Emerging social norms and etiquette around the use of public EV chargers

The global trend towards sustainable transportation – associated with advances in technology and concerns about the environment and related policy change – is contributing to a growth in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The increasing prevalence of EVs highlights the critical need for the provision of efficient charging infrastructure and the establishment of proper charging etiquette. This chapter examines how EV charging behaviours are evolving, with an emphasis on the emergence of social norms that are influencing charging behaviour. We investigate the social background, cultural dynamics, and contextual elements that are shaping EV charging practices. The need for open communication channels among EV users, solutions for the problem of overstaying at charging stations, and initiatives to encourage effective charging practices are some of the major themes covered. We apply the findings to a specific destination charging case study, that is, the demonstration of an off-grid renewably powered EV charging concept at a zoo in the South of England. The chapter holds implications for policymakers, stakeholders in the EV charging industry, and EV drivers alike, by highlighting the interactions between social norms and EV charging behaviours in context.