Public charging etiquette made simple
As more Australians embrace electric vehicles, public charging stations are busier than ever.
Unlike the quick in-and-out of a petrol station, charging takes time – anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes – which means we're all sharing these spaces a bit longer.
Being thoughtful about how we use them makes all the difference.
That's where public charging etiquette comes in. We'll walk you through the key practices that make the experience smooth and stress-free for everyone.
Get set up before you arrive
First time using public charging? A little prep goes a long way. Start by familiarising yourself with how public chargers work – Evie Networks has a helpful guide that walks you through the basics.
Already an EV driver but new to Evie chargers? Download the Evie app before you head out for your first charge. You’ll be able to find your nearest charger, check real-time availability, and monitor your charging progress – all from one place. Getting comfortable with how everything works while you’re at home means less pressure when you arrive at the charger.
Charging bays are for charging, not parking
This one surprises some people: charging bays aren't general parking spots. You should only park there when you're actively charging. It might seem obvious but leaving your car in a charging bay without plugging in blocks access for drivers who might be low on battery and genuinely need a charge so they can continue their journey.
The 80% sweet spot
Did you know? Your car charges fastest between 20-80%, then the charging slows down. If the station's busy and you don't need a completely full battery, unplugging at around 80% gets you back on the road faster and frees up the charger for someone else.
Leave it better than you found it
Before you drive off, take a moment to return the charging cable neatly to its holder. Coil it properly so it's not a tripping hazard and make sure the area's tidy. These small actions take seconds but make a real difference for whoever is charging next.
That's it! These simple practices keep public charging running smoothly for Queensland's growing EV community. The more we all follow them, the better the experience for everyone.
*Discount is valid for personal use for the first 1000kWh of charging every year at selected Evie fast charging stations. For full terms and conditions, visit racq.com/evie
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