The modern wave of electric cars has brought with it many benefits, but also a few downsides.

Aside from obvious factors like the issue of range anxiety for some users or spending a little more to buy a plug-in car in the first place, one of the biggest problems faced by actual electric car users is that of charging etiquette.

And in a new video, best practice for using public charging spaces is clearly explained by Marc Geller from Plug In America and Forrest North from Recargo.

The premise here is simple, but can cause some real problems for electric car owners wanting to plug in their vehicles.

Whether they've been "ICEd"--internal combustion engined vehicles parking in electric car spaces preventing EV owners from charging--or simply a plug-in car owner using the space but not charging themselves, it essentially prevents another electric vehicle driver from being able to charge their cars.

It's caused some real tensions not just between EV owners and drivers of regular vehicles, but between electric car and plug-in hybrid owners, and even drivers of identical vehicles using quick chargers.

Plug-in hybrids and range-extended electric cars typically need shorter charges than those relying only on battery power. That charge may be over in a short amount of time, but if the car is parked all day then other electric vehicles may be unable to charge.

And users of fast-chargers have had problems too. The last 20 percent or so of a fast charge is much slower than the first 80. Bay Area Nissan Leaf owners have debated etiquette, suggesting that unless you desperately need that last 20 percent for your journey, do another driver a favor and move your car so they can benefit too.

The video covers these issues and more, with a few etiquette tips to make life better for everyone--including signs to indicate whether you're happy for your car to be unplugged once it's charged, and not parking in spaces if you don't really need to charge.

Electric cars are a learning process for many users and by thinking of your fellow drivers, that process will be much more productive--and satisfying--for everyone.

Want to know more? We came up with our very own guide to charging etiquette back in 2010. It's as relevant today as it was back then!

[Hat tip: Brad Horton]

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