Vauxhall launches guide to electric car etiquette

If you’re holding back on an EV purchase because of a lack of guidance on how and where to use it, Vauxhall thinks its new ‘Guide to Electric Vehicle Etiquette’ could be for you.

The guide has been compiled in partnership with Debretts, most commonly known these days for its A-Z of Modern Manners and a Wedding Handbook which outline established protocol and form for those who like to make the right impression in posh social circles. Vauxhall says it produced the guide after its own research found that 90 per cent of drivers felt uncertain about using public chargers, and therefore were uncertain about making the switch to driving an EV.

The ‘Guide to EV Etiquette’ covers all the key scenarios when charging, including tips on what to do if you find a non-EV driver parked in a charging bay, and how to queue in an orderly fashion when waiting for your turn to plug in. There are also tips on how to negotiate charging time with other drivers, and how to be a good EV-driving house guest.

Vauxhall says its research has highlighted interesting differences in how EV drivers interact with other motorists. For example the firm reports that 55 per cent of plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle drivers that it questioned said they would let another motorist who needed less charge go ahead of them in the queue at a public charge point. By way of contrast, only 15 per cent of petrol and diesel drivers said they would consider doing the same at a filling station or garage.

Other research highlights include the fact that 50 per cent of drivers would feel awkward about asking others to vacate space at an EV charger if they needed to charge. The guide helpfully provides tips on how to accost other drivers diplomatically when you think it’s time for them to make way for your car. Read the full guide here.

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