Are They Available at Hotels?

Despite the perks and conveniences they provide, numerous hotels still lack one modern amenity—charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). As EVs gain popularity, the absence of charging infrastructure is not just an overlooked opportunity, but also a significant gap in customer service for many hotel businesses.

Charging Stations: A Non-Negotiable for Modern Hotels?

TikTok user Anup Parikh (@pangeacharging), founder and owner of Pangea Charging, an EV charging infrastructure company, speaks out against hotels for not providing what he believes is now a standard amenity. In one of his videos, Parikh says, “What do these three hotels around me have in common? None of them offer electric vehicle charging stations on site” while capturing nearby hotels on camera.

His video was filmed during the F1 weekend in Austin, Texas—a period known for a high influx of visitors who often rent cars and stay at local hotels. Parikh pointed out the sheer number of customers arriving in electric rental cars, only to find that their hotels lacked charging facilities.

From his communications with three hotel owners or managers, Parikh discovered that guests in need of charging their EVs were directed to a grocery store located approximately two miles away. He reflected, “Now it always makes me wonder why hotels don’t send folks away to Denny’s for the continental breakfast, to Planet Fitness for the gym, or a local laundromat for laundry. They provide it on-site, and that’s the same value hotel should be offering for loyalty, convenience, and really just to drive more revenue.”

Parikh further emphasizes that cities like Austin, hosting recurring events and college visits, could profit significantly from equipping their hotels with EV chargers. He used this opportunity to promote his own business, Pangea Charging, and its ability to simplify and streamline the installation process of EV chargers for hotels.

Finding Hotels with EV Charging Stations

For many EV drivers, the presence or absence of charging stations can greatly influence their hotel choice. Websites like NerdWallet suggest that although thousands of hotels have installed EV chargers, locating them can sometimes be challenging.

PlugShare has emerged as a reliable resource for finding hotel-based charging stations. Users can search by hotel name or location and filter results based on amenities. Major booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com now also offer filters for “electric vehicle charging station,” although their data may not always be up-to-date.

Several large hotel chains have embraced EV charging. Over 1,400 Hilton hotels in the U.S. offer EV charging, although it might not always be free of charge. Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott also have EV charging filters on their websites and apps. Omni Hotels has received positive feedback for providing complimentary EV charging with standard parking at many of their locations.

The Importance of EV Charging Facilities in Hotels

According to a study by Responsible Stay, only around 26.6% of hotels have installed EV charging stations. TownePark indicates that with nearly 1.2 million EVs sold in the U.S. in 2023 and projections of EVs constituting around 65% of new car sales by 2030, it’s crucial for hotels to adapt to this trend.

Having EV charging infrastructure not only offers convenience to guests but also contributes to a hotel’s green certifications and sustainability ratings. Moreover, it allows hotels to cater to high-income EV owners, who often spend more at the hotel’s restaurant, bar, or spa while their cars are charging. Financial incentives are also available, with tax credits covering up to 30% of equipment and installation costs.

While some social media users echo Parikh’s call for more EV charging facilities in hotels, others argue that refueling or recharging vehicles should be the guests’ responsibility. Despite these differing views, it is clear that as EVs continue to rise in popularity, more hotels will need to consider adding charging stations to their amenities.