Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Take Charge of your Safety

With more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, it is important to understand how to stay safe when charging your EV at a public charging station while also being courteous to those around you.

EV charging safety

Consider these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration when charging your EV at public charging stations:

• Read and be familiar with your EV owner’s manual and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines when charging your vehicle. If questions arise, contact your car dealership for more information.
• Plug the charger directly into an outlet designed to handle the amperage of the charging device. Never use a multiplug adapter or extension cord.
• Inspect all public charger cables prior to use. Never use an EV charger with obvious signs of damage, such as broken or fraying cords.
• When charging during rainy conditions, cover the EV charging station’s outlet to stop water from entering.
• Be aware of any recalls on your EV and follow all safety guidelines listed in the recall until the needed repair is completed by the dealership.

EV charging etiquette

Charging an EV can take up to several hours at public charging stations. To keep the flow of traffic moving as efficiently as possible and to extend courtesy to those around you, keep in mind the following recommendations:

• Be aware of your surroundings and do not skip in front of other EVs waiting to charge.
• Know which side your charging port is on and park accordingly.
• Do not park at an EV charging station if you do not intend to charge your vehicle.
• Never unplug someone else’s EV in order to charge yours.
• Unplug your EV once it is done charging. Always keep track of time so that you can return and relocate your vehicle to allow another EV to use that spot. Many charging stations will even charge extra fees if a vehicle is charged but still plugged in.
• Consider unplugging once you have enough charge to reach your destination.
• For cars capable of rapid charging, consider unplugging once your charge reaches 80%.
• Pay attention to posted signs and follow all instructions. For example, if a sign says there is a two-hour limit, do not stay longer.
• When you are done charging, place the charger back on the receptacle and neatly coil the cable. This helps keep it in good condition and prevents it from becoming a tripping hazard.

By following these simple guidelines, EV owners can help make every EV charging station a safe and efficient environment.