We are all happy that more and more EV charging stations are installed. Often they are put in premium places, near elevators or close to the mall entrance and such. Basically premium parking spots. What I noticed is that many of these ICE cars that have an added limited electric drive train (Volt, plug in Prius) are taking advantage of being a little bit of an EV and park at charging stations. Not because they need to charge but because they love taking advantage of the premium parking spots.
Here at a popular mall the charging stations have been installed in the more desirable area of the parking structure. Sure enough every time I go there and plug in, I see those electric assisted ICE cars parking there and not plugged in. Some pretend to charge and plug in the cable but never activate the charger (I can tell as the display would show). Clearly they don't care about charging and making sure they use as much e-power vs gas. They got their car to have an eco-friendly feeling and get the benefits of the prime parking and use the car pool lane. Not only do they not care about driving electric vs gas, they feel so selfish that they block others from charging (that really want or need it) in taking these spots. It is always the Volt and Prius drivers that do it. All-electric EVs usually plug in and actually charge. Although I have seen several Leafs not plugging in even at chargers that are 100% free! Being too lazy to walk a few stairs or take an elevator is more important than any other EV driver that might need to charge.
Yes there are plenty of Volt and plug in Prius drivers that are considerate, but there will always be jerks who only think about their own advantage. There is no cure for it. The only thing that helps this problem is putting EV charging stations in areas of the parking structure that isn't considered preferable. Put them on the opposite corner or upper levels. This will take care of the problem without any enforcement. Every EV driver that actually needs to charge doesn't mind going up a few more levels or walking 1 min across the parking lot when this makes sure there is an open charger.
Here at a popular mall the charging stations have been installed in the more desirable area of the parking structure. Sure enough every time I go there and plug in, I see those electric assisted ICE cars parking there and not plugged in. Some pretend to charge and plug in the cable but never activate the charger (I can tell as the display would show). Clearly they don't care about charging and making sure they use as much e-power vs gas. They got their car to have an eco-friendly feeling and get the benefits of the prime parking and use the car pool lane. Not only do they not care about driving electric vs gas, they feel so selfish that they block others from charging (that really want or need it) in taking these spots. It is always the Volt and Prius drivers that do it. All-electric EVs usually plug in and actually charge. Although I have seen several Leafs not plugging in even at chargers that are 100% free! Being too lazy to walk a few stairs or take an elevator is more important than any other EV driver that might need to charge.
Yes there are plenty of Volt and plug in Prius drivers that are considerate, but there will always be jerks who only think about their own advantage. There is no cure for it. The only thing that helps this problem is putting EV charging stations in areas of the parking structure that isn't considered preferable. Put them on the opposite corner or upper levels. This will take care of the problem without any enforcement. Every EV driver that actually needs to charge doesn't mind going up a few more levels or walking 1 min across the parking lot when this makes sure there is an open charger.