Smart Solutions to Prevent Unauthorized Parking at EV Charging Stations 

As more people switch to electric vehicles, there’s a growing issue no one likes dealing with—blocked EV charging spots. From ICE vehicles parked where they shouldn’t be to EVs overstaying their welcome, it’s a problem that wastes time and causes frustration. This blog explores what’s behind it and how smart tech is making sure chargers stay available when they’re actually needed.

Why Protecting EV Charging Spots Matters

The global EV industry is expanding at an impressive pace, with projections indicating that the number of electric vehicles on the road could reach around 380 million by 2030 (IEA, 2023). As this transition to EVs accelerates and more people make the switch, the availability and proper use of EV charging stations become even more important.

One of the main issues electric vehicle users face today is the misuse of charging spots. Ensuring that EV parking spaces are secure is essential, as these spots are vital to the daily lives of electric vehicle owners. Their accessibility directly influences the ease and success of the shift toward a more sustainable future. Without proper EV charger misuse prevention, the performance of the entire charging network could be compromised.

EV charging misuse explained: ICEing and hogging

Electric vehicle charging stations are designed to facilitate easy access and support the increasing demand for sustainable transportation while guaranteeing fair access for all users. Unfortunately, some drivers abuse the time they spend using the charging infrastructure or ignore the sharing rules, preventing other drivers from using them effectively.

What is ICEing and why is it a problem?

ICEing refers to the act of an ICE vehicle—a vehicle powered by an Internal Combustion Engine—parking in a spot designated for electric vehicle (EV) charging.

This often happens either due to ignorance or disregard for EV needs. It is a major problem that electric vehicle drivers face when they try to recharge their car and a regular car blocking them, preventing them from continuing their journey. Stopping unauthorized parking at EV charging spots is essential to prevent this issue. 

How EV drivers contribute to charging spot misuse (hogging)?

Electric vehicle drivers can also contribute to this problem by leaving their car occupying a parking space reserved for charging, even after the plug-in session has ended. These drivers are often referred to as hogging drivers, as they disrupt the flow and availability of the charging system.

Without intervention, both behaviors can seriously hinder EV adoption and reduce the effectiveness of charging infrastructure—especially in urban areas where space is already limited. The solution? Smarter parking management. 

Smart Solutions to Prevent Unauthorized Parking

• Clear Signage and Markings

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unauthorized parking at EV charging stations is through clear, visible signage. Drivers can easily overlook unclear or poorly placed instructions, especially when searching for parking in busy areas. Color-coded signs and pavement markings help make the purpose of each space obvious. Warnings such as “EV Charging Only” or “No Parking” — along with stated consequences — reinforce the rules and help deter misuse.

• Implementing Smart Parking Barriers

The installation of smart parking barriers is a guaranteed way to prevent cars from parking illegally at EV charging stations. Indeed, this solution could formally indicate that the space is reserved for EVs through clear signage and physically block access, ensuring that only e-vehicles can occupy the EV charging spots. This barrier is installed individually on each parking space reserved for electric vehicles and only opens to allow EVs to park, blocking access to any vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

For example, Parklio's Smart Parking Barrier can be controlled by the users via their mobile devices, ensuring only authorized people can access the charger. The barrier closes automatically each time a vehicle leaves, enhancing security and ensuring optimal utilization of the charging infrastructure. This kind of system is ideal for commercial EV charging station protection, where availability and reliability are critical to operation. It can play a key role in EV parking spot protection and helps to stop unauthorized parking at EV charging spots.

• Reservation Systems for Charging Spots

Efficient management of EV charging infrastructure begins with visibility and control—and reservation systems provide both. By enabling EV drivers to schedule their charging session in advance, these systems remove the uncertainty that comes with first-come, first-served parking. This approach is especially valuable in high-traffic areas or commercial environments where charging demand can exceed supply.

With Parklio’s reservation calendar, users can access a digital platform to find, book, and navigate to their assigned spot. The reservation calendar software integrates seamlessly with smart barriers or access systems, preventing unauthorized entry and granting access solely to the designated user, thereby ensuring a cohesive connection between digital access and physical security. This prevents unauthorized use, maximizes station turnover, and enhances the overall EV experience.

• Real-Time Monitoring and Management

Beyond physical protection, to ensure a fair and efficient rotation of vehicles at EV charging spots, you could integrate a smart system into your parking that manages electric vehicles parking using real-time data and smart analytics.

This would allow you to provide important information to your users and collect data that will greatly assist in managing your parking. With Parklio’s Parking Management System (PMS), you gain detailed insights into the usage of EV charging stations that are protected by Parklio Barriers. The PMS allows you to see whether a charging spot is occupied or available based on the status of the barrier (open or closed). Additionally, you can remotely control the barrier, raising or lowering it through the system, to manage access and ensure that the charging station is used efficiently. 

Enhancing User Experience with Integrated Solutions

 Electric mobility is going to prevail only if it's backed by reliable, user-friendly infrastructure. That means EV charging stations must be easy to locate, simple to use, and protected from misuse. By combining smart parking barriers, reservation systems, monitoring, and centralized management, we create a charging experience that’s efficient, secure, and stress-free. The result? A smoother, smarter, and more sustainable parking experience for all. Contact us today and start building smart EV parking solutions for cities.