Smart charging service provider Virta has surveyed hotel guests on the importance of whether electric vehicle (EV) charge points are available during their stays.

According to its research, quality EV charging points are now as important as a comfy bed or a well-cooked breakfast for hotel guests.

Hotels could be missing out on millions in revenue by having outdated charging points, poor infrastructure, not enough charging bays - or in some cases no chargers at all.

The race to electrify

In a clarion call to the hotel industry, Virta’s Suki Sangha said that 2024 would be pivotal in the race to electrify.

He believes that hotels need to realise the revenue opportunities for the business day-tripper - a guest who wants to combine a meeting with a speedy car-charge.

“A lot of consumers simply aren’t catered for by hotels when they easily could be,” he explained. ”Yet the data shows that a good charging experience encourages longer stay times and increased revenue.

“At a bare minimum, hotels are going to need 10% of their parking spaces to be charge-enabled to future-proof their operations.”

Suki believes that hotels should own their own infrastructure to maximise all commercial opportunities.

“EV charging should be a vital cog in all hotel operations to drive accommodation, events, weddings and food and beverage customers. There’s a revenue stream here just waiting to be maximised.”

Some hoteliers have already capitalised on the opportunity, with Novotel Hyderabad Airport Hotel in the Indian state of Telangana adding a EV charging station in 2023.

Voco Hotels general manager James Bell commented: "It's past time for hotels to embrace electrification. Businesses need to be equipped to meet demand today or they will be left behind tomorrow; in terms of generating revenue, retaining existing clientele and protecting their businesses long-term."