Availability of EV charging is increasingly swaying EV drivers’ choice of hotel, a new report has found.

Almost half (48%) of EV drivers wouldn’t choose to stay at a hotel without onsite charge points

The study of more than 1,000 UK EV drivers by energy firm SMS revealed over two-thirds (67%) said charge point provision now influences where they stay, with almost a half (48%) simply choosing not to stay at a hotel without onsite EV charge points.

The research explores the current experience of those who use, and rely on, public EV charge points. Despite an almost ubiquitous love of their EV (94%), 68% of EV drivers say it is stressful to always have to think about public charging availability when they take a long journey, and 88% believe public EV charging needs to improve if UK drivers are to be encouraged to transition to electric.

The hotel industry has its part to play in ensuring that public EV charging is fit for purpose. Almost a third (29%) had used hotel charge points during an overnight stay for leisure and the same figure for business travellers.

The survey also showed that 83% of respondents are prepared to wait to access an EV charge point at a hotel, as a result of historically long wait times and lack of availability. Over a third (38%) would consider a wait of up to an hour, and a quarter (26%) up to two hours. However, over three-quarters (77%) are willing to pay for an EV concierge service at a hotel in order to limit the inconvenience caused by waiting.

SMS said the research showed that UK hotels offering charging can not only support the EV transition, but also drive repeat business.

Mark Winn, head of EV Strategy at SMS, explained: “Onsite EV charge points should no longer be seen as a competitive advantage for UK hotels; it’s the guest experience surrounding them that delivers the point of differentiation. By offering convenient and seamless EV charging options, both independent hotels and the larger hotel groups can encourage guests to return and increase brand loyalty.”

He added: “However, understanding how to implement the most effective EV charging infrastructure can be a minefield. Not all EV charge points are created equal; the type required varies depending on where it’s being installed and who is using it. Hotels must avoid the trap of focusing solely on the revenues offered by charge point operators (CPOs) which invariably includes installing a smaller number of rapid charge points without the ability to book or reserve.”

The research also revealed insights into the payment expectations of hotel guests.

For 43% of UK EV drivers, the preferred option for paying for EV charging at a hotel is at the end of their stay, or as an additional charge and part of their final bill. A quarter (24%) would choose to pay immediately via a hotel website or app, but only 88% preferred the option of a third-party website or app. However, a third (31%) would expect EV charging to be free or included in the room rate. An additional 24% of drivers would look to redeem points from hotel rewards programmes to settle their charging bill.

Mark Winn added: “A central part of ensuring a premium experience for hotel guests, once onsite EV charge points are installed, is to make access and payment as simple and transparent as possible.”

The company has published a guide to help hotels prepare for the UK’s transition to EVs, available to download here.

A separate report has also been published in the last week to advise private operators of charge points on maximising utilisation and revenue.

Issued by EV payment specialist Paythru, the report shares expert advice on maximising charge point utilisation at workplaces, hotels, fleet hubs, retail, and other private car parks.

The report identifies six opportunities to maximise utilisation. Each is explored in more detail in the report, which can be viewed here, alongside practical advice.