Transit’s Festive Feats
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Christmas can be an etiquette minefield — family politics, tricky guests, unwanted presents, hosting dilemmas. The festive season can quickly become less sparkle and more stress.
This year, however, a new social dynamic is sparking a particular kind of ‘Christmas cringe’: the electric vehicle charging request.
Ford research reveals that 49 per cent of electric vehicle drivers in the UK would find it awkward to ask hosts to borrow their electric vehicle charger — and 12 per cent of hosts would be annoyed if a guest asked to charge their electric vehicle.1
Want a break from relatives? Incredibly, more than half of us would consider pretending to need to charge our electric vehicles — “a charge-mergency" — to do just that.
The good news is that good planning and communication can help to ease Christmas conundrums. For both hosts and guests, this is also true for navigating the etiquette of charging electric vehicles at home.
Ask in advance
If you are a guest at someone’s house over Christmas, it is good manners to check with your hosts what you can bring and warn them of anything specific, for example allergies or dietary requirements. The same goes for charging your electric vehicle. Always ask in advance rather than expecting to plug-in without any prior warning. Most people won’t mind, as long as they are asked politely.
Watch the clock
The Christmas rush can create extra delays, from heavier traffic to busier charging stations. Be organised and plan your journey properly; use an app to monitor suitable charging stations or pre-book a charging slot. Set off with plenty of charge to avoid unnecessary stops — no one wants Christmas lunch delayed because you are powering up en route.
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“Good manners cost nothing — and can make all the difference when asking to charge your vehicle.”Jo Bryant, Leading Etiquette Expert and Etiquette Tutor
Electric vehicle awareness
Hosts who have their own electric vehicle are going to be familiar with how it all works and might own a charger which makes it easier. If you are reliant on a three-pin plug for a charge it will be a slow process, and you should question whether a nearby charging station is a better option. It’s also worth thinking about logistics and practicalities — is it on-street parking only at the house, for example, or whether the driveway will be full of other guests’ cars.
Money matters
If you ask your host if you can charge, always offer something in return. If offering money feels awkward, then thank them specifically by giving an extra gift. Find out when they are comfortable with you charging as they may have an electricity tariff with reduced costs at certain times of day.
Avoid charge rage
Even if your hosts give you the green light to charge your vehicle while staying, always ask before you actually plug-in. You wouldn’t help yourself to food from their fridge, so never just assume it’s ok. There may also be other guests who have a more urgent charging-need, or your hosts may even want to charge their own vehicle.
“You wouldn’t help yourself to food from their fridge, so never just assume it’s ok to charge your vehicle.”Jo Bryant, Leading Etiquette Expert and Etiquette Tutor
Electric vehicle escapism
Sometimes it is easier to find a nearby charging station rather than charging at someone else’s house. This may be tempting escapism if the in-laws are getting too much, but time it wisely. Your charge-outing shouldn’t interfere with Christmas proceedings and key moments and do your research before you set off — find facilities nearby rather than driving around aimlessly looking for a charging station.
Host with the most
If you are hosting guests with electric vehicles, you want to be accommodating where possible. While most hosts are unlikely to say no to someone asking to charge, remember that most guests feel slightly awkward even asking. It’s also best to keep up the generous Christmas spirit and not accept any offers of money for your power-use.
Jo Bryant is a leading etiquette expert and etiquette tutor
1 Censuswide survey of 532 EV drivers in Europe, 1st-5th Dec 2025
