A study by Drax Electric Vehicles has highlighted a significant gap in the availability of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at city hotels across the UK. Analysing over 15,000 hotels in 74 cities, the research found that only 6% of city hotels provide access to EV chargers, indicating a major shortfall in infrastructure.
St Davids in Wales emerged as the most EV-friendly city, with 22% of its hotels offering charging facilities. Following closely were Milton Keynes (16%), Central London (15%), and St Albans (12%).
Adam Hall, Director at Drax Electric Vehicles, commented on the findings: “We are seeing a record number of electric vehicles on our roads, with zero-emission vehicles accounting for 2.7 per cent of all cars in use in 2023. While uptake is often higher in major metropolitan cities like London, where policies such as the ULEZ incentivise EV ownership, our research shows a need for further development in charging infrastructure across many hotels.”
Despite having the highest number of hotels with parking, major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and York lag in the proportion of hotels offering charging facilities. Only 4% of Birmingham hotels provide this amenity. Central London is making notable progress, with 15% of its hotels equipped for EVs, followed by York (8%), Bristol (6%), Edinburgh (6%), and Manchester (6%).
Adam Hall emphasised the competitive edge for hotels investing in EV chargers: “Investing in EV charging will quickly give these businesses a competitive advantage, attracting potential new customers and better serving their existing ones when they eventually make the switch. Hospitality venues provide the perfect location for EV drivers to top up when they’re not at home, as they already have a purpose and incentive for visiting.”
Hotels with EV chargers also contribute to the broader electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) grid, enhancing public access to charging points and promoting sustainability. Naomi Nye, the EV charging specialist at Drax Electric Vehicles, stressed the importance of this investment: “As EV adoption grows, hotels must focus on becoming more EV-friendly. Offering EV chargers is no longer a premium experience but a necessity. These findings underline the growing importance of EV infrastructure in the hospitality industry to support the UK’s net-zero ambitions.”
The research underscores the need for major cities to enhance their EV charging infrastructure. Hotels that invest now will be well-placed to meet future demands and avoid retrofit costs, positioning themselves favourably in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Methodology
Drax Electric Vehicles collected data on 30th June 2024 through Booking.com for a 6-night stay in January 2025. The search criteria included one adult, one room, and filters for “must-have parking” and “must-have electric vehicle charging station.”
The analysis covered official UK cities listed on GOV.UK, excluding Westminster due to overlap with Central London in search filters.
