Electric vehicles are quickly gaining popularity, which means there is an increasing need to charge them while traveling. This trend can significantly impact hotels, especially upscale ones or those near high-end outdoor or cultural attractions, as they are likely to experience a strong demand from guests expecting accessible EV charging options. As you consider the expectations of EV drivers and how to meet their needs, you might wonder: should your hotel install an EV charging station?
Current Electric Vehicle Travel Trends
Here are some of the most important things to know about what to expect if a significant percentage of your guests opt to arrive in electric vehicles.
Typical EV Traveler Demographics
Determining whether a significant percentage of your guests fit the profile of a typical EV driver is key when it comes to determining what the impact of installing charging stations is likely to look like for your business. Over 70 percent of EV travelers are between 18-44 years old, are male, or have a college degree, and many fall into more than one of these categories. Nearly half have a household income of more than $100,000 per year, while less than 20 percent of travelers with gas vehicles meet this level of affluence. These guests are also more likely to be traveling to enjoy cultural, outdoor, or other upscale activities than drivers of gas vehicles.
If your hotel aims to create memorable experiences for guests, not offering EV charging stations might lead to lost revenue, as most EV travelers expect to charge their vehicles overnight. With limited daytime hours available during their trips, these guests typically exclude hotels without charging facilities from their considerations.

Key EV Tourist Destinations
Electric vehicle ownership remains the most popular along the west and east coasts, but they are quickly becoming more common across the country. This means that understanding where your guests are coming from is just as important as considering your own location. Many hotels that are located near major attractions, especially those that are typically enjoyed by more affluent guests, likely serve guests from areas where EVs are common even if they are rarely driven by locals. With the exception of certain rural areas that are located far from major cities, ski resorts, or other tourist destinations, most hotels likely see at least some EV traffic.
Financial Implications of Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at Your Hotel
Many larger or luxury hotels quickly see the advantages of installing EV charging stations outweigh the initial costs. It’s crucial to ensure these fit within your budget to make an informed decision for your property. While not all hotels cater to typical EV drivers, affluent or eco-conscious guests often seek out properties with these amenities. Hotels serving such demographics without charging stations may miss out on potential revenue. Additionally, mid-range hotels can attract wealthier guests by offering charging stations, particularly if they are scarce in the area. These guests are likely to spend more on additional services like dining, spas, and leave higher tips, significantly benefiting your hotel and staff financially.

The cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at hotels varies widely, ranging from $200 to $20,000 per port. Level 1 chargers are generally too slow for hotel guests, making Level 2 stations—which cost at least $1,500 per port and can fully charge an EV overnight—the more practical choice. For busy travelers, fast charging Level 3 ports, though more expensive with costs potentially soaring to $200,000 each including construction and installation, offer a quicker solution. However, hotels well-suited to typical EV drivers often recover their investment swiftly.
Potential Partnerships and Incentives for Installing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Leveraging strong partnerships and financial incentives can help your hotel create an even better experience for your guests by making the most of your EV charging station investment.
Choose the Right Partner
Working with an experienced partner can streamline the installation of your EV charging stations and help you make optimal decisions for your target audience. These consultants assess the demand for EV support in your area’s tourism industry, determining if a significant portion of your guests expect charging options and might look elsewhere if these aren’t available.
They can also advise on the appropriate charging port models, the number of ports needed, and the best placements for your stations. These crucial details enhance guest satisfaction and maximize your investment returns, ensuring you cater effectively to your guests’ needs.
Financial Incentives
In addition to the increased revenue that many hotels experience after installing EV charging stations, there are several financial incentive programs that are even more direct available. These government funding programs function similarly to financial incentives for installing solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and other eco-friendly upgrades that your hotel may already be familiar with. Specific requirements can vary by location, but you will generally need to install a minimum number of EV ports and utilize approved hardware and utility coverage to qualify for rebates, tax incentives, and other perks that partially or fully cover the cost of installing and maintaining your EV charging stations.
Support Your Hotel's Sustainability Goals Through Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Installing electric vehicle charging stations can play a key role in your hotel’s overall sustainability initiative. Many environmentally minded travelers prioritize choosing hotels, attractions, restaurants, and other aspects of their trip that go the extra mile to reduce their carbon footprint while creating memorable experiences, and many visitors to upscale hotels are especially likely to fit into this category. This means that showcasing your commitment to protecting the environment through solar panels, eco-friendly appliances, ethically sourced menu options, recycling and compost, EV charging stations, and other sustainable features can help to attract the type of guests that fit into your target audience.
Considerations to Address Before Making Your Decision
Adding EV charging stations can be an excellent choice for many hotels, but there are several important logistics to consider before getting started. Installing EV charging stations has the potential to make your hotel an even more lucrative option for your target audience but optimizing a wide range of other aspects of the experience your guests enjoy can be just as important. Contact NewGen Advisory today to learn more about the most significant trends guests like yours are looking for!