We’ll need a new etiquette for the fast-approaching plug-in car era
Who says etiquette is dead? The modern technological age has spawned a new unspoken code of dos and don’ts. For example, I’m a tech-savvy millennial yet am still bamboozled by many of the basic rules of social media.
This is the limit of my understanding: on Facebook it’s mandatory to write sympathetic, appreciative words of encouragement under even the blandest of posts. Blurry photo of a not-so-new puppy doing nothing special? Respond with “Wow! So cute” or “Adorable”.
On Twitter, by contrast, vilification and utter derision are the orders of the day. If someone’s argument is unimpeachable, simply ignore.
Don’t get me started on the niceties of Snapchat.
Unfortunately, such tech faux pas are set to spread to a new domain. Volvo has announced plans to become the first major car manufacturer to go allelectric, producing plug-in vehicles that can be recharged from power outlets even at home. Think of the ramifications. Limitless new opportunities to put one’s foot in it.
To help us all, I have prepared a guide to electric car etiquette, for the rapidly approaching era when turning the key on a combustion engine is about as socially acceptable as firing up a filterless Gauloises in a nursery of newborn asthmatics.
First off: electric cars are powered by a battery. Inevitably there will come a time when you arrive at someone else’s home low on juice. The question is, when do you broach the allimportant plug question? For this we have a useful template: we are all wellpractised at engaging in a suitable amount of conversation before getting to small matter of what a host’s Wi-fi password is.
Just adopt the same formula with electric cars – a few questions about the children, tutting over the troublesome neighbours, some kind words about the new curtains; then you can comfortably broach the subject of a quick garage charge-up. And if they don’t have a garage – horror! – you’ll enjoy the awkward shuffle as you feed the extension cord through the living room window without ruining the paintwork.
Of course, such risks can be minimised with careful preparation. Soon there will come a day when everyone possesses a mental map of plugs en route to certain destinations, much as those with weak bladders must today memorise the locations of loo stops. When no one has sufficient battery to get anywhere, it will also become custom to make friends on certain routes. Instead of car sharing, plug sharing.
Then of course, there’s these cars’ limited range. But don’t let “range anxiety” make you anxious. Look on the bright side. Don’t fancy making the weekend trek to Aunty Eileen’s house? Simply excuse yourself saying: “So sorry, Aunty, I completely forgot to charge the car, and now we just won’t make it.”
And when it is suggested that you give that portly, uncouth fellow weekend guest a Sunday lift back to town, protest that you would love to, but just don’t have the electro-horsepower to transport someone of his robust stature.
Finally, the electric car is silent. When visiting friends, they may be perturbed when you knock without the usual noisy build-up. Never fear. This is where the car horn can really come into its own. The car revolution is coming. Just make sure your manners are ready for it.