A new guide providing definitive advice on electric vehicle etiquette is now out from Vauxhall.

The tips cover everything from how to queue orderly at a public charging hub, negotiating charging time with fellow motorists and how to be a good EV house guest

It’s published in partnership with leading British etiquette specialist Debrett’s and tackles key areas of concern or debate over EV protocols such as charging.

Compiled with the help of electric vehicle drivers and industry experts, the tips cover everything from how to queue orderly at a public charging hub, negotiating charging time with fellow motorists and how to be a good EV house guest.

Almost 90% of UK drivers say they think a lack of guidance on how to use public EV chargers puts drivers off making the switch to an EV. To avoid a potentially awkward encounter, Vauxhall’s Guide to Electric Vehicle Etiquette provides advice on how to diplomatically approach other drivers whose vehicle is almost fully charged.

The brand has also created timing cards for drivers to put in their vehicles to keep other motorists informed of how long they’ll be charging for.

The guide also addresses the issue of home charging, revealing that almost two-thirds (64%) of drivers said that if a visitor asked to charge an EV at their home, they would expect them to cover the electricity costs. The guide recommends that guests politely ask hosts if they can charge, take into account electricity tariffs to charge at the cheapest time, and perhaps leave a parting gift. Another option is rent charging facilities from private residents nearby, through companies such as JustPark or Co Charger.

Other findings from Vauxhall’s research include:

• Key differences between EV and petrol/diesel owners when it comes to their interactions with other motorists. While 55% of plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle drivers said they would let another motorist who needed less charge go ahead of them in the queue at a public charge point, only 15% of petrol and diesel drivers said they would do the same at a petrol station.
• 50% of drivers said they would be uncomfortable asking another driver to vacate a space at a petrol station or EV charger if they needed to refill or charge.
• Almost half (46%) of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers say they have been unable to park in a charging bay because a non-electric vehicle was taking up the space. In total, 40% of electric vehicle drivers have also found that charging bays are too small to accommodate their electric vehicle.

Liz Wyse, Debrett’s, said: “It is clear that many drivers are uncertain about the etiquette relating to owning an EV. The new Guide to Electric Vehicle Etiquette 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 guide supports Vauxhall’s commitment to going electric; the brand will offer an electric variant across its entire car and van line-up from 2024 and become an electric-only brand from 2028.

James Taylor, managing director, Vauxhall, said: “As part of our mission to electrify Britain and to become an electric-only brand from 2028, Vauxhall is 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.”

To read Vauxhall’s Guide to Electric Vehicle Etiquette, please click here.