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Thanks to hard work by charging infrastructure chairman Greg Hanssen, C.E. Raum, Bob Seldon, and others who helped design, produce, then painstakingly assemble the cards (don't miss the tour of the sweatshop), we have a new charging protocol and the cards to help implement them, bringing us up to date with the Gen II cars, Gen II chargers, and inductively charged cars from other vendors. The plan is to get them out to ALL users of inductive chargers, not just EV1 club members since the protocols will work only if everyone understands them. The orginal concept for the card came from Lew George (EV Club of the South). Funding for the printing of the cards came from Saturn.

On the rear of the card, you will find the following explanation of the protocol: The Electric Vehicle Courtesy Charging Protocol has been designed to allow the use of a single inductive charger by multiple EV's. Please use this placard to indicate to other drivers the charge you will need to reach your next destination. As the number of electric vehicles on the road increases we must be aware of other drivers' needs, and the proper use of the protocol charge placard will help insure that all drivers can reach their next destination safely. When arriving at a public EV charger that is in use, determine if the vehicle present has reached the state of charge indicated. If so, you may remove the paddle and insert it into your vehicle. If the other driver has left a contact number, it may be agood idea to let them know. If you return before the other driver, please reconnect that vehicle or any others waiting for a charge. If you arrive at a charger and the vehicle present has not reached the indicated charge, please wait to remove the paddle until the desired state of charge has been reached. This is the primary reaason to request only a reasonable charge level. If no charge placard is displayed you may abide by the original protocol and remove the paddle after a charge of 80% has been reached. Electric vehicle ranges can vary widely between different makes and models as well as drivers. Newer vehicles with Nickel Metal Hydride or Lithium Ion batteries will have ranges far in excess of older Lead Acid equipped cars but will take longer to reach the same percentage state of charge. Always be realistic concerning the state of charge you are requesting (i.e. a 10 mile trip will not require a 70% charge). Lastly, no setting has been placed on the placard for Full/Complete. Most vehicles (especially Lead Acid) require a lengthy period to finish the charge cycle without significantly increasing the range, thus only 94%+ (8/8 bars) may be requested. If you do need a Full/Complete, please make special arrangements. Display the Charging Protocol Placard in a visible location. Always connect another vehicle to the charger upon your return. Respect others - wait to connect your vehicle until another vehicle has finished, and request only the amount of charge you need to reach your next destination. If your vehicle has a locking charge port please leave it open so other drivers can insert the paddle upon return. Insert the paddle briefly into the charger to "reset" it before inserting into another vehicle and make sure the charger reads "CHARGING". Whenever possible, park in a fashion that permits other vehicles to access the charger. If you find a charger that is not functioning properly, contact: 1-888-890-GOEV If you can, leave a contact number on the placard. A simple call will clear up most difficulties. The proper and conscientious use of this placard will enable more vehicles to make use of the public charging infrastructure and increase everyone's enjoyment of their electric vehicle.