Do hotels charge for ev charging? Yes, thousands of hotels with EV chargers already exist across the country. But for a hotel owner or manager, that is the wrong question to ask. The right question is: "How quickly can I get EV chargers installed to attract more guests, increase revenue, and outperform my competition?" The data is clear: EV charging is no longer a niche perk. It is a decision-making amenity for a rapidly growing and affluent group of travelers.
This guide is for hotel decision-makers. We will skip the basics and give you a direct action plan. We will cover the clear business case, what type of charger you need, the costs involved, and how to turn your new chargers into a powerful marketing tool. This is your roadmap to making your property the top choice for EV drivers.
The "Why": EV Charging as a High-Performance Engine for Hotel Revenue
Installing EV chargers is not an expense; it is a strategic investment with a clear return. The world's leading hotel brands have already recognized this, and the data shows why.
Attract a Premium Guest Demographic
Electric vehicle drivers are an ideal hotel guest segment. According to a 2023 study, EV owners are typically more affluent and tech-savvy than the average consumer. They travel more and have higher disposable income. By offering a vital service they need, you put your hotel directly in their path. A report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows the number of EVs on the road is expected to grow tenfold by 2030, meaning this valuable guest pool is expanding exponentially.
Increase Revenue (RevPAR) and Occupancy Rates
Hotels with EV chargers win more bookings. It's that simple. On booking platforms like Expedia and Booking.com, "EV Charging Station" is now a key filter. A 2024 J.D. Power study found that the lack of public charging availability is the top reason consumers reject buying an EV. By solving this pain point, your hotel immediately stands out. This leads to:
•Higher Occupancy: You capture bookings from EV drivers who would otherwise stay elsewhere.
•Higher RevPAR: These guests often book longer stays and spend more on-site at your restaurant or bar while their vehicle charges.
Real-World Case Studies: The Leaders of the Pack
You don't have to look far to see this strategy in action.
•Hilton & Tesla: In 2023, Hilton announced a landmark deal to install 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors across 2,000 of its hotels in North America. This move instantly made their properties a top choice for the largest group of EV drivers.
•Marriott & EVgo: Marriott's "Bonvoy" program has long partnered with public networks like EVgo to offer charging. This shows their commitment to serving all types of EV drivers, not just Tesla owners.
•Hyatt: Hyatt has been a leader in this space for years, often offering free charging as a loyalty perk, building immense goodwill with guests.
The "What": Choosing the Right Charger for Your Hotel
Not all chargers are created equal. For a hotel, choosing the right type of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is crucial for managing costs and meeting guest expectations.
Level 2 Charging: The Sweet Spot for Hospitality
For 99% of hotels, Level 2 (L2) charging is the perfect solution. It uses a 240-volt circuit (similar to an electric dryer) and can add about 25 miles of range per hour of charging. This is ideal for overnight guests who can plug in upon arrival and wake up to a fully charged car.
The benefits of Level 2 chargers are clear:
•Lower Cost: The charging station cost for L2 hardware and installation is significantly lower than for faster options.
•Simpler Installation: It requires less power and less complex electrical work.
•Meets Guest Needs: Perfectly matches the "dwell time" of an overnight hotel guest.
DC Fast Charging: Usually an Overkill for Hotels
DC Fast Charging (DCFC) can charge a vehicle to 80% in just 20-40 minutes. While impressive, it's often unnecessary and cost-prohibitive for a hotel. The power requirements are immense, and the cost can be 10 to 20 times higher than a Level 2 station. DCFC makes sense for highway rest stops, not typically for a hotel parking lot where guests stay for hours.
Comparison of Charging Levels for Hotels
| Feature | Level 2 Charging (Recommended) | DC Fast Charging (DCFC) |
| Best For | Overnight guests, long-duration parking | Quick top-ups, highway travelers |
| Charging Speed | 20-30 miles of range per hour | 150+ miles of range in 30 mins |
| Typical Cost | $4,000 - $10,000 per station (installed) | $50,000 - $150,000+ per station |
| Power Needs | 240V AC, similar to a clothes dryer | 480V 3-Phase AC, major electrical upgrade |
| Guest Experience | "Set it and forget it" overnight convenience | "Gas station" like quick stop |
The "How": Your Action Plan for Installation & Operation
Getting chargers installed is a straightforward process when broken down into steps.
Step 1: Planning Your EV Charging Station Design
First, assess your property. Identify the best parking spots for chargers—ideally close to a main electrical panel to reduce wiring costs. A thoughtful EV Charging Station Design considers visibility, accessibility (ADA compliance), and safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides guidelines for safe and accessible installation. Start with 2 to 4 charging ports for every 50-75 rooms, with a plan to scale up.
Step 2: Understanding Costs & Unlocking Incentives
The total cost will depend on your existing electrical infrastructure. However, you are not alone in this investment. The U.S. government offers significant incentives. The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit (30C) can cover up to 30% of the cost, or $100,000 per unit. Additionally, many states and local utility companies offer their own rebates and grants.
Step 3: Choosing an Operational Model
How will you manage your stations? You have three main options:
1.Offer as a Free Amenity: This is the most powerful marketing option. The cost of electricity is minimal (a full charge often costs less than $10 in electricity) but the guest loyalty it builds is priceless.
2.Charge a Fee: Use networked chargers that allow you to set a price. You can charge by the hour or by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). This can help you recoup electricity costs and even turn a small profit.
3.Third-Party Ownership: Partner with a charging network. They may install and maintain the chargers at little or no cost to you, in exchange for a share of the revenue.
Step 4: Ensuring Compatibility and Future-Proofing
The EV world is consolidating its EV Charging Standards. While you'll see different charger connector types, the industry is moving towards two main ones in North America:
- J1772 (CCS): The standard for most non-Tesla EVs.
- NACS (The Tesla Standard): Now being adopted by Ford, GM, and most other major automakers starting in 2025.
The best solution today is to install "Universal" chargers that have both NACS and J1772 connectors, or to use adapters. This ensures you can serve 100% of the EV market.
Marketing Your New Amenity: Turn Plugs into Profit
Once your chargers are installed, shout it from the rooftops.
•Update Your Online Listings: Immediately add "EV Charging" to your hotel's profile on Google Business, Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and all other OTAs.
•Use Social Media: Post high-quality photos and videos of guests using your new chargers. Use hashtags like #EVFriendlyHotel and #ChargeAndStay.
•Update Your Website: Create a dedicated landing page detailing your charging amenities. This is great for SEO.
•Inform Your Staff: Train your front desk staff to mention the chargers to guests at check-in. They are your front-line marketers.
Your Hotel's Future Is Electric
The question is no longer if you should install EV chargers, but how you will leverage them to win. Providing hotels with EV chargers is a clear-cut strategy to attract a high-value, growing customer base, increase on-site revenue, and build a modern, sustainable brand.
The data is clear and the opportunity is here. Making the right investment in EV charging can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our team specializes in creating custom, ROI-focused charging solutions specifically for the hospitality industry.
We'll help you navigate federal and state incentives, select the perfect hardware for your guest profile, and design a system that boosts your revenue and reputation from day one. Don't let your competition capture this growing market.
Authoritative Sources
1.International Energy Agency (IEA) - Global EV Outlook 2024: Provides comprehensive data on the global electric vehicle market growth and future projections. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024
2.J.D. Power - U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study: Details customer satisfaction with public charging and highlights the critical need for more reliable options. https://www.jdpower.com/business/electric-vehicle-experience-evx-public-charging-study
3.Hilton Newsroom - Hilton and Tesla Announce Agreement to Install 20,000 EV Chargers: Official press release detailing the largest EV charging network rollout in the hospitality industry. https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-to-install-up-to-20000-tesla-universal-wall-connectors-at-2000-hotels
4.U.S. Department of Energy - Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit (30C): The official government resource outlining the tax incentives available for businesses installing EV charging stations. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/alternative-fuel-vehicle-refueling-property-credit
Post time: Jul-15-2025