EV Charging Station Etiquette California

This one should go without saying. However, it happens more often than you think, so it's worth mentioning. The most important thing to remember about EV charging stations is that they are only to be used for charging! This is especially true if the charging station is at a store, mall, or other venues. These aren’t just parking spaces exclusively for EVs. They are for EVs in need of a charge. It’s important to consider your fellow EV owner and the frustration you may feel if you’re in need of a charge and the station is full with at least one vehicle not even plugged in. Besides the morality of not using an EV charging space for parking, owners of vehicles parked at EV stations without being plugged in are subject to a fine and even towing of their vehicle for failing to ignore the posted signs. 

Similarly to not parking at an EV charging station, this piece of advice should also go without saying, but we will anyway. It’s important never to unplug a vehicle that is charging unless otherwise specified. Some EVs have locking mechanisms to prevent this from happening; however, it still does. If you choose to leave your vehicle while it charges, which is perfectly acceptable, consider leaving a note to let other drivers know you will be back shortly and the car won’t be there long. If you see one of these notes on a vehicle, it's best to leave it be and wait for the next available charging station. 

It is also important to remember to find the right plug for your vehicle. This is especially important for plug-in hybrid owners, as the Level 3 DC fast chargers are only compatible with fully electric vehicles. If you own a battery-electric vehicle and in need of a charge, the Level 3 charger is a great way to get adequate charging quickly. Another important thing to remember is that you should only charge your vehicle for your immediate driving needs. For example, if you just need enough juice to get you home, don’t leave it plugged in longer than you need to. In fact, the closer your EVs battery is to 100%, the longer it takes to reach a full charge, so you should consider not topping off your EV’s battery unless you must have every last mile of range to reach your destination. 

There are EV charging stations popping up all over the Cerritos, California area, making now the best time to purchase an EV! If you’re interested in getting a new plug-in hybrid, then Cerritos Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is where you need to be. Here, you can find the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Additionally, as these brands make the move toward an all-electric future, we will be bringing you the latest models as they are released. You can learn more about the PHEV models we have in stock right here on our website by visiting our research center or browsing our new inventory. We also invite you to visit us in-store to learn more about the Chrysler and Jeep EVs and take one for a test drive. We hope to see you soon!