Half of EV drivers the UK say they have pretending to charge at an EV plug in point as a tactic to nab a parking space when standard spaces are not available. The tactic, known as ‘ghost charging’ is one of the growing trends revealed in research from Sainsbury’s Smart Charge.
The research also revealed 88% of EV drivers experience frustration due to a lack of etiquette shown within the community, with the top bugbears including plug hogging (34%), long wait times (31%), poor parking skills (29%), and cable spaghetti – drivers taking the ‘wrong side’ charging cable (26%).
To help combat these frustrations, the UK’s leading etiquette coach William Hanson has partnered with Sainsbury’s Smart Charge to co-create an EV Etiquette Guide. Including relatable anecdotes and advice, the guide aims to help settle driver disputes and encourage EV drivers to think twice about their charging station manners.
Trish Devlin, Customer Director at Sainsbury’s Smart Charge, said: “We know that the rules around EV charging can be a minefield, but Smart Charge aims to make everyday life easier for drivers. We’re always listening to our customers and want to help solve common problems, creating a better experience for all.
“Smart Charge is designed to offer a unique and convenient service, providing wide and accessible parking bays, an easy-to-use contactless payment system and plenty of practicality for customers.”
Sainsbury’s, which has over 400 ultra-rapid Smart Charge bays in supermarket car parks across the country, has found that 38% of EV drivers don’t feel as confident charging their EV compared to filling up a car with fuel at a petrol station, with 15% of them admitting that it feels like the “wild west” as they try to navigate the unknown protocols that should be followed in public.
