Because driving electric shouldn’t mean charging in chaos.
If you’ve ever pulled up to a public charger and instantly felt like you were entering a passive-aggressive episode of Survivor, you’re not alone.
EV charging is evolving quickly but, as more people plug in, we’re all navigating this new world together. And while there’s no formal rulebook (yet), there is a golden rule: Don’t be a charger hog.
Here’s our unofficial guide to being a decent human at public charge points, with a few handy tools like Zapmap and their new charging card to help you stay smooth, smug, and maybe even helpful.
1. Don’t Block the Bay
We get it. You’re charging. You’ve nipped to the loo. Maybe You’ve grabbed a snack and checked Instagram. But if your car’s been fully topped up for 20 minutes and you’re still parked up like it’s a camping trip, that’s bad form. Brace yourself for serious scowls and possible tutting.
Do this instead:
Keep an eye on your app, your dashboard, or your gut feeling. Most EVs will ping you when charging’s done. If you’re using Zapmap to plan your charge, you can even check live availability and get a rough idea of how long you’ll need. Then, and this is key, move your car when you’re done. It’s not a parking bay, it’s a petrol pump… but electric.
2. Don’t Unplug Other Drivers
Unless your car is literally on fire (in which case, unplugging someone else is the least of your worries), just don’t do it. EVs have a locking mechanism when charging anyway, so it’s a futile operation.
Even if their car looks done. Even if you’re in a rush. It’s a bit like reaching across someone’s dinner table to take their chips. Rude.
Instead: Use apps like Zapmap to find nearby alternatives. You might find something even faster or free. And if you’re using their new Zapmap Charging Card, it works across several major networks, so your options are way more flexible than they used to be. One card, many chargers.
3. Don’t Camp Out at Rapids If You Don’t Need To
We love a rapid charger. Who doesn’t? But if your EV is capable of sipping electrons from a slower unit (and you’re not in a hurry), consider leaving the big guns for someone on a long journey or with no home charging.
EV pro tip: If you’re just topping up before the school run or grabbing milk, a destination charger will probably do the trick – and it’s usually cheaper, too.
Planning ahead with Zapmap lets you filter by charger speed, availability, and even what kind of coffee the service station has (okay, maybe not that last one… yet). And if you’ve got their RFID charging card, you can skip app faff and just tap and go.
4. Be Patient – We’re All Learning
Let’s face it: public charging can still be a bit of a Wild West. Chargers don’t always work. Queues happen. Sometimes the app logs you out just as your toddler spills snacks everywhere.
So breathe. Smile. Share a knowing glance with the other EV driver in the bay next to you. And maybe, just maybe, help someone figure out how to start a charge if they look baffled. We were all beginners once in this brave new world of electrification!
5. Tools to Help You Be Less Annoying
Honestly, the best way to stay out of charging drama is to plan ahead and stay flexible. That’s where Zapmap comes into its own.
Whether you’re driving something new and shiny, or coaxing your older EV through another family road trip, Zapmap helps you find chargers that work, are available, and are right for your car.
And the Zapmap Charging Card? That’s the cheat code. No more switching between six different apps or hoping your phone signal holds up long enough to authenticate a session. Nothing says “I’ve got this” like rolling up, tapping your Zapmap card, and being out of the way before anyone’s even opened their boot.
Final Thought: Let’s Make Charging a Nicer Place
It’s not just about watts and networks and charging speeds. It’s about people. And whether you’re fully electric or just EV-curious, a bit of charger courtesy goes a long way.
Plan ahead, be kind, use tools that make life easier, and – above all – don’t be the one everyone’s moaning about in the EV forums.
Now, go forth and charge responsibly.
