We need to practice proper EV parking and charging etiquette
As EVs become more prolific, establishments are setting new rules for charging
The best things in life are free, but that doesn't mean it is without responsibility.
That is the reality of EV ownership and the parking/charging that comes with it. A lot of EV owners relish the idea of recharging their cars for free at local malls, but what seems like a great perk has also created problems. Some EV owners use charging bays as personal parking spots by plugging in their vehicles early in the morning before heading to work, then returning only in the evening to drive home. This practice leaves other EV drivers waiting for hours just to charge, with many totally unable to plug in.
I experienced this firsthand, and it’s the ultimate litmus test for EV driver etiquette, much like returning your grocery cart after shopping, or lifting the toilet seat for the next user.
When I spoke to the guard on duty at a mall near me where charging is free, he admitted they regularly receive complaints about drivers who plug in, leave for hours, and ignore calls or texts to move their cars, even though their details are logged and made to understand the mall’s guidelines before charging.
That's why establishments are now looking to implement a new set of rules. For those who may not know, or choose to ignore what manong guard said, or for the few who act like entitled EV owners with a “my D is bigger than yours” attitude, here are some EV charging guidelines for everyone's benefit. Think of them as basic etiquette that both EV and non-EV drivers should practice.
Paid EV charging station at SotoGrande Hotel, Baguio City
Be courteous to the next user
SM Supermalls, for example, offers free EV charging as a gesture of appreciation to its customers and as part of its commitment to promoting environmentally-friendly modes of transportation. However, the mall also reminds users to show courtesy by freeing up the charger for the next driver once their vehicle is fully charged.
In other establishments that offer paid EV charging, freeing up the slot is already a given. Stay beyond the usual 30-minute grace period, and you’ll be charged extra for not unplugging and moving your vehicle.
3-hour limit
They say “the best things in life are free,” but free doesn’t mean rule-free. For SM’s complimentary EV charging, it comes with a few simple guidelines, and one of the most overlooked is the 3-hour charging limit. Yes, you read that right: each session is capped at three hours, so other EV owners can also plug in for free while they enjoy shopping.
Think of it as SM’s polite way of saying, “This isn’t your personal charging station, please share.” So, once your 3-hour charging is up, move your vehicle to the next available (non-EV) parking slot.
For EV only
To encourage motorists to switch to electric mobility, many establishments have designated a few parking slots exclusively for EVs. Unfortunately, many motorists still ignore the signage and occupy these spaces, often when a guard isn’t around and when regular parking slots are hard to find. So, when your vehicle is a regular, fossil fuel-burning machine, don’t park here. Some even use the slot for charging their plug-in hybrids (PHEV) to charge, but leave the vehicle there for a long time. Remember: PHEVs don't really need to charge, but pure EVs or BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) do.
Many establishments also make it clear that these spaces are reserved for “actively charging EVs.” This means that once your vehicle is fully charged (or after SM’s 3-hour limit), you’re expected to return and move your car so the next EV owner can enjoy charging.
Unplug for the next user
With the 3-hour limit and "active charging only" rule, EV owners are expected to unplug once their session is done and free up the space for the next user. It’s simple courtesy; others also want to enjoy the free charging while they shop.
At establishments that charge a premium for EV charging, overstaying after you’re fully charged just adds to your bill. So really, the considerate and practical thing to do is to unplug and free up the spot for the next user.
Remember, this isn’t your personal parking or charging spot.
Many establishments are now imposing fees for EV charging
Keep it clean
This one is pretty much self-explanatory: keep the EV charging area clean, whether free or paid. Don’t leave napkins, food containers, diapers, or any trash behind. Let’s keep the space tidy for the next person who needs it.
These are simple (and not unreasonable) rules, and establishments are just asking everyone to follow them. Most EVs cost well over a million pesos, so if we can afford the car, we can definitely exert the effort to follow basic courtesy. For those who take advantage of SM’s free charging, let’s not make them rethink this free charging privilege; plenty of other malls already charge for plugging in.
