EV Charging: A Unique Selling Point that Enhances Guest Experience at Hotels
The UK is home to a staggering 10,000 hotels, all competing for visibility in a saturated market. With such a large number, it is clear that hotels need to go the extra mile to distinguish themselves and attract new customers and guests.
Whether the hotels are used for traditional hospitality purposes such as overnight stays and eateries, their leisure facilities, including pools and gyms, or professionally for functions, conferences, and events, you must set up their amenities to enhance the business’s appeal. EV charging is one such facility that can significantly improve the guest experience.
Thanks to an extensive network within the EV infrastructure and fruitful partnerships with Bespoke Hotels, AA Hotels, Exclusive Hotels, and Greene King, RAW Charging, an industry expert, brings trusted insights into how EV charging can enhance your guests’ hotel experience, ensuring you make the most of this unique selling point.
Why are hotels with EV charging now a necessity?
With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, hotels that offer EV charging are no longer a luxury but a necessity. As more drivers opt for this eco-friendly mode of transportation, the demand for charging facilities has surged, making it a crucial service for any hotel striving to stay competitive.
The demand for destination charging.
A recent report by SMS found that:
- 45% of EV drivers rely on destination charging
- 67% of EV drivers who responded cited that EV charging facilities would influence their choice of hotel.
- 48% of respondents would only stay at a hotel with onsite EV charge points.
- 68% say that having to think about the availability of public charge stations during a long journey is stressful.
- 88% believe destination charging needs to improve.
The hotel industry can (and will) play a massive role in improving public charging. In fact, 29% of survey respondents admitted using hotel EV charging overnight, whether during a leisure or business stay.
Unsurprisingly, hoteliers who have already recognised the importance of EV charging and stayed ahead of the curve are reaping the benefits. Whether they attract eco-conscious guests, earn additional income from charging services or enhance their brand image, the advantages of EV charging facilities are clear.
How can EV charging facilities improve guest experience at hotels?
So, the need for hotel EV charging is clearly there, as are the figures and statistics that back that up—but how can hotels with EV charging bolster their guests’ experience?
- Convenience: Given the data highlighting how public charging availability can be a stress factor, knowing that their chosen hotel has easy access to dependable and convenient EV charging can offer guests peace of mind.
- Guest satisfaction: By having everything guests need in one place, hotels can dramatically increase customer satisfaction. This will lead to positive reviews and return stays.
- Value for money: Guests want to avoid paying for a hotel stay and face additional costs at a separate site that offers EV charging.
By providing charging facilities, hotels can offer real value for money—whether their facilities are free of charge or included in the guest’s hotel stay fee.
- Guest loyalty: If hotels offer a convenient and satisfactory stay with dependable EV charge points, it makes sense that reputation will grow alongside returning customers, thus boosting brand loyalty.
- Environmentally friendly: An increasing number of eco-conscious guests prioritise a hotel’s sustainability and eco credentials. By offering EV charging, hoteliers can attract this demographic of guests, positioning themselves as a leader in green hospitality and standing out from the competition.
You can read more in RAW’s piece on Hospitality EV Charging.
What should I look for in hotels with EV charging?
When searching for EV charging facilities that will improve their hotel experience, guests will look for:
- Charge speed: Hotels must opt for the right charging technology. With turnkey solutions such as RAW Charging’s Destination Charging technology and AC charging, guests can effortlessly access reliable EV charging that readies their vehicle during their overnight stay.
- Availability: Many EV drivers who rely on destination charging will find that competition for EV charge points on the go, particularly in environments such as service stations, is highly contested.
Hotels must recognise the demand for EV charging and provide ample charge points to comfortably accommodate all guests.
- Cost: Of course, EV drivers want to avoid paying over the odds for their vehicle charging when they are already paying to stay overnight.
Hotels can offer EV charging within their facilities at an attractive price point that is included in the guest’s stay (thus increasing revenue). It is essential to remember your demographic, study the market and your competition, and offer EV charging that presents your hotel as an appealing EV-friendly destination.
The significance of hotel EV charging.
The rise in the number of electric vehicles on UK roads places great importance on the availability of accessible hotel charging facilities. Given that hotels are visited by travellers for both business and leisure purposes, EV charging in hotels presents a significant opportunity.
By providing convenient charging solutions aided by RAW Charging, hotels can attract environmentally conscious guests, boost their revenue, and contribute to a greener future while simultaneously signposting their hotel as a forward-thinking business. EV charging installation aligns with the ever-evolving needs of EV-driving guests and reflects hotels’ commitment to sustainable practices.
If you would like to future-proof your hotel and hear more about EV charging installation, contact the RAW team to obtain a free assessment of your premises and take the next steps to a greener future.