The 80% rule at fast chargers
On most EVs, DC fast charging slows sharply above roughly 80% — on many cars the last 20% can take nearly as long as the whole 10–80% session. When others are waiting, charge to around 80% and free the plug; you gain little and cost someone else a lot by sitting to 100%. Exception: no queue, or you genuinely need the full charge to reach the next station.
Move when you're done
A charging spot is not a parking spot. Set a notification for charge completion and move promptly — many networks charge idle fees once a session ends for exactly this reason, and some jurisdictions allow ticketing or towing of vehicles occupying charging bays without charging. Nothing sours goodwill at a busy site faster than a fully charged car occupying a working plug.
Queues, sharing, and slow plugs
- Queue behind the plug you're waiting for, or make your place in line clear — different sites have different conventions, so a friendly word goes further than assumptions.
- Don't unplug another car unless it's clearly finished charging and the connector is released.
- At chargers where two stalls share one power cabinet (common on some older Superchargers and other networks), pick a stall that isn't sharing power with a car already charging, when you have the choice.
- Level 2 destination charging is for hours-long stays — that's fine; the 80% urgency applies to fast chargers.
Blocked chargers and ICE-ing
A gas car parked in a charging bay ("ICE-ing") or a charging bay used as convenient parking is frustrating but common. Report it to the site host or network rather than escalating in person, leave a comment or check-in on Open Charge Map or the network's app so other drivers see it, and keep a backup station in mind. If your own charge is essential, hotel staff or site security may be able to help with a blocked bay.
