The benefits of installing EV charging stations for hotels

With the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars to be banned in the UK from 2030, it is critical for businesses like hotels to begin accommodating for the rapid rise in EV driving guests over the next few years.

Here we explore how hoteliers can futureproof their business by investing in EV chargepoint infrastructure, discussing the ways in which these new facilities can help attract and retain customers, generate long-term financial benefits, and enhance sustainability credentials.

Since the pandemic, the most successful businesses in hospitality are the ones that quickly adapt to the growing market and seize new opportunities to reattract guests. Currently, under 8% of charging devices in the UK are associated with hotels, and to reach the government’s target of 300,000 public EV chargepoints by 2030 – equivalent to almost five times the number of fuel pumps – a significant number of commercial chargers still need to be installed, especially in convenient ‘destination’ locations like hotels.

As more and more EVs roam the road, EV charging facilities have become an essential amenity for hotels to remain competitive in the market. It is a lucrative business opportunity for hoteliers that will unlock a window of benefits. From drawing in new customers to demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, offering EV charging facilities is a win-win solution for both hotels and our environment.

Let’s delve into the key benefits of EV charging infrastructure for hotels.

What are the key advantages of offering EV charge points in hotels?

1. Attract and retain more customers

One of the key benefits of investing in EV charging stations for hotels is that they can help attract and retain more customers. EV drivers are now a whole new customer segment, therefore providing EV charging facilities will increase a hotel’s visibility among this target market and provide a strong competitive advantage.

By incorporating the convenience of seamlessly integrated charging into the overall customer experience, hotels will also retain high-value customers and become a go-to hotel for any business journey or weekend getaway.

2. New stream of revenue

The provision of EV charging gives hoteliers the ability to generate a regular and reliable new income stream by charging a premium for their charging services, such as advanced booking fees, overnight fees, or rapid charging fees.

Additionally, providing EV charging facilities will draw in new customers who seek only to charge their vehicles. During the charge period, drivers usually stay and spend money on other hotel amenities such as food, beverages, or even spa services.

3. Become a sustainability leader

72% of consumers consider sustainability in purchasing decisions. As environmental concerns grow, sustainable behaviours of brands become increasingly important to consumers, so hotels that invest in green technology such as EV charging will attract many more guests – especially customers who actively look for eco-friendly accommodation options.

An extensive, easily accessible public EV charging network is essential for the successful decarbonisation of transportation. By investing in EV charge points, hotels pledge their support to carbon-free transportation and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, whilst equally enhancing their reputation as an environmentally conscious business and encouraging other brands to do the same.

4. Enhanced loyalty from employees and guests

As the UK races for net zero, many employees will be making the conscious decision to switch their current vehicles to electric, so having EV charging facilities to conveniently charge at work is a significant benefit for employees. It will also attract new employees to the business and improve employee satisfaction and retention amongst current staff which can lead to improved performance, enhanced guest experience, and higher profits.

5. Government incentives

In the hospitality sector, EV charging facilities will soon be less of a ‘nice-to-have’ and more of an expectation as the UK government sets to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030. To ease the financial burden and encourage the widespread rollout of commercial EV infrastructure, the government has introduced policies, incentives, and subsidies that significantly reduce the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining charging facilities in hotels.

6. Corporate environmental responsibility

Like any other business, hotels must comply with local and national regulations to reduce their carbon emissions. Hotels that provide EV charging stations demonstrate compliance with government regulations by supporting and encouraging the electrification of mobility. Prospectively, hoteliers that lower their carbon emissions will also receive financial incentives from the government for their efforts, such as reductions in corporate emissions tax.

How to move forward in your EV charging journey

Knowing where to start is often an issue for hotels looking to invest in EV charging stations, and one of the biggest roadblocks on this journey is finding financial resources. Luckily, there is a range of solutions out there to support funding, whether through a government grant that funds up to 75% of the upfront costs of installing EV charging facilities, or our bespoke funding solution that could completely remove the barriers to investing in EV charging infrastructure (see our range of partnership options).

Finding the right EV charging solution

Like any new technology, EV charging isn’t just a numbers game, it’s important to provide the right solution for hotel guests. Providing the wrong solution can leave your customers dissatisfied meaning they go elsewhere. Working with an infrastructure expert to design the right charging experience for your customers ensures you can provide them with the three R’s: Right Time, Right Location, and Right Speed. As an approved EV charge point provider, we provide fit-for-purpose bespoke EV charge point solutions that prioritise customer experience and generate additional revenue opportunities, helping hotels make a profit from their parking bays as well as their main facilities.