Incidents of "fistfights" or confrontations at charging stations during holiday seasons reflect the rising stress when demand clashes with limited supply. Especially during Songkran or New Year holidays, when everyone wants to return home or travel quickly, waiting at charging stations amid irritating weather can quickly lead to disputes. Queue jumping, charging up to 80% then continuing despite long waiting lines, and impatient people traveling in a hurry create tensions that spoil holiday travel experiences.
The main causes leading to conflicts often come from these factors.
1. Queue Jumping
App Reservations vs Onsite: Some people book properly through apps, but upon arrival find other cars already charging or others parking immediately after a car leaves without respecting the app queue.
2. Charging Camping
Charging to 100%: Normally, DC fast charging slows significantly from 80% to 100%. Cars insisting on full charge while others wait in a long line often cause frustration.
Not moving the car after charging: Some owners leave their car plugged in and go eat or run errands for too long, so even after the system stops charging, the car still blocks the spot.
3. Charging Station Malfunctions
When a charging station breaks down at strategic locations (like motorway rest stops), pressure shifts to the remaining stations, causing competition and emotional disputes.
How to Avoid and Handle Conflicts (EV Etiquette)
To reduce the chance of "drama" at charging stations, EV users commonly follow international etiquette. The 80% rule: if many cars are waiting, charging only up to 80% and sharing with others is good manners, since charging slows significantly after 80% (Charging Curve), making waiting difficult.
Communicate with signs: Many place phone numbers on their car or signs stating "Charging until [time]" or "Please unplug when full" (if the charging head can be unlocked).
Stay calm and negotiate: If someone breaks the rules, try to reason with them or notify station staff instead of confronting directly.
During holiday periods, preparing a "backup plan" by seeking less busy charging points or using dealership stations that allow public charging helps reduce stress and avoid queue battles.