The NRMA is reminding EV drivers to be considerate when publicly charging their EVs this holiday season.
Thousands of EV owners will be hitting the roads for their Christmas road trip holiday, the NRMA reminding drivers of EV charging etiquette following reported longer wait times and improper use of chargers last year during the busy holiday season.
The NRMA is encouraging drivers to plan their charging stops before heading out.
It suggests those not traveling longer distances should charge their EVs up to 80% as the final 20% of battery charge is slower, and the NRMA says it is also important to leave home with a full charge.
Drivers of charged up EVs should move on so that other drivers can access the charging bays, says NRMA Energy chief executive Carly Irving-Dolan.
“We are urging drivers not to use charging bays as parking and applying some basic charging etiquette these holidays so that people aren’t left waiting to charge,” she says.
“While charging an EV at busy public places or in shopping areas, drivers should keep an eye on the charging status so they can return to their vehicle when finished charging. If you do need to continue shopping, plan to move your car once you’ve finished to a new parking space.”
‘Camping’ in an EV charging space or staying beyond your vehicle being charged can result in a fine as it prevents other drivers from being able to use the chargers, the NRMA warns.
“While we want to remind drivers of the etiquette, we don’t want to see other drivers taking matters into their own hands during this busy and stressful season,” Irving-Dolan says.
“Many charging apps allow you notify other drivers you are waiting in-line to charge, or centre management may be able to assist with an announcement if someone is camped at a charger in a shopping centre.”
The NRMA has more than 100 chargers located across regional New South Wales and at regional borders, and is expanding across Australia through partnerships with both federal and state governments.
To charge at an NRMA’ charging station drivers need to download the My NRMA app.
Click here for more information on EV charging etiquette.
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