Last verified: 5 October 2026
The 80% rule
Fast chargers aren't fast to 100%. Charging curves mean the final 20% can take as long as the first 60% — while someone queues behind you. Unless you genuinely need every kilometre, unplug at 80% and let the next car in. Your navigation will route you to the next charger sooner; you'll lose less total time.
Unplug and move
A finished session in a charging bay is a blocked charger. Most apps ping you at completion; several networks charge idle fees. Set an alarm when you plug in if you're heading into a shop.
- Tesla Superchargers bill idle fees automatically
- Evie and Chargefox sites increasingly enforce idle fees
- If the site is empty and you need 100%, fine — but check the queue before walking away
ICEing and bay blocking
A petrol car in a charging bay ("ICEing") is an enforceable parking infringement in most states now. If it happens to you: photograph, report to the site host, and check PlugShare for the nearest alternative. Confrontation is optional; documentation is useful.
Frequently asked questions
On DC fast charging, generally yes if others are waiting — the last 20% is slow and the queue is real. On AC destination chargers (overnight at a motel), charging to 100% is expected and fine.
Per-minute charges for staying plugged in after your session completes. Tesla pioneered them at Superchargers; Evie and others now apply them at busy sites. They exist because one blocked stall halves a site's capacity.
No — and on most cars you physically can't, since cables lock during charging. Some cars auto-unlock at 100%; even then, the community norm is to leave a note, not touch the cable.
First come, first served — but courtesy says the driver at 5% with kids in the car outranks the driver topping up from 60% "while I'm here anyway". If you don't need it, leave it.