As the global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, businesses across all sectors are adapting to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure—and the hospitality industry is no exception. For hotels, resorts, and other lodging providers, offering on-site EV charging is no longer a niche perk; it has become an essential amenity for attracting and retaining guests.
Installing smart EV charging stations at your property not only solves the increasingly common issue of charging access for travelers but also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and modern guest expectations. By integrating EV chargers into your hotel’s services, you gain a competitive advantage, strengthen your brand image, and support a cleaner future for mobility.
It’s well-documented that around 80% of EV charging occurs at home. However, that leaves a significant portion of EV drivers who need access to reliable charging on the road—especially when traveling for work or leisure. This is where destination charging becomes critical.
Destination charging refers to the ability to charge a vehicle at the driver’s final stop, typically overnight or during a prolonged visit. Hotels, conference centers, resorts, and lodges are among the top destinations where EV drivers expect to find chargers. While on-the-go charging (such as highway fast-charging stations) is convenient for quick refueling during long drives, destination charging provides a more relaxed experience—allowing vehicles to charge slowly and steadily over several hours.
Most hotels will benefit most from installing Level 2 chargers, which offer a good balance of charging speed and cost-effectiveness. These chargers can replenish most EV batteries within 4 to 8 hours—perfect for overnight guests or visitors attending multi-hour events.
In contrast, DC fast chargers (Level 3), while significantly quicker, are more expensive to install and better suited for short-stay locations like roadside rest stops or convenience stores. However, large resorts or high-traffic properties may benefit from including one or two fast chargers to accommodate a wider range of guests.
EV drivers tend to belong to a more affluent and environmentally aware demographic. These travelers are more likely to choose lodging that supports sustainable transportation, and they actively search for accommodations that offer EV charging. By advertising your EV charging capabilities, your hotel becomes more appealing to these desirable customers—many of whom are loyal, repeat guests.
Popular travel booking websites and EV charging apps—like PlugShare, ChargeHub, and Tesla’s navigation system—now include EV charging filters. Hotels that offer this service are more likely to appear in search results and attract bookings from EV drivers planning their trips. In many cases, the presence (or absence) of a charger is a deciding factor in where guests stay.
EV charging doesn’t have to be a cost center. Hotels can monetize charging in several ways:
Pay-as-you-go pricing: Guests pay a fee per kWh, per session, or per hour.
Bundled with room rates: Premium packages can include free or discounted charging.
Loyalty program perks: Reward members with free charging to boost program participation.
Third-party partnerships: Collaborate with EV charging network providers that handle installation, maintenance, and revenue sharing.
These models allow hotels to create new profit centers while still providing value-added services to guests.
The hospitality industry is under growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. By installing EV chargers, hotels can significantly lower their carbon footprint while signaling to guests and investors that they are serious about sustainability.
Offering green amenities such as EV charging helps properties achieve certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals—key considerations for investors, corporations, and government institutions.
Governments, utilities, and local municipalities across the globe are offering a wide array of incentives to promote EV infrastructure. These include:
Federal and state grants
Tax credits for EV infrastructure
Utility rebates covering equipment and installation
Public-private partnership programs
Hotels can often recover a significant portion of upfront costs—sometimes up to 80%—through available funding. The sooner properties act, the more they can benefit, as incentive programs typically decrease over time.
Before installing EV chargers, hotels should evaluate:
Electrical capacity of the property
Parking layout and availability
Traffic flow and convenience for guests
Accessibility requirements (e.g., ADA compliance)
Integration with solar panels or renewable energy sources
This assessment helps determine the number, type, and ideal location of chargers.
Depending on your property size and guest behavior, you may opt for:
Level 2 chargers (240V): Ideal for overnight and long-term stays
DC fast chargers (480V+): Suitable for quick turnarounds or high-volume traffic
Smart chargers with load balancing: Automatically distribute energy to avoid overloading circuits
Many modern chargers include smart software for remote monitoring, maintenance, and usage analytics. Some even allow guests to reserve charging times via mobile apps or websites.
Hotels can enhance the experience by:
Offering branded EV chargers with logos and signage
Providing real-time charger availability via the hotel app or digital signage
Integrating EV charging into loyalty programs or rewards platforms
Creating dedicated EV-only parking areas close to entrances
The goal is to make the process smooth and hassle-free for your guests while reinforcing your brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Marriott has steadily expanded EV charging options across its global properties. By partnering with Tesla and other charging networks, many Marriott hotels now offer both Tesla and universal Level 2 chargers. Marriott Bonvoy members can search for EV-ready properties via the app.
Hilton’s “Travel with Purpose” program includes EV charging as a key component of its 2030 sustainability strategy. Hilton properties often collaborate with charging providers such as ChargePoint and Tesla to ensure reliable access for guests.
Accor, which owns brands like Novotel and Sofitel, has integrated EV charging into its broader green hospitality initiatives. In Europe, many Accor properties offer free EV charging as part of a growing eco-luxury trend.
Smaller hotels and inns have also embraced EV charging to differentiate themselves in the market. Some highlight their EV charging stations on social media, website listings, and eco-travel blogs to attract new audiences and boost brand awareness.
EV charging installation can cost between $2,000 and $10,000 per charger, depending on the type and location. However, financial incentives and utility partnerships can reduce this significantly. Long-term returns via increased bookings and revenue often outweigh initial costs.
Limited parking space can be an issue. Creative solutions include:
Reserving a few high-priority spots for EVs
Installing wall-mounted chargers to maximize space
Adding signage to prevent ICE (gasoline) vehicles from occupying EV spaces
Hotels with limited electrical capacity can use load management systems to distribute energy between chargers during peak hours. This avoids expensive electrical upgrades and reduces strain on the grid.
The future of hotel amenities will be defined by digital integration, sustainability, and personalization—and EV charging touches all three. Here’s what we can expect in the years ahead:
Widespread standardization of charging stations across all hotel classes, from economy to luxury.
AI-powered energy management, optimizing when and how vehicles are charged.
Integration with guest apps, enabling reservation, tracking, and billing from smartphones.
Partnerships with EV brands, co-marketing hotel stays and exclusive benefits.
Green tourism packages, where EV charging, carbon offsets, and eco-activities are bundled together.
As EV adoption continues to surge globally, offering charging stations will soon become as fundamental as having Wi-Fi or air conditioning.
For hotels, investing in EV charging stations is not just about technology—it’s about hospitality. It’s about anticipating the needs of the modern traveler, staying ahead of market trends, and embracing a sustainable future. By adding EV charging infrastructure to your property, you're doing more than powering vehicles—you’re powering guest satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and long-term growth.
Whether you run a large hotel chain, a boutique getaway, or a family-owned inn, now is the time to lead the charge. Your guests—and the planet—will thank you.
