Journal About Auto Insights

Pull into a charging station with 10% battery left, and you'll quickly discover that the rules of the road don't always apply in parking lots. Unlike gas stations where you're in and out in five minutes, EV charging requires patience, planning, and a surprising amount of social awareness. As electric vehicles multiply on American roads, the friction at charging stations grows with them.

Why Charging Courtesy Matters More Than You Think

The math is simple and unforgiving: EV sales grew by 50% in 2023, but charging infrastructure expansion lagged at roughly 30%. That gap creates real tension. A driver who leaves their Rivian plugged in for three hours after reaching 100% isn't just being inconsiderate—they're potentially stranding someone who needs to reach a hospital, make a job interview, or simply get home.

Public charging behavior directly affects how quickly EV adoption can scale. When new EV owners experience their first charging station conflict—a shouting match over an unplugged cable, a passive-aggressive note on a windshield, or an hour-long wait while a fully charged car sits idle—they remember it. Some return to dealerships asking about hybrid alternatives. The infrastructure problem isn't just about building more chargers; it's about using existing ones intelligently.

Charging networks have started implementing idle fees and time limits, b...