Charging Station Etiquette — Unwritten Rules

Charging stations are a shared resource for all EV drivers. Unlike gas stations where a stop takes five minutes, charging can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour. That means good behavior at the charging station is especially important — for yourself and for everyone else waiting for their turn.

Here are the unwritten rules that make the charging experience better for everyone.

1. Move your car when charging is complete

The most important rule: Don't leave your car plugged in after charging is finished. A charger occupied by a fully charged car is wasted capacity — and frustrating for those waiting.

Practical tips:

• Turn on notifications in the charging app so you get alerted when your car is fully charged
• Estimate the charging time and set an alarm on your phone
• If you're shopping or eating, keep an eye on the charging status in the app
• Park your car in a regular parking space after charging

2. Don't charge to 100 percent on a fast charger

Fast charging above 80 percent is very slow — and you block the charger unnecessarily. The last 20 percent can take as long as the first 80.

Rule of thumb: Charge to 80 percent on a fast charger, and use home charging or normal charging to top up to 100 percent when needed.

Exceptions exist, of course: if you're on a long trip and need extra range to reach the next charging station, it's perfectly fine to charge above 80 percent. But at stations with queues, you should be considerate.

3. Respect the queue

When there are more cars than available charging points, a queue forms. In Norway, the queuing culture is generally strong, and this applies at charging stations too.

Queuing rules:

• First car has first right — regardless of whether they have the "right" app or charging card
• Park nearby and keep an eye on when a charger becomes available
• Don't cut the queue — it creates a bad atmosphere
• Be ready to plug in when it's your turn, so it goes quickly
• If you're waiting, you can use the time to See all prices→ and plan your next stop

In some places, informal queuing systems have developed where drivers agree on the order. Be open to this and communicate clearly.

4. Don't unplug other people's cars

It might be tempting to unplug a car that looks fully charged to take the charger yourself. Don't do it. You don't know if the car is still charging, and you risk damaging someone else's charging cable or charging port.

Besides, it's simply rude. The car owner may have good reasons for the car still being plugged in — for example, battery preconditioning.

The only exception is if the operator has systems where another user can release the charging point after charging is complete. Some stations have such features, but always check with the operator first.

5. Keep the area tidy

The charging station area is a shared space. Treat it as you would your own driveway.

Simple rules:

• Don't throw trash at the charging spot
• Place the charging cable back neatly after use — don't leave it on the ground
• Avoid blocking other charging points with your car
• Don't park at a charging spot if you're not going to charge

6. Share information about problems

Discover that a charger is broken or having problems? Share the information. It saves other EV drivers an unnecessary detour.

How to share:

• Report the fault in the operator's app
• Leave a visible note if possible (the most important thing is digital reporting)
• Share in EV groups on Facebook or other forums
• Inform any drivers waiting in the queue

The sooner the problem is reported, the sooner the operator can fix it. Use Find nearest charging station→ to help others find an alternative.

7. Be patient and friendly

We've all been in the situation where we need to charge and it's full. Frustration is understandable, but remember that everyone is in the same boat.

Good manners at the charging station:

• Say hello to others who are charging — a nod or a smile costs nothing
• Offer to let someone know when you're done if others are waiting
• Share tips about alternative stations nearby
• Remember that some people are new EV drivers and might need help with the charger

Norway's culture of community spirit translates well to the charging station. We are a community of EV drivers, and we make everyday life better for each other by showing consideration.

8. Special considerations

Accessibility

Some charging spots are marked for people with disabilities. Respect these parking spaces — they are there for a reason. Only use accessibility-marked spots if you have a valid parking permit.

Winter charging

In winter, it can be slippery and dark at the charging station. Take extra care:

• Be careful with the cable on icy surfaces
• Be patient — charging takes longer in cold weather
• Help others who are struggling with the connector in cold and dark conditions

Long trips during peak season

During holidays and peak travel times, there is extra pressure on charging stations, especially along the main highways. Plan your charging stops well in advance and be prepared to wait. Use Plan a trip with charging stops→ to find stations with good capacity.

Summary

Good charging station etiquette comes down to basic courtesy: be considerate, be efficient, and think about the community. By following these unwritten rules, you make the charging experience better for everyone — including yourself.