ICE'd Again? How to Handle Blocked EV Charging Stations

It's incredibly frustrating to arrive at an EV charging station only to find it ICE'd – blocked by a gasoline-powered vehicle.

"ICEing" (pronounced "eye-sing") is when an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle – a gasoline or diesel-powered car – parks in a designated EV charging spot, preventing electric vehicles from accessing the charger.

We understand how inconvenient and annoying this can be, especially when you're low on charge and counting on that spot. You're not alone in experiencing this, and it's a common challenge EV drivers face.

Here's what you can do when you encounter an ICE'd charging station:

What to Do When a Charging Spot is ICE'd

1. Stay Calm and Assess: First, take a deep breath. Check if the spot is clearly marked as an EV charging station. Sometimes, signage might be poor, and the driver might genuinely not realize their mistake. Also, quickly check if the driver is in their vehicle.

2. Attempt a Polite Resolution (If Comfortable): If the driver is present, and you feel safe and comfortable, a polite word can often resolve the issue. Simply explain that this spot is designated for electric vehicle charging and you need to power up. Most people will move if they realize their error. If the driver isn't around, you could leave a polite, non-confrontational note on their windshield explaining the situation.

3. Document the Incident: If the vehicle isn't moved, it's helpful to gather some information.

   • Take photos or videos: Capture the vehicle's license plate, make, model, and color. Make sure your photos clearly show the blocked charging station and any relevant signage that indicates it's an EV-only spot.
   • Note the details: Write down the charging station ID, the network provider (like SWTCH, ChargePoint, etc.), and the exact address of the location. Also, jot down the time and date of the incident.

4. Report to the Right Authority: The best way to get the vehicle moved depends on where the charging station is located:

   • Private Property (Malls, Supermarkets, Private Lots): Your most effective first step is to contact the property management, store manager, or security personnel immediately. Show them your photos and explain the situation. Most of the time, the charging equipment is owned by the property itself, not the charging network provider (like SWTCH), so the property managers or their security teams have the direct authority to page the driver or arrange for the vehicle to be towed if there's a strict parking policy. While you can report it to the charging network's customer support, they often have to then relay the message to the property, which can add delays. Going directly to the property's management is usually quicker.
   • Public Property (City Streets, Public Garages): If it's a public space, contact the municipal parking authority or the non-emergency police line. In many areas, there are specific ordinances against ICEing, and authorities can issue tickets or arrange for towing.

Remember, your safety is paramount. Avoid confrontation or attempting to move the vehicle yourself. By taking these steps, you're not just helping yourself, but also contributing to better charging etiquette and access for all EV drivers.

In case you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call, SWTCH offers 24/7 customer support by telephone and e-mail. Our customer support line is 1-844-798-2438.