Money Moral Dilemma: Should we pay for charging our electric car at other people's homes?

KaelaLee88

I would always offer to cover the cost of any electricity/gas usage while at someone else's home - you don't know their financial situation (remembering that what often looks like "prosperity" can easily be, in reality, "crippling debt"). 

Regarding the reductio ad absurdum suggestion of offering to cover the cost of a home cooked meal - if you were INVITED to Dinner/Tea, the Host would make it clear whether there were any implied conditions regarding payment. A good Guest always offers to bring a side or a dessert, some drink or flowers for the table and it may accepted that at some point, if able, you will return the invitation and Host the company at your home at some point in the future 

I remember many years ago when I was undertaking obligatory Carer training for assisting people in their homes, our Trainer informed us that "you cannot assume common-sense" - as time has gone on, I REALLY see the wisdom of his words! 

How sad that is x

Tim11111000111

My two cents:

I don't see a huge distinction between this and other aspects of host/guest interaction. If you think about it, the chances are there are lots of little ways your visit is costing the host money (and time/effort). The guest's part of the social contract is to be polite - asking permission before e.g. using the bathroom and maybe bringing a gift.

Offering to pay is not normally part of the etiquette, although there are some exceptions (I wouldn't expect anyone to offer to pay for a meal that the host has cooked, but if you're at a friend's house and order takeaway then it would be more normal to offer to split the bill).

Another key consideration is reciprocity. You've specified that these friends have electric cars too - do they ever visit you and charge their cars at your house?

It also depends on exactly how much energy you are using - a full "tank" would cost ~£15(?) which is not a trivial amount but a little top up would be less.

So I don't think there's a right answer. I would be inclined to offer to pay if you think you're costing them significant amounts of money and it is not reciprocated, but if it's just a little top up and they do the same at your house then I wouldn't rock the boat. Alternatively, do you actually need to charge up your car every time? Or could you simply avoid the whole situation by charging fully at your own house before you leave and when you get back?

naomipe

Hell yes, offer to pay. Especially if you know that they are struggling financially.

Terry_Byford

At the very least offer to pay. Otherwise it is simply taking advantage. But if it is a reciprocal arrangement that is shared equally, then no. 

NBLondon

Tim11111000111 said:

Alternatively, do you actually need to charge up your car every time? Or could you simply avoid the whole situation by charging fully at your own house before you leave and when you get back?

I'm assuming (dangerous I know) that there's been a long enough journey that the visitor needs some charging to get home securely.  Not "While I'm here I'm just going to grab a few million electrons".   In which case, they probably know that in advance and would have either planned in a stop or asked the host in advance.  Especially since there's an implication that the host has a compatible charger (or the visitor has adaptors in the boot).

It's not like a teenager pulling a phone charger out of their bag and plugging in without asking...

ardee

Offer out of courtesy.  I suspect that most friends will say no unless they are really struggling and if they are really struggling and say yes I'm sure you will be glad you asked.

ChrissieMT

If your car was petrol or diesel,  and you were low on fuel when you visit someone, you wouldn’t expect the friends or family to pay to fill up at the garage.

REJP

Blindingly obvious that OP's friend should not pay his/her electricity bill for charging a visitors car.  This really is unbelievable to be described as a dilemma.
I saw in a post above that it might be okay to do it if friends charged their car when they visit the OP.
what if they routinely turn up with only a little power left in batteries and do a full recharge?   This site is about saving money, not giving away free electricity!

Elainemcc78

Would you charge someone for using yours? How would you feel if someone plugged in and hadn't asked or offered money to you?
It would be the polite thing to offer. 

silvercar

REJP said:

Blindingly obvious that OP's friend should not pay his/her electricity bill for charging a visitors car.  This really is unbelievable to be described as a dilemma.
I saw in a post above that it might be okay to do it if friends charged their car when they visit the OP.
what if they routinely turn up with only a little power left in batteries and do a full recharge?   This site is about saving money, not giving away free electricity!

Depends whether you are the one giving the electricity or receiving!