Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming increasingly important for hotels, but many still lack this essential amenity. One man, Anup Parikh, highlights this issue in a TikTok video, showing that three hotels near him don't offer EV charging. He argues that this lack of service is poor customer service and a missed opportunity for hotels to increase revenue. Parikh suggests that hotels should provide on-site charging, similar to complimentary breakfast or gym access, to enhance guest convenience and loyalty. He also mentions that Austin, a popular city for events and students, would benefit from EV charging stations. For EV drivers, finding hotels with charging stations is crucial for a smooth road trip. While many hotels now offer EV chargers, booking platforms may not make them easy to find. PlugShare is a reliable resource for locating hotel-based chargers. Major booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com now offer filters for EV charging stations, but users should confirm availability and rules directly with the hotel. The major hotel chains are also adopting EV charging, with Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott offering this service. However, only 26.6% of hotels have installed EV charging stations, according to a study by Responsible Stay. This is concerning, as EV sales are skyrocketing, and owners plan their trips around charging availability. Hotels that don't offer EV charging risk losing business to competitors. Additionally, having EV chargers boosts green certifications, attracts corporate clients, and generates ancillary revenue from guests waiting for their cars to charge. The financial incentives are significant, with tax credits available for up to 30% of equipment and installation costs. Some states even mandate the installation of EV charging infrastructure in new hotels and motels. Despite the benefits, some people argue that the inconvenience of finding charging stations is a reason to avoid EVs. Others agree that hotels should prioritize adding EV charging stations to enhance customer service and stay competitive. The debate continues, and the future of EV charging in hotels remains an important topic for discussion.
