Half of electric car drivers admit to using “ghost charging,” a simple tactic used to gain priority parking at supermarkets, restaurants and shopping malls, according to a new study.
This selfish attitude is particularly common in large cities where parking is scarce.
Cardiff, Birmingham and Belfast are said to have the worst offenders, according to an ‘EV first’ study by Sainsburys.
What is ghost charging? It’s a selfish tactic used by half of EV drivers, according to a new survey by Sainsbury’s
In a survey of 505 electric vehicle owners, 51 percent said they charge hidden vehicles.
This involves simulating the charging of the vehicle’s battery in order to be able to use a charging zone for electric vehicles, which are usually located in priority sections of parking lots and are usually available in large urban centers.
It is the equivalent of a driver abusing a disabled parking space or adults occupying their parents’ and children’s spaces alone in supermarkets, the research suggests.
More than a third of EV owners surveyed admitted to frequently charging illegally.
This misleading measure means that EV owners who need to charge their cars cannot access available chargers because idle EVs are often parked in the space where they are located.
With Britain’s charging infrastructure constantly in the spotlight and often criticised for being inadequate, selfish drivers who have already switched to electric vehicles are actively trying to make life difficult for others who have opted for greener driving.
It is just one case of EV ownership misconduct highlighted by Sainsburys, which launched its own charging business, Smart Charge, in January.
By pretending to charge, EV owners are taking up charging spaces that are typically found in priority sections of car parks and are often available in large city centres.
With Britain’s charging infrastructure constantly in the spotlight and often criticised for not being up to par, selfish drivers who have already switched to electric vehicles are actively making life difficult for others who have opted for greener driving.
Seven in ten electric car owners surveyed said there is a lack of manners within the EV community, and nearly nine in ten drivers (88 percent) admitted to experiencing frustration at charging stations due to other drivers not following the rules.
When it comes to common problems, excessive plug usage is another major headache for a third (34 percent) of EV owners.
This is especially true when drivers try to charge their batteries above 80 percent at public devices, which is not recommended.
Because of how the charging curve works, as a battery approaches its maximum 100 percent capacity, the charging rate slows and therefore it takes longer to add range.
This is because the electrons entering the battery have to work harder to find space.
By charging up to 80 percent, EV owners typically add a lot of driving range and also avoid the slowest charging rate right at the end of the session.
Long wait times (31 percent), poor parking skills (29 percent) and “cable spaghetti” (drivers who grab the charging cable from the wrong side) (26 percent) are also among the top annoyances.
Sainsbury’s says a combination of these frustrations means nearly two in five (38 per cent) EV owners are less comfortable charging an EV compared to when they would fill up the tank of a combustion car with petrol or diesel.
Sainsbury’s says it is trying to address some of these issues by making its Smart Charge devices easier to find and use.
Loading spaces, like parent-child spaces and disabled spaces, are often given priority in car parks, which is why the rules are often violated.
Trish Devlin, customer director at the supermarket charging firm, said: ‘We know the rules around EV charging can be a minefield, but Smart Charge aims to make everyday life easier for drivers.
‘We always listen to our customers and want to help solve common problems, creating a better experience for everyone.
‘Smart Charge is designed to offer a unique and convenient service, providing spacious and accessible parking spaces, an easy-to-use contactless payment system and a lot of convenience for customers.’
Littering (20 percent), failing to follow directions (22 percent) and engaging in small talk (18 percent) also topped the list of most annoying issues for EV drivers.
When asked how they spend their time while waiting for their EV to charge, almost half admitted that they use this waiting time as an opportunity to have some time for themselves (47 percent) and do their weekly grocery shopping (29 percent).
Some do it to take a break from their family.
The survey found that 13 percent use the time to escape from their partner, while 12 percent say they enjoy it as a bit of freedom from the children.
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