waiting vs literally thousands of refuelings across the country. Dismiss as you wish.

I actually have a few more points, but I have to get ready for my drive back and frankly find the exchange pointless, so I’ll be existing the thread for now.

 

[Teufel Hund]

Yea, but what if people parked their cars at the pump while they go shopping or eat? In CA they make you hold the nozzle while filling up, no nozzle locks. Not a practical solution for EV charging, lol.

Hold the nozzle? Sorry not accurate. That might be a county specific thing. I’ve never been to a gas station anywhere in CA that made you hold the nozzle.

 

[Hirschaj]

In that case my worst scenario is unplugging some american tourist from Texas with an EV for sure? I heard they have guns. Albeit thinking of it... they can't bring them here... there's still Knifes and stuff. ?

? given the comments from people in other parts of the world, you’d think those of us in Texas have to duck and cover every time we go to the grocery story. I think people would be amazed by the reality of TX vs the sensationalized news. TX does have plenty of problems that need fixing but the people here tend to be warm and welcoming overall. YMMV

 

[tchavei]

? given the comments from people in other parts of the world, you’d think those of us in Texas have to duck and cover every time we go to the grocery story. I think people would be amazed by the reality of TX vs the sensationalized news. TX does have plenty of problems that need fixing but the people here tend to be warm and welcoming overall. YMMV

Ah good to know. ?

I do admit I thought you guys would always go grocery shopping with full body armor and backup guns and ammo stuck to your ankles. Guess the view of Texans is somewhat skewed in other parts of the world as you say.

 

[tchavei]

Hold the nozzle? Sorry not accurate. That might be a county specific thing. I’ve never been to a gas station anywhere in CA that made you hold the nozzle.

In portugal all nozzles have to be held. In the old days, when pumps weren't self service (30yrs ago?) they could be locked. Nowadays I have to hold the bloody thing all the time.

 

[tomdfw1]

Hi folks.

Haven't been around lately. Enjoying my Taycan, working, blah blah, blah. Story of my life.

Anyway. Yesterday I went with my wife to another town for lunch. After lunch we had to go to a supermarket and since I knew it had a 60kw charger and I was at 16% I thought I'd charge up while shopping for groceries.

When we got there, there was a car charging already. Bummer. I checked the charger station and the car was at 87% already. I told my wife "let's wait 5 min. Maybe the owner will return in the meanwhile".
After 10 min the charger beeped. I looked at it and the car connection had errored out at 89%. Owner no way to be seen.
Didn't know what I should do but I kinda needed the charge (16% remember) so I unplugged the cable, started the charge on my Taycan (after creatively maneuvering it at a 45 deg angle to get near the charging cable). I wrote a note on a piece of paper stating something like "You car wasn't charging so I took the liberty of charging mine" and left for groceries.

When I returned, car was at 66% and I also now had a paper on my windshield from the other car that had already left. I was expecting some rage text and a keyed car but instead it had written: "Thank you. Sorry for the trouble"

OK that didn't went that bad albeit kinda annoying.

We left that town and drove back. On our way home, wife remembered she wanted to grab something from a mall on our way back so we detoured there.
On arrival I saw another 60kw charger and of course a car was there charging.

So I peeked the charger screen again and guess what? Car was at 97% charge. I told my wife to go grab what she wanted and I stayed next to the charger. The car eventually reached 100% and the charger turned off. Owner, once again, nowhere to be seen. I still had 42% so I didn't really needed the charge but... come on. The charge would have been welcomed... Thought for about 20 seconds, unplugged the other car, started to charge mine. Made sure to close the lid on the other car.

Not sure how much time passed but wife eventually returned and my charge was at 68% so I unplugged and left. In that whole time the owner of the other car that had finished charging didn't show up.

I really don't know what's going on with people. When I charge my car, I'm either around watching or I keep watch on my mobile up. I also avoid charging above 85% so I will move my ass to the car to unplug and remove it when it's charged.

I still felt like a criminal unplugging other people's vehicles. It's not something I like. One day I'll unplug the car of the wrong guy and it'll be a mess.

How would you do it?

I think you did the right things. I don't get why people get upset if someone unplugged a car fully charged. (Not all cars physically lock the connection) While of course you must do so with caution and responsibility, if the car is unattended and fully charged then IMHO they relinquish their rights to not have the charger removed. I have done this a few times and also each time leave a note on windshield and like you, one time they called me and thanked me and we've become friends since. I would never be upset if this was done to me.

 

[Jonathan S.]

Hold the nozzle? Sorry not accurate. That might be a county specific thing. I’ve never been to a gas station anywhere in CA that made you hold the nozzle.

We used to have that requirement in MA:
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/j...14/12/14/new-mass-fire-code-will/35737405007/

 

[Teufel Hund]

In portugal all nozzles have to be held. In the old days, when pumps weren't self service (30yrs ago?) they could be locked. Nowadays I have to hold the bloody thing all the time.

Is the requirement there so that people don't leave their cars once the tank is full or for a safety issue with overfilling etc? I've definitely come across pumps in which the lock was broken or just didn't have one but I'm fairly certain it's not a CA requirement. Otherwise there would be hundreds of gas stations in violation.

 

[Teufel Hund]

We used to have that requirement in MA:
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/j...14/12/14/new-mass-fire-code-will/35737405007/

Ahhhhh, so it was for safety/fire hazard?

 

[Jonathan S.]

Ostensibly so. The gas pumps had signage to the effect, something about fire marshal etc.

Reminds me a bit of how when I visit my Portland friend for summer ski mountaineering trips, at gas stations I would always jump out to offer to pump and pay for his gas, but ... not so fast there!

Although next year I will be able to:
https://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/2023/08/self-serve-gasoline-is-legal-across-oregon.html

 

[eduardomattos]

Hi folks.

Haven't been around lately. Enjoying my Taycan, working, blah blah, blah. Story of my life.

Anyway. Yesterday I went with my wife to another town for lunch. After lunch we had to go to a supermarket and since I knew it had a 60kw charger and I was at 16% I thought I'd charge up while shopping for groceries.

When we got there, there was a car charging already. Bummer. I checked the charger station and the car was at 87% already. I told my wife "let's wait 5 min. Maybe the owner will return in the meanwhile".
After 10 min the charger beeped. I looked at it and the car connection had errored out at 89%. Owner no way to be seen.
Didn't know what I should do but I kinda needed the charge (16% remember) so I unplugged the cable, started the charge on my Taycan (after creatively maneuvering it at a 45 deg angle to get near the charging cable). I wrote a note on a piece of paper stating something like "You car wasn't charging so I took the liberty of charging mine" and left for groceries.

When I returned, car was at 66% and I also now had a paper on my windshield from the other car that had already left. I was expecting some rage text and a keyed car but instead it had written: "Thank you. Sorry for the trouble"

OK that didn't went that bad albeit kinda annoying.

We left that town and drove back. On our way home, wife remembered she wanted to grab something from a mall on our way back so we detoured there.
On arrival I saw another 60kw charger and of course a car was there charging.

So I peeked the charger screen again and guess what? Car was at 97% charge. I told my wife to go grab what she wanted and I stayed next to the charger. The car eventually reached 100% and the charger turned off. Owner, once again, nowhere to be seen. I still had 42% so I didn't really needed the charge but... come on. The charge would have been welcomed... Thought for about 20 seconds, unplugged the other car, started to charge mine. Made sure to close the lid on the other car.

Not sure how much time passed but wife eventually returned and my charge was at 68% so I unplugged and left. In that whole time the owner of the other car that had finished charging didn't show up.

I really don't know what's going on with people. When I charge my car, I'm either around watching or I keep watch on my mobile up. I also avoid charging above 85% so I will move my ass to the car to unplug and remove it when it's charged.

I still felt like a criminal unplugging other people's vehicles. It's not something I like. One day I'll unplug the car of the wrong guy and it'll be a mess.

How would you do it?

Lot of people will hate if you disconnect there cars, but I would love a surcharge of $10 per minute if it's fully charged, and 2x per kWh after 90% battery charged, so people will move their ass over to disconnect and allow other people to use it.

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