More than a parking space. How EV charging can enhance the hotel experience.

The number of people purchasing EVs continues to grow rapidly; the SMMT reported more EV registrations in 2021 alone than between 2016 and 2020. What does this mean for the hotel industry and why is it so important for hotels to address this shift in consumer behaviour now?  

Gaining a competitive advantage

In the first wave of EV adoption, making long journeys involved considerable planning to ensure drivers would not find themselves without power and unable to access a charge point. However, the rollout of EV charging infrastructure across the UK has helped curb drivers’ range anxiety, meaning more people are confident driving further afield in their EVs. Hotels are in a great position to attract the rapidly growing number of EV drivers. By combining existing parking with EV charge points, they can offer their customers the convenience of charging upon arrival at their destination. Hotels that act now can easily gain a competitive advantage, while those that do not provide destination charging simply may not be considered.  

Enriching the customer experience

As providing electric car charging points becomes the norm, the mere availability of EV chargers will not suffice for hotels hoping to engage EV drivers. Instead, the quality of the charging experience will become the key factor by which hotels are assessed. By providing safe, reliable, and well managed EV charging stations, hotels can enhance the quality of their services and enrich the hotel experience.  

Aligning with customers’ values

People are becoming increasingly concerned about sustainability; in 2021, Deloitte reported that a third of consumers look for brands with strong sustainable credentials. Committing to EV charging infrastructure provides an opportunity for hotels not only to address a growing customer need but also to demonstrate a commitment to net-zero brand values. Making this change early is essential if hotels are to prove that they are proactive in their approach to climate change rather than reactive to a trend.

How well hotels are able to serve EV drivers and demonstrate their commitment to a net-zero future will soon dictate which hotels thrive and which fail. Choosing a reliable charging network is essential. Zest offers fully funded EV charging solutions designed to enhance the customer experience, as well as your brand and your bottom line. We are committed to renewable energy and to building a sustainable zero-carbon future.