Unplugged

Mysterious Tesla Unplugger in Downtown L.A. Garage Ignites EV Etiquette Debate
By: Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) —

A wave of stealthy unplugging incidents in a downtown Los Angeles parking garage has sparked confusion, debate, and an unexpected reckoning over electric vehicle etiquette. Residents of MetroPoint Tower, a 28-story apartment and condo building catering to professionals and young families, say their Teslas have been mysteriously unplugged from shared charging stations during overnight hours—some while actively charging, but most just after reaching full battery.

“It’s honestly a little unsettling,” said Eric Alvarez, who leases a Model Y. “At first I thought someone was targeting Teslas, but then I realized it only happened when my car was at 100%. That’s when I noticed the notes.”

Those notes—written in neat handwriting on Post-its—have become a calling card of the unidentified individual residents are now referring to as The Unplugger. Phrases like “Unplugged at 3:08 a.m. after full charge at 2:12 a.m.” or “Your charge was done. Others are waiting.” have been left tucked beneath wipers or affixed near charge ports.

While some residents initially feared vandalism, no damage has been reported. Instead, the unplugging appears deliberate, careful, and oddly courteous.

“There’s a weird logic to it,” said Brooke Delgado, who owns a Model 3 and received one of the notes herself. “I was annoyed at first, but then I realized they were right—I had left it plugged in all night without thinking twice. It made me reevaluate my own habits.”

MetroPoint’s six Level 2 EV chargers service more than 40 electric vehicles in the building, with most usage happening between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. According to residents, competition for a charger can be fierce, especially on weekends.

Following the spate of incidents and growing resident tension, the building’s homeowners’ association implemented a new rule: a four-hour maximum charge duration during peak hours, with fines for repeat violators. They've also encouraged residents to use EV apps that send notifications when a car is fully charged, and posted signage reminding owners to “unplug promptly.”

“This is a symptom of infrastructure that hasn’t caught up with demand,” said Jamal Ortiz, a board member of the HOA. “People aren’t intentionally being selfish—many just forget. But shared resources need shared accountability. We’re not condoning unauthorized unplugging, but we’re not exactly shocked by it either.”

Electric vehicle experts agree that this kind of tension is becoming increasingly common in shared residential spaces.

“Most EV etiquette is still unspoken,” said Leslie Chang, director of EV Equity Watch, a nonprofit that tracks public charging infrastructure. “Unlike gas stations, chargers take hours—and when there aren’t enough to go around, people get creative. Sometimes that means leaving notes. Sometimes it means unplugging.”

While no one has come forward as The Unplugger, security footage exists for the garage, and the HOA says they’ve opted not to review it unless damage or a formal complaint arises. So far, most residents seem content letting the vigilante remain anonymous.

Interestingly, the unplugger has begun receiving some support. A new sticky note appeared this past week—this one not from The Unplugger, but from a fellow resident:

“Thanks for the reminder. I set a timer now. Appreciate the nudge.”

Others have followed suit, with EV drivers swapping tips on how to set battery alerts and rotate out cars more efficiently.

“It’s kind of funny,” Alvarez added. “In a weird way, the unplugger might’ve done more to improve charging culture in this building than any memo or meeting ever could.”

As the electric vehicle revolution continues to grow, the situation at MetroPoint Tower may serve as a preview of what’s to come across cities nationwide: anonymous enforcers, passive-aggressive notes, and a slow evolution toward better manners—one unplugged Tesla at a time.

This post was generated by ChatGPT and might be 100% false but hopefully it brought the need to #StopTheGenocide to more people. Please continue to the homepage for current, verified information and source links.