Powering the Future of Your Hotel: A Simple Guide to EV Charging in 2025
Picture visiting a library without internet access or a theme park without food and drinks available. While you could still spend time there, the lack of these essentials would likely leave a negative impression. In fact, you might even avoid such places knowing they don’t provide them.
The same holds true for hotel guests.
As the shift to electric transportation continues, travellers across Europe are coming to expect EV chargers wherever they stay. In a recent survey, EV drivers were asked how important it is for hotels to offer charging stations. Just 5% said it didn’t affect their decision when booking a hotel.
To remain competitive in the rapidly shifting hospitality industry, hotel professionals must meet, or ideally exceed, their guests’ fundamental expectations. A hundred years ago, the bare minimum was providing electricity. Fifty years ago, there may have been access to television. Today, with EV sales soaring, offering EVC stations is quickly becoming an essential service that could determine your hotel’s success.
Why EV Growth Opens New Opportunities for Hotels
The number of potential guests who specifically seek out hotels with EVC stations is steadily increasing.
Meeting the Evolving Needs and Preferences of Guests
Hoteliers, in particular, will feel this shift acutely. To remain competitive, hotels across Europe must integrate EV charging infrastructure into their offerings.
Turning Guests into Loyal Visitors
While we anticipate that EV charging will eventually become a standard offering in hotels of all kinds, there is still an opportunity for early adoption to help secure loyal customers. Having EV chargers available not only sets your hotel apart from competitors but also encourages customer retention, leading to more repeat bookings. To boost the likelihood of returning customers, consider including EV charging as part of your hotel’s loyalty program. Offering this service alongside traditional amenities, such as a buffet breakfast or fitness center, creates a seamless experience that meets all your guests’ needs.
Helping Guests Find Your Hotel
Hotel guests are often travelling from afar, which means making your location accessible to EV drivers is key. Thanks to EV roaming, guests can easily use your hotel’s chargers, much like how mobile phone roaming works. By collaborating with various EV charging networks, your hotel can allow guests from different providers to charge their cars at your facilities. This is just the beginning. With more rental cars transitioning to electric, hotels without EV charging stations will miss out on an increasingly important market.
Creating New Revenue Streams
Smart EV charging not only boosts your hotel’s appeal but also opens the door to new revenue opportunities. Consider offering a “charge while you stay” package to attract guests who might not have booked with you otherwise. In fact, some travelers may plan their trips around locations with reliable charging options. By making EV charging part of your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), you position your hotel as a must-visit destination for eco-conscious guests.
Diversifying Income Sources
Even if your guests are not staying overnight, they are likely to spend time at your hotel while waiting for their EVs to charge. This gives you the chance to increase revenue from amenities like your restaurant, bar, or spa. In short, hotels with EV charging can capitalize on the “while you wait” trend, offering guests more reasons to stay on-site and spend money.
Addressing the Needs of Corporate Clients
Business travel contributes significantly to hotel revenues, especially for meetings, conferences, and corporate events. As both small businesses and large corporations work to meet sustainability goals, the demand for EV charging at hotels is growing.
Aligning with Sustainability Goals
Sustainability is more than just a trend—it’s a critical priority. Consumers, both corporate and individual, are increasingly focused on the environment and selecting businesses that share these values. By providing EV charging stations, your hotel not only meets these expectations but also strengthens its own sustainability efforts. This positions you as an attractive choice for eco-conscious travellers and businesses alike.
EV Charging for Hoteliers: How to Get Started
Excited about offering EV charging at your hotel but unsure where to begin? Here’s an overview of how you can take the first steps.
Installing EV Chargers
The most straightforward way for hotels to offer EV charging is by partnering with a reliable charging service provider, such as Electriqua. It’s crucial to select a provider that follows the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP). This ensures seamless integration of hardware and software, guaranteeing that your charging infrastructure remains relevant and functional in the years to come.
Additionally, look for a provider who allows you to customise the branding of the charging stations and apps. Without this option, you won’t be able to leverage your EV charging facilities as a brand-building tool. Ensure your chosen partner is part of an open roaming network, allowing drivers from different networks to access your charging stations.
Roles and Responsibilities of Charging Network Operators
There are two main entities in the EVC ecosystem: e-Mobility Service Providers (EMSP) and Charge Point Operators (CPO).
- EMSPs connect EV drivers to charging stations and manage their payments, including facilitating roaming services when drivers need to access external networks.
- CPOs are responsible for maintaining and managing the network of charging points, ensuring the infrastructure is running smoothly and incorporating the latest advancements in smart charging technology.
Electriqua - Comprehensive EVCS Management Tool
Setting up and maintaining your own charging stations can be costly and complicated. It involves a range of tasks, including setting up infrastructure, maintenance, managing payments, handling compliance, and ensuring a smooth experience for EV drivers. Electriqua offers a comprehensive solution that covers the entire value chain, allowing hoteliers to focus on their core operations while minimising the costs and complexities involved in offering EV charging. From installation to ongoing management, Electriqua takes care of it all.
With Electriqua’s end-to-end solution, your hotel’s charging stations and the app can be fully branded with your hotel’s logo, colours, and fonts. This ensures a seamless experience for your guests from the moment they plug in until they receive their invoice. By incorporating EV charging into your hotel’s offerings, you not only meet a growing demand but also enhance the overall guest experience—giving you a competitive edge in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.
The EV Market Is Expanding Faster Than Expected
EVs are on a remarkable growth trajectory, exceeding previous forecasts. The shift towards EVs has gained remarkable momentum, and this transformation is still in its early stages. You’ve likely observed this change firsthand—what was once a rare sight is now becoming common. More and more people know someone who drives an electric car. This shift is being fueled by the global decarbonisation push and supported by government policies and incentives. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global sales increased 35% from the previous year.
Final Thoughts
As EVs become more mainstream, offering EV charging stations is no longer optional for hotels but a necessity. Providing this service meets growing guest demand, attracts eco-conscious travellers, and enhances customer loyalty. Additionally, it opens up new revenue opportunities and positions hotels as leaders in sustainability. By embracing EV charging, hotels future-proof their business and stay competitive in an evolving market.