It’s 2026, and the Australian “servo” is undergoing a quiet, high-voltage transformation. If you pulled into a highway stop three years ago, you might have seen one lonely Tesla Supercharger and a lot of empty space. Today, you’re more likely to see a bustling hub of ultra-rapid DC units, a queue of BYD Shark 6 utes, and the occasional frustrated driver pacing near a connector.

As the number of EVs on Australian roads has surged, so has the tension at the plug. The “Wild West” era of public charging is over. We’ve moved beyond the novelty phase and into the high-stakes reality of a busy network. At EV Evolution, we’re seeing that the biggest barrier to a smooth trip isn’t range—it’s the lack of common EV charging etiquette.

To keep the peace and get everyone to their destination, here are the unwritten rules of the road for 2026.

1. The “80% Rule” (The Golden Law of Physics)

In 2026, the most common “dog act” at a charging station is sitting on an ultra-rapid charger until your battery hits 100%. To understand why, we have to look at the physics of the charging curve.

As a battery nears capacity, the internal resistance increases, and the charging speed drops off a cliff. Think of it like a car park: when the lot is empty, it’s easy to find a spot. When it’s 95% full, you have to drive slowly to find that last space.

Mathematically, the power delivered to your battery ($P$) is a product of voltage ($V$) and current ($I$):

$$P = V \times I$$

When your battery hits approximately 80% State of Charge (SoC), the vehicle’s Battery Management System (BMS) throttles the current ($I$) to protect the cells from overheating and degradation.

The Etiquette: If there is a queue, unplug at 80%. That last 20% can take as long as the first 80%. Don’t be the person holding up three other families just to gain an extra 40km of range that you probably don’t need to reach your next stop.

2. No “Ghosting” or ICEing

We all know about ICEing—when an Internal Combustion Engine car parks in an EV spot. In 2026, many states have introduced hefty fines (up to $2,200 in NSW) to combat this. But there is a new, equally frustrating sin: Ghosting.

• ICEing: A petrol car blocking a charger.
• Ghosting: An EV parked in a charging bay but not actually plugged in.

Just because you drive an EV doesn’t give you “priority parking” at the shops. If you aren’t drawing electrons, you’re blocking someone who might be on 2% and desperate.

3. Match the Speed to the Need

In 2026, we have a mix of 50kW, 150kW, and 350kW “Ultra-Rapid” chargers. One of the key public charging rules is choosing the right tool for the job.

If you drive a car with a lower peak charging rate—say, an older model or a budget-friendly city hatch—don’t occupy a 350kW ultra-rapid charger if a 50kW unit is available. You can’t “force” your car to charge faster than its hardware allows. By taking the ultra-rapid spot, you’re preventing a Porsche Taycan or a Kia EV9 (which can actually utilize those speeds) from clearing the bay quickly.

4. The “10-Minute Grace” and Idle Fees

In 2026, major networks like the NRMA, Evie, and Tesla have moved to a strict Idle Fee model. Once your charging session ends, you usually have a 10-minute grace period to move your car before you start being charged upwards of $1.00 per minute.

Pro Tip: Use your car’s app (or PlugShare) to monitor your progress. Set an alarm for 5 minutes before your target SoC so you can be back at the car, coffee in hand, ready to roll the moment the “Click” happens.

5. Leave it Better than You Found It

This is basic EV charging station manners. Australian conditions are harsh—dust, heat, and rain take a toll on equipment.

• The Cable: Don’t leave it on the ground where it can be run over. Hang it back on the holster properly.
• The Report: If a charger is “acting up” or the screen is dead, don’t just leave quietly. Report it via the app. The “mateship” of the EV community depends on us all acting as a distributed maintenance crew.

The 2026 “Fair Go” Cheat Sheet

The EV Evolution Voice

At EV Evolution, we believe that the transition to electric is as much about social change as it is about technology. We’ve built the cars and the chargers; now we need to build the culture. Good etiquette ensures that the network remains reliable and—more importantly—stress-free for everyone.

Whether you’re a veteran EV road-tripper or you’ve just picked up your first MG Cyberster, remember that we’re all sharing a limited (but growing) resource. A little bit of courtesy goes a lot further than a 350kW burst of speed.

🤖 Still confused about the “Charge vs. Park” debate?

Charging etiquette can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to balance a hungry family, a long road trip, and a battery that’s taking its sweet time. How long should you really stay plugged in when there’s a line of cars behind you?

Get the “socially acceptable” answer in seconds.

Our EV Evolution AI chatbot is programmed with the latest 2026 network data and community standards to help you navigate the tricky social waters of the charging hub.

Start a conversation now and ask our AI:

“How long is it ‘socially acceptable’ to occupy an ultra-rapid charger?”

You can also ask:

• “What are the current idle fees for Evie and Chargefox in 2026?”
• “Can I unplug another car if their charging has clearly finished?”
• “How do I report a petrol car blocking an EV spot in Queensland?”

Chat with the EV Evolution AI now and let’s make the Aussie road trip better for everyone!

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.