Vauxhall publishes etiquette guide for EV drivers with Debrett’s

A new etiquette guide for electric vehicle (EV) drivers has been created by Vauxhall and British etiquette expert, Debrett’s.

The Guide to Electric Vehicle Etiquette offers drivers tips on how to navigate key areas of driving an EV.

The manufacturer found in recent research that almost 90% of UK drivers say a lack of guidance on how to use public EV chargers puts them off making the switch to an EV, while 77% told Vauxhall they are unclear on etiquette relating to EV ownership.

Compiled with the help of EV 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.

Liz Wyse, from Debrett’s, said: “As the electric vehicle revolution transforms our roads, our behaviour and etiquette must accommodate changes.

“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.”

Vauxhall’s research highlighted 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.

Almost half (46%) of EV drivers also reported that they have been unable to park in a charging bay because a non-electric vehicle was taking up the space. Some 40% have also found that charging bays are too small to accommodate their electric vehicle.

In combination with the guide, Vauxhall has also created timing cards for drivers to put in their vehicles to keep other motorists informed of how long they will be charging for.

James Taylor, managing director of 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.”

Other areas of contention that Vauxhall’s Guide to Electric Vehicle Etiquette provides support on include how to queue orderly when waiting to use a public charge point and being aware of any EV-dedicated signage in the area that may be there to guide you.

More than half (57%) of those surveyed said there is an inadequate number of public signs on UK roads to help EV drivers find suitable charging points.