The hospitality industry is at a crossroads. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the need for modern, efficient, and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has never been more apparent. Yet, many establishments within the industry are grappling with outdated and inadequate EV charging facilities, which are increasingly becoming a deterrent for potential guests. Furthermore, the latest public charge point regulations come into force in December 2024 that require chargers to have transparent pricing, 99% uptime and, in the case of rapid chargers, contactless payment.
According to a 2024 report by Charge, 82% of EV drivers actively seek hotels with reliable and user-friendly charging facilities, and 50% base their hotel choice on EV charging availability and customer reviews. Furthermore, a 2023 Deloitte report revealed that 63% of hoteliers believe EV charging will be a key part of their sustainability efforts in the next five years. Despite this, many hotels and hospitality venues are feeling the negative impact of poorly functioning EV chargers, with infrastructure that is simply not fit for purpose in 2024.
Similarly, a Channel 4 investigation found that over 5% of public EV chargers they examined were found to be non-functional. This amounts to approximately 1,352 out-of-service chargers, a significant number given the current reliance on public infrastructure and highlights the issue many EV drivers have.
The transition to EVs is accelerating, and with it comes the need for reliable, user-friendly charging infrastructure. This is particularly true in the hospitality industry, where the quality of the guest experience can be significantly influenced by the availability and reliability of EV charging facilities.
Many hospitality venues are grappling with outdated and inadequate EV charging infrastructure. This not only impacts the guest experience but can also lead to negative customer reviews, hidden energy costs, and operational headaches. Upgrading to modern, efficient charging solutions can alleviate these issues and enhance the overall guest experience.
The importance of destination charging in the hospitality industry cannot be overstated. Whether it’s the first or last interaction (or often both) a guest has with your property, the EV charging experience should be seamless and stress-free. This requires a deep understanding of the demands and challenges within the hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as the needs of EV drivers.
The choice of charging technology is also crucial. The best solutions offer safety, reliability, and the convenience of contactless debit/credit card payment options. They are designed to meet the demands of a busy hospitality venue and provide a high uptime to ensure stations are available when guests need them. This includes ongoing maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and replacements at no additional cost to the host venue.
In conclusion, it is imperative for destination venues to consider every facet of the guest experience, with particular emphasis on EV charging infrastructure. Having the right equipment and a reliable operator by your side can significantly enhance the guest experience. As the EV market continues to grow, those venues that prioritize high-quality EV charging infrastructure will be best positioned to meet the evolving needs of their guests.
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
