EV Charging for Hotels: The Key to Winning More Bookings

For years, the hospitality industry has leaned on classic amenities like gyms and complimentary meals to stand out from the competition. But a new offering is taking the lead — EV charging stations. A recent Skift.com article revealed that Hilton now sees electric vehicle chargers as the top booking driver on its platform, outranking traditional perks like pools and onsite dining.

This trend is reshaping how hotels, resorts, casinos, and other properties think about guest preferences. In this blog, we’ll dive into why EV chargers are eclipsing legacy offerings, highlight the additional benefits they offer, and see how PowerFlex helps the hospitality industry implement scalable charging solutions.

EV Charging Emerges as Main Driver of Online Reservations

Hilton’s global head of sustainability, Jean Garris Hand, recently shared that EV charging stations have become the highest-converting feature on Hilton.com. Travelers who filter for EV charging are more likely to complete their reservations than those searching for long-favored amenities such as free breakfast and swimming pool access.

This is no small feat. Hilton already has more than 1,800 charging stations installed across its global footprint and recently announced plans to add 20,000 additional chargers in North America — what will be the largest overnight charging network in the hotel industry.

Hilton is not alone in this race. Marriott has reported over 7,000 chargers in its global portfolio, and Radisson, Hyatt, Wyndham, and Best Western are also expanding their EV programs. Meanwhile, Airbnb data shows that listings with EV chargers get booked for more nights and generate more revenue.

In short: EV charging is no longer an optional perk. It’s a must-have amenity shaping travelers' decisions.

Rising EV Adoption Is a Catalyst

The surge in guest demand is tied to the increase in EV ownership. EV sales in the U.S. jumped nearly 60% year-over-year between 2022 and 2023, and the adoption curve continues to climb worldwide.

Importantly, research indicates EV drivers are a premium customer segment. According to the American Consumer Institute, households owning EVs typically earn more than $100,000 annually. This group represents a lucrative market for hotels, not only because they travel often but also because they are more likely to spend on site at restaurants, spas, and other amenities.

Hospitals, resorts, and casinos that offer seamless EV charging stand to capture this growing, high-value audience.

EV Charging for Hospitality: Additional Benefits

While guest bookings are the most obvious advantage, hospitality properties can unlock even more value from EV charging, including:

Attracting and Retaining Employees
Just as guests increasingly want charging, employees do too. Hotels with charging infrastructure provide staff with the convenience of plugging in during their shifts, boosting morale and retention.

New Revenue Streams
Properties can introduce nominal usage fees or tiered pricing models for EV charging, creating a new source of income while also covering energy and maintenance costs.

Sustainability & Air Quality Benefits
Supporting EV adoption helps reduce emissions around the property, particularly in covered garages where air quality can be a concern. Positioning your property as environmentally conscious not only benefits the brand image but also resonates with eco-conscious travelers.

By tapping these benefits, EV charging moves beyond being a checklist amenity and becomes a powerful lever for driving business and sustainability benefits.

PowerFlex Helps Hotels Adopt EV Charging

Installing EV chargers may sound complex, but with the right partner, it can be seamless. PowerFlex provides an end-to-end solution for hospitality properties, handling everything from project planning and permitting to installation and long-term asset management.

We’ve implemented intelligent EV charging systems for leading hospitality brands, including:

• Hilton
• Holiday Inn
• Hyatt House
• Sycuan Casino Resort

PowerFlex solutions are smart and scalable, allowing hotels to expand as demand grows and future-proof their investment. We also offer guidance on incentives and financing options that can minimize upfront costs while allowing your property to step confidently into the EV era.

Talk to a PowerFlex expert now and discover how easy it can be to put EV charging at the center of your guest experience.