Do Hotels Offer EV Charging?
Some hotels offer EV charging; in fact, more hotels are now offering it than ever before, with ZapMap data showing 4% of public EV chargers being related to hospitality. But availability, charging speeds, and facilities still vary widely across the UK. This guide explains which hotels provide charging, what kind of EV charging facilities you can expect, how widespread hotel charging really is, and why the hospitality industry is increasingly choosing to invest in EV chargers.
Why EV Charging at Hotels Matters
EV driving has changed how people travel. When staying at hotels, people are not just looking for a comfortable, welcoming place to sleep; now they need to be able to charge their car overnight so they can continue their journey, or return home, with enough charge to continue their journeys stress-free.
For the eco-conscious traveller choosing lower-carbon transport, hotels that offer EV charging are often prioritised over those that don’t. As a result, hotels with EV charging are becoming a key part of modern travel planning, not a luxury extra.
From a hotel’s perspective, offering EV charging to your customers supports a range of strategic objectives. It helps accommodate continued growth in electric vehicle ownership while encouraging longer guest stays, as visitors are more likely to stay on-site while charging. Providing charging facilities also strengthens sustainability credentials and aligns with environmental commitments, while delivering competitive differentiation in an increasingly crowded hospitality market. Not to mention you can actually make revenue from them at the same time.
Do Hotels in the UK Offer EV Charging?
Yes, many UK hotels now offer EV charging, but coverage is still very uneven. Larger hotel chains like Premier Inn and Holiday Inn are unsurprisingly leading the way while other chains such as Radisson Blu and Marriott have around 30% less charging facilities.
While the number of hotels with EV charging facilities is increasing year on year, not all locations within a hotel chain are equipped. Some properties may have multiple charge points, while others rely on nearby public charging instead.
EV charging availability at hotels generally falls into three categories. Some properties provide on-site charging for guest use; others direct drivers to nearby public charging infrastructure, and some do not yet have any EV charging options. Because availability varies widely across locations, checking in advance remains an important step for EV drivers when planning a stay.
Types of EV Charging You’ll Find at Hotels
Most hotel charging stations use 7kW chargers or 11kW chargers, designed for overnight or extended stays. These chargers are ideal for topping up while you sleep or relax, rather than rapid charging, which is more beneficial when on the move.
Common hotel charging setups typically include Type 2 connectors, the UK and European standard, along with untethered sockets where drivers use their own cables, and lower-power AC chargers designed for overnight use. While larger properties or newer developments are starting to introduce faster charging options, DC rapid chargers remain far more common at motorway services than at hotel sites. For most guests, overnight AC charging provides exactly what’s required, similar to how they would charge at home and prioritising convenience and practicality over speed.
Hotel Charging Points Across the UK?
Hotel charging is growing, but it’s not yet universal.
Charging points across the UK are expanding fastest in:
- City centres
- Business travel hubs
- Tourist hotspots
- New-build or refurbished hotels
Rural locations and older properties may still lack on-site chargers, although nearby charging infrastructure is often improving.
Industry data show that while only a minority of hotels currently offer EV charging, this number is growing as EV ownership rises and guest expectations shift.
Which Hotels Offer EV Charging?
Many national chains and independent hotels now offer EV charging, though availability varies by location. Several well-known brands are rolling out chargers across their estates as part of broader sustainability initiatives, for example, Premier Inn has introduced charging at selected locations. Independent hotels are also investing in EV infrastructure, particularly those targeting business travellers, environmentally conscious guests, or longer-stay and destination tourism markets.
The key takeaway for EV drivers is straightforward: hotels do offer EV charging, but provision is not universal, so availability should always be checked in advance.
How EV Drivers Can Find Hotels with EV Charging
It’s important to not assume charging facilities will be available without checking ahead. The simplest ways to identify hotels with charging facilities include using EV charging maps or apps, filtering booking platforms for properties that list EV charging, reviewing hotel websites directly, or contacting the hotel prior to making a reservation. This is particularly important during busy travel periods, as the number of chargers at most hotels is limited and spaces are not always reservable.
Cost of EV Charging at Hotels
Hotel charging costs vary widely.
Some hotels provide free vehicle charging as a guest amenity, while others charge:
- Per kWh
- Per hour
- A flat overnight fee
Pricing is often competitive compared to public rapid charging, especially when charging overnight. For many EV drivers, hotel charging offers better value and convenience than using fast chargers late at night.
Why the Hospitality Industry Is Investing in EV Chargers
The hospitality industry is facing growing pressure to adapt to changing travel habits. As more people get on board with EVs, hotels without EV charging are increasingly being passed over by a growing group of travellers. By installing chargers, hotels can attract EV drivers, support sustainable travel, strengthen their eco-conscious brand image, and future-proof their properties. For many operators, EV charging is a strategic decision closely linked to occupancy rates and guest satisfaction.
What This Means for EV Ownership and Travel
For drivers, hotel charging makes electric vehicle ownership far more practical, especially during long-distance journeys, business trips, or holidays where home charging isn’t available. Reliable overnight charging reduces range anxiety and helps electric travel feel effortless, a key factor in wider EV adoption.
Hotels across the UK are increasingly offering EV charging, but availability still varies by location, so planning ahead remains important. As EV ownership continues to grow, hotels that invest in charging infrastructure will be better positioned to welcome modern, sustainability-focused guests, and Pro EV provides professional installation solutions specifically designed for hotels and hospitality venues.
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