The UK’s transition to electric vehicles is accelerating faster than ever, with millions of EVs now on the road and growing demand for convenient, reliable public charging facilities. For hospitality, leisure, and retail destinations, offering EV charging has shifted from a nice-to-have feature to an essential customer expectation.

If you are considering installing EV charge points at your site but have questions about cost, revenue potential, or the right technology, this guide from RAW Charging will help. Below are some of the most common EV charging industry FAQs for businesses across various sectors.

What types of EV chargers are best for hotels, golf clubs, and leisure destinations?

The best charger type depends on the average duration of guests' stays at your location.

• For hotels, AC chargers are the preferred choice. Guests typically stay overnight, allowing for slower, steady charging that is cost-efficient, convenient and better for EV battery longevity.

• For golf clubs, leisure, and retail destinations with shorter dwell times, DC rapid chargers and rapid hubs are often more suitable. These allow visitors to recharge quickly during their visit.

Providers like RAW Charging offer both AC and DC solutions through fully funded models, such as their Host Ownership, ensuring each site achieves the optimal balance of charge speed, customer convenience, and cost efficiency.

Does installing EV charging increase footfall and customer dwell time at my site?

In short, yes. Installing EV chargers has a direct impact on visitor attraction and retention. Studies show that 67% of EV drivers choose destinations based on charging availability, and many will actively seek out sites that cater to their charging needs.

For hotels, this translates to increased room bookings from EV drivers seeking an overnight stay. For golf clubs and leisure parks, it encourages longer visits and repeat customers, particularly the demographic of older EV drivers with more leisure time. EV charging adds value to your site’s amenities, helping you stand out from competitors and improve customer experience.

Can I generate revenue from public EV charging stations on my property?

Commercial EV charge points create a new revenue stream for your business. Depending on your tariff structure, usage volume, and charger type, you can generate income through:

• Charging Fees: EV drivers pay per kWh or per session.

• Revenue Sharing: With a funded provider like RAW Charging, you receive a percentage of total revenue generated.

• Increased Secondary Spend: As drivers charge, they spend more time (and money) at your site.

While earnings vary by site, location, and traffic volume, well-positioned chargers can quickly turn into profitable, self-sustaining assets.

Why should I install EV chargers at my site?

EV charging isn’t just about keeping up with the competition; it is about getting ahead. Investing in EV charger installation makes sense now for several reasons:

• Customer Expectation: EV drivers actively prefer destinations that offer charging.

• Sustainability: Supporting low-emission transport strengthens your ESG credentials.

• Revenue and Retention: EV charging encourages longer stays and new customer demographics.

• Compliance: UK infrastructure regulations are tightening, with transitions such as the Government’s 2035 deadline looming. Early action will help ensure compliance.

By investing in EV infrastructure now, your site stays competitive, eco-conscious, and future-proof.

How much does it cost to install EV chargers?

The cost depends on the charger type, power output, and site infrastructure. However, with fully funded EV charging solutions, installation can be completed with zero upfront cost to your business.

RAW Charging offers fully funded ownership models that cover all consultancy, installation, hardware, software, ongoing maintenance, and 24-hour driver support, with business owners receiving a share of the generated revenue. This enables a wide range of businesses to introduce modern EV charging to their location without any capital outlay.

By filling out RAW’s quick and easy contact form, you can find out the feasibility of your site.

Are there government grants or tax incentives for commercial EV charger installation in the UK?

Yes, the UK Government continues to offer EV chargepoint grants for charging infrastructure rollout, particularly for commercial, leisure, and hospitality sites.

Key schemes include:

• Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): Offers up to 75% of installation costs (capped at £350 per socket) for eligible businesses.

• EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets: Helps fund the wider infrastructure needed for multiple chargers on-site.

• Capital Allowances: Businesses can often claim tax relief for EV infrastructure investments.

What are the ongoing costs of maintaining EV chargers at a commercial location?

Maintenance costs vary depending on the ownership model. With a fully funded solution, these costs are covered by your provider. For example, RAW Charging’s Host Ownership model manages every aspect of charger operation, including software updates, 24-hour customer support, and repairs, ensuring minimal disruption and no additional costs to your business.

If you’ve installed chargers independently or with a provider who does not offer this model, you will need to account for maintenance, energy tariffs, and software subscription fees.

Who are the best EV charging providers offering funded solutions for hotels and leisure destinations?

Several providers offer funded or part-funded models. However, the most established and trusted options combine sector experience, compliance expertise, and nationwide support.

RAW Charging is one of the UK’s leading providers of fully funded EV charging solutions for hospitality and destination sites, working with major partners including McArthurGlen, Merlin Entertainments, Hammerson, abrdn, Exclusive Collection, and Brent Cross, among many more.

With over seven years of experience in the industry, RAW delivers state-of-the-art hardware, user-friendly contactless payment systems, and round-the-clock support.

How do I choose the best-funded EV charging provider for my site?

When selecting an EV charging partner, you should consider:

• Experience in Your Sector: E.g. retail, hospitality, and leisure.

• Funding Model Transparency: Ensure that installation and maintenance are clearly outlined, or even covered in your ownership model.

• Compliance: Check that chargers meet UK Public Charge Point Regulations.

• Uptime Guarantee: Look for providers offering 99% reliability or higher

• Customer Support: 24/7 helplines are now a regulatory requirement

RAW Charging meets all of these criteria, offering a turnkey service that handles everything from initial consultation and site surveys to installation, management, and ongoing maintenance and reporting.

Power Your Business with RAW Charging

Whether you manage a hotel, golf club, or leisure destination, installing EV charging is no longer just an option to add to your amenities; it is an opportunity.

With fully funded solutions, zero upfront costs, and an expert team managing and consulting every step, your site can deliver convenience, sustainability, and long-term value to both existing and new customers.

Contact RAW Charging today for a free consultation and site assessment to discover how EV charging can enhance your business, attract more visitors, and future-proof your site.