Fake EV charging ports are being used all over America so drivers can get a better parking spot
Published on Jun 19, 2025 at 6:11 AM (UTC-4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jun 19, 2025 at 1:23 PM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Fake EV charging ports are cropping up across America so drivers can get a better parking spot.
Electric cars often enjoy premium parking spots, which are frequently located closer to where their owners want to go.
Owners of gas vehicles, though, have decided they want a bit of that action, adding fake charging ports to their cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs, to ‘steal’ those parking spots.
Naturally, those who own real electric vehicles are very annoyed at fake EV charging ports, as they find their premium spots are filled by combustion-powered vehicles.
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How the fake charging ports work
What owners of combustion cars are doing is adding fake EV charging ports to their vehicles using magnets.
This all stems from a desire to take those better parking spots that EV owners are allowed to use.
Plus, some want to prank their friends who own electric cars, tease them, and wind them up.
Not only do they add a fake charging port, but they also allow owners to ‘plug in’ the electric charger.
This gives the full illusion that the vehicle in question is electric and is being charged.
Some have seen the funny side of these fake EV charging port pranks.
The idea of a Ram TRX turning up at a charging port and plugging in is quite funny.
However, understandably, owners of legit electric cars are not happy with what has been going on.
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Why the fake EV charging ports annoy electric car owners so much
Not only do they lose their better parking spots, but it also stops them from recharging their cars.
Unless the fake electric vehicles leave quickly, it could hurt real electric car owners on their journeys.
If they are low on battery, it’s not going to be easy to find another charging port within reach.
Incredibly, there have been quite a few of these fake ports up for sale over recent months.
One of the most notable was the ‘PrankPort’, which was sold via Amazon and other retailers.
somebody out there created the "PrankPort", a fake EV charging port sold for $22.99 on Amazon that can be attached magnetically.
— Jaan of the EVwire.com ⚡ (@TheEVuniverse) December 13, 2024
Yes, it is exactly as dumb as it sounds. pic.twitter.com/XnVV16758W
Many electric enthusiasts became annoyed with it, and said anyone who bought one was ‘the worst of society.’
Thankfully for electric car owners, the PrankPort is no longer on sale.
Sadly, though, there are still enough alternatives out there to continue making their lives difficult.
Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a heritage steam railway.
