Charging Etiquette

As a member-driven association, we want to ensure our members represent the best of EV drivers. As part of that, we have maintained an etiquette document to focus on how we use charging infrastructure to lead from the front as good citizens.

As a rule of thumb, apply common sense, be courteous and know your charging speed vs the charger speed. 

Etiquette at Electric Vehicle Chargers General rules

  • Be mindful of other members and EV drivers at charging points – others may need to use the charger after you.
  • Do not unplug another electric vehicle while it is charging. This may result in damage to the charger and/or vehicle.
  • EV charging spaces should only be used while charging: When charging is finished, move to another space.
  • At a charge point employ a first-come, first-served rule of thumb.
  • EV Drivers must adhere to posted signs.
  • If you see a fault at a charger, please notify the supplier. Possibly share the information on the IEVA Facebook page (or on one of the local pages) to help other users.
  • If a petrol / diesel car is parked at a charger, leave a message but not a nasty one! Assume ICEing is as a result of a lack of awareness, not ignorance. Not everyone knows what those blue boxes do, and signage tends to be inadequate at chargers.

Fast/Rapid chargers & hubs

  • Motorists queuing for a fast charger retain their place even if they opt to slow charge while waiting.
  • Fast & rapid chargers are designed to do exactly that – deliver a quick charge. After a certain level of charge (typically at 80%) your charging speed will significantly decrease. At this point, move to an AC charger if you need 100%, or free up the space.
  • If you’re queuing for the DC socket, you can of course slow charge on the AC in the meantime, but be aware that someone with a Fast AC car might arrive and need this connector for a fast charge, which is what these units are placed for.
  • When at a fast or rapid charger, stay close to your car so you can quickly free space up when the session is complete, allowing another vehicle to charge.
  • Neatly put the charging cable back on its holder when finished.
  • The emergency stop button should only be used in an emergency.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!