Introduction
Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption is accelerating, and with it, the demand for charging infrastructure at destinations like hotels. While many hotels have invested in rapid chargers to attract EV drivers, the charging experience for overnight guests often misses the mark. A common frustration? Hotels installing 150 kW rapid chargers in their car parks with strict time limits—great for passing traffic, but impractical for guests who just want to plug in and rest.
The Problem with Rapid Chargers at Hotels
Rapid chargers are designed for short, high-turnover stops—like motorway service stations. They can charge most EVs in under an hour. For hotels, though, this creates a conflict:
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Overnight guests need convenience, not speed. Waking up at midnight to move your car isn’t a premium experience.
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Time limits and penalty fees create frustration. Guests are left with a choice: risk a fine or sacrifice sleep.
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Rapid chargers tie up resources. A single car can block access if the system isn’t managed properly.
What Guests Actually Want
For hotel guests, the need is simple: plug in before bed, unplug in the morning. That means slower, cheaper destination charging (7–22 kW), which allows cars to charge fully over several hours. This:
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Fits naturally with overnight stays.
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Ensures a better guest experience.
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Reduces infrastructure costs compared to rapid chargers.
Why Hotels Should Rethink Strategy
Hotels that install only rapid chargers risk:
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Alienating overnight guests.
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Missing out on a key differentiator in the hospitality market.
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Adding unnecessary operational complexity.
By combining slower destination chargers for guests with rapid chargers for passing traffic, hotels can serve both groups effectively—and turn EV charging into a revenue stream rather than a guest complaint.
How EMPACT Can Help
At Electric Miles, we’re working with hotels and hospitality providers to design smart EV charging solutions that:
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Balance the needs of overnight guests with those of transient drivers.
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Offer flexible pricing and scheduling to maximise utilisation.
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Provide a seamless, guest-friendly charging experience.
Conclusion
The hospitality industry thrives on convenience and comfort. EV charging should be no different. Hotels that move beyond the “rapid charger only” mindset and embrace smart, guest-centric charging solutions will not only improve customer satisfaction but also future-proof their business as EV adoption grows.
Ready to make your hotel’s EV charging strategy work for both your guests and your bottom line? Learn more about EMPACT’s solutions today.