Nearly half of drivers are 'not clear at all' on electric vehicle etiquette

03 July 2023 , 10:54

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Half of British drivers feel they are 'not clear at all' on etiquette of owning an electric vehicle (Image: Vauxhall)

Nearly half of British drivers (49%) feel they are “not clear at all” on the etiquette – of owning an electric vehicle, a study has found.

A poll of 2,000 car owners found that seven in ten believe there is a lack of guidance when it comes to the do's and don'ts of EV ownership – with charging etiquette one of the biggest points they are unclear on.

Nearly half of EV owners (46%) said they have been unable to use a charging bay, because a non-electric vehicle has been parked in it.

And 57% feel there is not enough public signage on UK roads to support electric vehicle drivers.

But despite this, 43% of the drivers polled said they would appreciate the lower running costs of driving an electric vehicle – while 37% cite the reduced impact on the environment as the top benefit.

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In light of the lack of clarity on general EV ownership “rules”, Vauxhall has partnered with leading manners and protocol experts, Debrett's, to produce The EV Etiquette Guide.

The car manufacturer, which commissioned the research, has pledged to offer fully electric versions of all of the models in its vehicle line up by 2024.

But Vauxhall has partnered with manners experts, Debrett's, to produce The EV Etiquette Guide (SWNS)

And the new guide includes tips on the polite way to charge your car when visiting friends, advice on how to queue when waiting for a public charging bay – and whether it's okay to unplug other vehicles at charge points.

It also features guidance on leaving charge points in a state you’d hope to find them in, and advice on allowing enough room for larger vehicles to fit in public charging bays next to you.

Liz Wyse, for Debrett’s, said: “As the electric vehicle revolution transforms our roads, our behaviour and etiquette must accommodate these changes. It is clear that many drivers are uncertain about the etiquette relating to owning an EV.

“The new Electric Vehicle Etiquette Guide aims to address these uncertainties, providing clear guidance on charging and parking protocols, as well as some recommendations about good etiquette, that will contribute to a civilised and agreeable EV experience.”

The EV Etiquette Guide also advises those using rapid-charge points, to ensure they don’t stay longer than necessary and cause others to miss out.

And those with bigger vehicles should be careful not cross over into the space next to them – and obstruct other drivers needing to use the bays.

Vauxhall’s research also found charging issues are high on the list of reasons petrol or diesel drivers are discouraged from making the switch.

Exactly two-thirds (66%) of those polled, as part of the OnePoll research, cite fears over how far they can get on a single charge, while 60% have concerns about charging times.

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And 63% worry about a lack of charge points, with recent reports suggesting Britain’s network of EV chargers is struggling under the load.

James Taylor, managing director at Vauxhall, said: “As part of our mission to electrify Britain and to become an electric-only brand from 2028, we are committed to making owning an electric vehicle as easy as possible.

“With over three-quarters of drivers unsure on electric vehicle etiquette, this very British guide is designed to answer any of the day-to-day questions that prospective EV owners might have.”

Martin Winter