Question: Have you ever been ICED'd? What did you do about it? We usually suggest to the station owners that they update their signage to clearly state "EV Charging Only," stenciling it on the spot, and painting the bordering lines green to help give a clear visual clue that this space is special. What do you do when a charging space is being used by a gasoline car? Share your suggestions below if you've got them! For lurking newbs: ICE'd is when an Internal-Combustion Engine car parks in spaces reserved for plug-in EV's.
I carry a 24 ft, J1772 extension cord in the Prius Prime and park close enough to reach the EVSE. The Prime has the shortest EV range so most sensitive to needing a charge away from home but there is another solution. Both of our cars are plug-in hybrids. So I can just use the engine to complete my errands and never give a second thought. Bob Wilson
When I still lived in an apartment, we would have an issue with people parking their ICE cars in the EV spots. Usually it was amazon/pizza delivery guys, visitors to the complex, etc. Other residents weren't the issue. We and some of the other Plug-in owners in our building complained and they painted the spot completely green (Not just the border) and put up a sign saying that cars not plugged in and charging will be towed. It worked like a charm. The last several months I lived there, I can't recall having any issues.
This is a fantastic tip, thanks for sharing it! It's always a little bit of a welcome surprise when such a simple solution works. Glad to hear it. Has anyone ever used printables like these? You print them out, keep a few with you, and leave them on windshields as needed. source
Briefly but then I realized: If they deliberately did it - a note provides confirmation they pissed us off, like a troll, their positive feedback. If by accident - you've alienated a potential friend and shown we're elitist. A better answer is technical: Locate away from entrances - this will avoid competing for the shortest walk, lazy people. Away from nice places to park, shady - EVs can run their AC or heaters when charging. Again, seeking separation from the non-plug people. Multiple parking places - ideal, at the center of four parking spaces. A single ICE-hole can't spoil the spot. Bob Wilson
Interesting points! I don't think anyone wants to be seen as elitist, though the reality is that an EV spot is a necessity, and I believe most would be receptive to that if they were unfamiliar. Can you clarify your ideas for multiple parking places, I'm not sure I understand.
Ideal location (say light pole in middle of lot) - a single J1772 can reach all four parking places. In an ideal configuration, someone driving up and finding the EVSE busy, send an SMS notice when it becomes free. However, it may require a one-time pedestal and barrier along with laying power cables under parking lot or through a surface curb, cable tunnel. Next best - a single J1772 can reach three parking places. Worst - services only one parking place. As for elitism, I was thinking of this example: Leaving a note comes a little too close to one-on-one and both are 'in the commons.' This is a property owner problem which signage, painted parking place, or 'parking enforcement' should handle. So get local regulations allowing parking enforcement to leave a $25 gift to the City. Bob Wilson
I just continued my errands using the gas engine as needed. Sometimes I return to find the EVSE is available. Bob Wilson
A simple solution: https://electrek.co/2019/11/12/tesla-iced-pickup-truck-satisfying-justice-police-lift-crane/
My wife was iced a few days ago. She told me that she wanted to let the air out of the tires of the offending vehicle. But she didn't think she could get away with it... It's happened to her many times (shopping centres are the worst), and she is getting tired of it.
(Bill 123 , Reserved Parking for Electric Vehicle Charging Act, 2019) baby step forward in Ontario but will it actually become law? https://ww.electrek.co/2019/12/03/ontario-parliaments-red-hot-debate-over-125-fee-for-ice-cars-blocking-ev-charging-stations/
We should have that here in BC. And with green friendly govts here at the moment, why isn't it happening?
The local law offices have reserved parking spots with tow away warning sign and contracts with towing companies. The company sends a truck out and makes enough money to stay in business... even at night. Tow fees are in the $250 range. Bob Wilson
We have this in Quebec. I think the fine comes close to $200 when you factor in the service fee (whatever that is). The only thing wrong with our bill is the way it was written as it introduces a loop hole. The charging cable only needs to be connected to the car, and it does not actually have to be charging the car. Maybe they will amend it some day to stipulate that it must be actually in use.
I'm planning on printing several fliers.. One for ICE cars which will contain the Florida Statute regarding ICEing Another one for PHEV or EV owners who leave their car for hours after they finished charging (or those who park in the EV spot without plugging in at all), asking them to move their car whenever they are done so that others can charge too.