A pocket guide to EV etiquette

As motorists start to get back into their vehicles this summer, Nissan has produced the EV Driver Etiquette – a one-stop manual for EV drivers.

Drawing on the company’s extensive knowledge a pioneer in mass-market electric mobility, the pocket guide is designed to provide digestible, reassuring advice for both new and seasoned EV drivers. Below are a series of simple yet insightful tips, carefully to help drivers connect even more with their EV. It also features guidance on how to support fellow EV drivers and simple ways to boost confidence on the road.

Addresses a broad list of everyday EV driving scenarios, including everything from an EV preparation checklist and how to help others in the EV community, to optimising the recharge process and respectful parking practices.

1. Sharing is caring:

Lend a helping hand by sharing your own tips on local public charging points with friends and family, or use apps and forums to pool your advice with tips from fellow EV drivers in the local area. For example, the Nissan Charge app, you can help everyone in the EV community by advising which points are the best, helping them to plan any necessary long journeys with ease.

2. Consider your fellow EV enthusiasts:

Avoid unplugging other drivers’ EVs at public charging points and if you have a charging point at home, consider offering it to your neighbour in a way that is safe and compliant. 88% of people prioritise charging at home, so sharing your charging spot if needed could go a long way and might make someone’s day.

3. Avoid ICEing and a frosty reception:

Just as you would avoid parking at an unused fuel pump, save everyone the hassle by not parking in an EV charging spot if you don’t intend to use the charger.

What does “I’ve been ICEd” mean?

Just as disabled drivers need the use of designated spaces, EV drivers need their own spots to charge. If you do need to charge your electric car, be considerate and think how long you need to charge it for.

4. Take good care of your battery:

Avoid leaving your EV at low battery level for a long time to ensure battery capacity and minimize the impact on driving range. If possible, park in a closed tempered place.

5. Plan your recharge:

If you’re planning a longer journey, plot out your route first and make use of mapping services to see available charging points along the way.

Planning ahead always pays off; it goes a long way to making a long trip even easier. There are some really useful tools to help you do this such as the Plug share app and Zap Map.

6. Don’t need much power? Leave a friendly note:

If you don’t need to charge for very long at a public charging point, why not leave a nice note on the windshield or the charger for the next EV drivers to let them know how long it will take you, or at what time you are coming back.

7. Check your tyres and driving settings:

To maximise power efficiency, switch on your car’s energy-saving modes and ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer-recommended level.

You can boost the efficiency of your electric car with a couple of quick steps. Choosing the appropriate drive mode is key. Most electric vehicles have multiple drive modes, including an Eco-Mode to optimise your journey, recommended for city driving.

8. Explore the range of available charging options:

An electric car is like a sleeping cat; it’s inactive for around 20 hours every day, so make the most of this time. Whether it’s rapid public charging point, an installed wall unit at home, or a standard domestic plug, you can effortlessly charge your electric car wherever you can access mains power – just like your smartphone.

9. Look after your local charging points:

Just as you would look after your charging solutions at home, take care of your local public charging infrastructure so that everyone can benefit.