Charging Station Etiquette: 10 Rules to Use It Well and Without Conflict

Why etiquette matters

Unlike the gas station — where you fuel up in 3 minutes and leave — the charging station involves time. A fast charge takes 25-40 minutes, and a slow one can take hours. When the number of spaces is limited and demand grows, each user's behavior affects everyone else.

The good news: the "rules" are simple, based on common sense and mutual respect. Here they are.

Rule 1: Don't park in the charger space without charging

It seems obvious, but it's the most common problem. Charging station spaces are for charging, not for parking. If your car isn't electric, don't park there. If your car is electric but you aren't going to charge, don't either.

In shopping malls and shopping centers, it's increasingly common to see EV spaces blocked by combustion cars. Besides being disrespectful, in many cities there are already fines for this violation.

"The charger space is like a disabled space: it exists for a specific need. Respect it."

Rule 2: Move the car when the charge is done

This is the golden rule. When the charge reaches the desired level (typically 80%), move your car to a regular space. Leaving the car plugged in without charging is called "ICE blocking" (ironically: the term comes from "Internal Combustion Engine") and deeply annoys other EV drivers.

Most charging apps send a notification when the charge is done. Set alerts on your phone. If you can't move immediately, try to be available within 10-15 minutes.

Rule 3: Don't unplug another car's cable

Never, under any circumstances, unplug another vehicle's charging cable without the owner's authorization. Besides being considered interference with someone else's property, it can cause damage to the vehicle's charging system.

If you arrive and find a plugged-in car that seems to have finished charging, try to make contact through the app (if the charging station allows it) or wait. Never force the connector.

Rule 4: Charge to 80%, not 100%

On fast chargers (DC), charging from 80% to 100% can take as long as charging from 20% to 80%. You're occupying the charger for twice the time to gain 20% of charge. If there's a queue or the charging station is busy, stop at 80% and free the space.

Exception: if the charging station is empty and there's no queue, charge as much as you need. The rule is about respect for others, not an absolute law.

Rule 5: Use the correct connector

If the charging station has multiple connectors (CCS2, CHAdeMO, Type 2), use only the one your car needs. Don't occupy a charger with a CCS2 connector if your car uses CHAdeMO and there's a station available with the appropriate connector.

In Brazil, the predominant standard is CCS2, but older chargers may have CHAdeMO. Know your vehicle's connector before leaving home.

Rule 6: Leave the cable tidy

After use, put the cable back on the charger's holder. Don't leave the cable on the ground — besides being messy, it can be damaged by other cars running over it or by the rain (at outdoor stations).

Treat the equipment as if it were yours. Charger maintenance is expensive, and damaged equipment stays out of operation for days or weeks.

Rule 7: Be patient in the queue

Queues at charging stations are a growing reality, especially on holidays and weekends. If you arrive and there's a queue:

• Park in a nearby regular space and wait
• Don't pressure whoever is charging — each car has its own time
• Use the wait time to check other nearby stations in the apps
• Consider charging at alternative times (early morning or late at night)

"The EV community in Brazil is still small and collaborative. Keeping that spirit depends on each of us."

Rule 8: Don't monopolize the charger

If you have a charger at home and are using a public charging station out of convenience, consider that other drivers may depend on that station. At peak times, prioritize home charging and leave the charging station for those who really need it.

This is especially relevant at free charging stations (shopping malls, for example), where demand tends to exceed supply.

Rule 9: Keep the space clean

It seems basic, but it needs to be said: don't leave trash at the charging station site. Snack wrappers, coffee cups, cigarette butts — take your trash with you. A clean, well-kept charging station attracts more investment and more stations.

Rule 10: Report problems

If the charger is faulty, out of service or behaving strangely, report it through the operator's app (Tupinambá, Zletric, etc.) or directly to the establishment. This helps preventive maintenance and keeps other drivers from making a wasted trip to a faulty station.

Reporting also includes positive feedback: if a station is well maintained and works well, rate it positively in the apps. This helps other drivers find the best charging points.

The charging station culture in Brazil

Brazil is building its charging station culture now. With 6,400+ EVs in Curitiba, 445 stations and a growing community, the behavior of the early adopters sets the standard for the next thousands of drivers.

In countries with more mature adoption (Norway, the Netherlands), charging station etiquette is as natural as signaling before turning. We're getting there — and every driver who follows these rules speeds up the process.

Elektro Charge, on Av. Maringá in Pinhais, operates 24h with 60 kW DC and a CCS2 connector. A space designed for a calm, efficient and respectful charging experience.

"Charging station etiquette isn't fussiness — it's what turns shared infrastructure into a functional community."