In recent years, the hospitality sector in the UK has faced unique challenges, from adapting to shifting guest expectations to meeting heightened sustainability standards. Now, as the transportation landscape rapidly changes, a new opportunity is emerging for forward-thinking hoteliers: electric vehicle (EV) charging.
With EV adoption in the UK tripling over the last three years, driven by the government’s ambitious plan to ban new ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle sales by 2030, now is as good a time as any for hotels to get involved. Projections show that there will be 1.4 million EVs on UK roads by the end of 2024 alone, with cost parity already making EV ownership more accessible for businesses and consumers alike. As such, offering EV charging is not only a matter of adapting to the market; it’s also a powerful strategy to secure repeat corporate clients, enhance revenue, and improve guest satisfaction.
A New Revenue Stream for Hotels
Installing EV charging stations offers a relatively low-maintenance, passive revenue stream that can drive profits with minimal ongoing effort. By partnering with a Charge Point Operator (CPO), a hotel can set tariffs tailored to its electricity costs, which means every charge generates a direct margin. Setup is straightforward: the hotel pays for the installation utilising up to £350 per charger from government grants, then selects its preferred pricing options via a CPO management system, and allows guests (and potentially the public) to access chargers through a dedicated app. Revenue flows directly to the hotel, with all administrative work handled by the CPO software, ensuring seamless operation.
Only ~7% of the UK’s public charging points are currently located at hotels, which represents a clear gap that the industry can help fill. Strategically placed EV chargers can boost a hotel’s visibility and appeal, attracting both guests seeking charging options and others exploring the area. Rudi Hygino, Hotel Manager of University Arms shares, “We’ve noticed a positive shift in guest behaviour since installing the EV chargers. Many guests now specifically seek out hotels that offer charging facilities, which has influenced their booking decisions. We’ve received feedback that having EV chargers available enhances their overall experience and makes them more likely to return.”
By integrating EV charging, hotels provide a value-added amenity that supports the growing number of guests travelling with EVs while simultaneously opening up new revenue channels.
Capturing the Corporate Market with EV Charging
Corporate fleets in the UK are rapidly transitioning to EVs, driven by the incentives of lower employee & employer tax rates, lower operating costs, and adherence to ESG standards, with data showing that over 1 in 5 fleet cars are EVs. Research also indicates that 48% of EV drivers would not stay at a hotel without onsite EV charging. By investing in EV infrastructure, hotels signal their commitment to sustainability, which is especially appealing to eco-conscious corporate clients.
Moreover, with government support behind this shift, UK businesses are expected to increasingly prioritise EV-friendly hotels for employee accommodations and events. “EV chargers have significantly enhanced our reputation, particularly among environmentally conscious guests,” says Hygino. “We’ve seen an increase in positive online reviews mentioning our new service, which has helped us attract a broader clientele.”
Offering convenient EV charging ensures that corporate clients will not only choose your hotel for their immediate needs but also see it as a preferred option for repeat bookings.
EV Charging: A Power-full Investment in Future-Proofing
As the EV market continues to evolve, early adopters will be in a prime position to benefit. Providing EV charging is more than a convenient service; it’s a critical investment in long-term guest loyalty, sustainability, and profitability. 65% of hotel guests are more likely to book with properties that have sustainability certifications, and this preference extends to amenities like EV charging. What’s more, 9 out 14 of the major travel sites & aggregators now have an EV Charging filter. Hotels that embrace EV charging today will gain a competitive edge, secure new and repeat clients, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Now is the time for the hospitality industry to power up and prepare for an electrified world.
To learn more about EV charging solutions for your hotel, visit chargeguru.com/uk/ or email uk-info@chargeguru.com.
