Unveiling the Dual Personalities of EV Charging Stations
A new electric vehicle (EV) owner has shared her intriguing observations about the diverse personalities encountered at EV charging stations. She categorizes these individuals into two main groups: those who are excessively amiable and those who exhibit outright discourtesy. Her insights shed light on the burgeoning social interactions within the EV community, underscoring a perceived absence of established behavioral norms.
The TikTok user, known as Black Magnolia, recently uploaded a video articulating her perspectives on the etiquette, or lack thereof, prevalent at public EV charging points. Despite her relatively brief experience as an EV owner, spanning less than two months, she has already witnessed numerous instances exemplifying both ends of the behavioral spectrum. Her video commences with a poignant declaration: “An electric vehicle charging station etiquette class is urgently required,” she asserts, adding, “Because I’ve discovered there are two types of individuals who frequent these electric charging stations.”
The initial archetype identified by Black Magnolia is characterized by excessive sociability. These individuals, she notes, often approach others with an eagerness for conversation, seemingly intent on establishing a deep rapport. “You know them,” she explains, “The excessively friendly ones, who want to become instant companions, eager to share their entire life story. Yet, we are merely parked beside one another, supplying our vehicles with electricity. It’s akin to a traditional gas station. I don't engage in random conversations at gas stations, so why would I desire to converse here?” She speculates that this behavior might be an inherent part of the EV ownership culture, suggesting, “Perhaps there is a unique bond that electric vehicle ownership fosters, making people feel connected.”
Conversely, the second type of EV charger user presents a stark contrast: the overtly impolite. These drivers display a complete disregard for common courtesy towards their fellow motorists. Black Magnolia describes them vividly: “They might be the most pleasant people in their daily lives, but once they arrive at a charging station, they completely lose their composure.” She recounted two specific incidents illustrating this second profile. In one instance, a man intrusively approached her vehicle, peering inside to ascertain her presence and the duration of her charging session, an act she found deeply invasive. In another scenario, while patiently waiting in line behind another woman who was charging, a man accosted Black Magnolia, accusing her of cutting in line. She calmly informed him that she had observed him entering the parking lot, making such an accusation impossible. Surprisingly, the man's demeanor shifted instantaneously, transforming from accusatory to surprisingly cordial. “I'm unsure what transpired or why,” she mused. “It seems as though the electricity at these charging stations either incites irrational behavior or fosters a sense of tranquility and peace. Regardless, I desperately need my home wall charger, dealership. I need my home wall charger so I can avoid these public encounters altogether.”
Echoing these sentiments, a Reddit discussion forum dedicated to electric vehicles, initiated several years prior, reveals a shared concern among most drivers regarding the improper use of charging spaces by non-charging vehicles. Others concurred with Black Magnolia, expressing their preference to avoid unsolicited interactions with fellow drivers. As one user aptly put it, “If my windows are up and I'm not making eye contact, chances are I simply wish to enjoy my meal in peace.” Commenters on Black Magnolia’s video also weighed in on the issue. One individual, identifying as an EV driver, stated, “As an electric car driver, I have absolutely no desire to converse with anyone not already in my vehicle. I will smile and be polite, but no chatting with strangers.” Another commenter boldly declared, “I wouldn’t feel any remorse. They can simply find an alternative charger.”