The Real Business Case for EV Charging in UK Hotels
- Andy Gray
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Andy Gray | CCO & Divisional Director, Destination Charging , Go Zero
Over the past few years, I've had countless conversations with hotel owners and general managers across the UK. Most of them begin with a simple question: "Do we really need EV chargers yet?"
The answer is no longer up for debate. It's not a question of whether your hotel needs EV charging. It's a question of what it’s costing you not to have it.
A Story That’s Becoming Commonplace
Earlier this year, one of our partner hotels, located in the Cotswolds, shared a story with me. A guest, travelling from London in an electric vehicle, had filtered their search on a popular booking platform to only show hotels with on-site EV charging. That hotel, thanks to its recent go zero installation, popped up in the shortlist. The guest booked, stayed for two nights, spent generously in the restaurant, and left a glowing review.
The manager said, "We didn’t win that booking because of our spa or room rate. We won it because we had a charger."
Multiply that story by thousands of EV drivers across the UK, and you start to understand the shift in guest behaviour.
Silent Missed Opportunities
What’s even more concerning is what you don’t see. You don’t see the EV-driving business traveller who filtered you out on Booking.com because you didn’t show up as having a charge point. You don’t see the family heading to the coast who bypassed your property for one that could guarantee an overnight top-up.
Hotels without EV charging aren’t just missing a tick-box, they’re becoming invisible to a growing segment of high-value travellers.
Beyond Convenience: The Real Business Benefits
EV charging isn’t just a guest convenience; it’s a commercial opportunity:
Increased Occupancy: More guests are searching specifically for EV-friendly stays. If your hotel isn’t listed on Zap-Map, Google, or Hotels.com with charging info, you’re losing visibility and bookings.
Higher ADR and RevPAG: EV drivers tend to book premium rooms and spend more time (and money) onsite while their vehicle charges. That means more spending at the bar, restaurant, and spa.
Improved Guest Satisfaction: Guests who find what they need – and aren’t stressed about charging logistics – are more likely to leave positive reviews and return.
Sustainability Credentials: With ESG reporting growing in importance for corporate bookings, being EV-ready is fast becoming a non-negotiable for event planners and business travellers.
Why Software-First Matters
At Go Zero, we take a software-first, service-focused approach. It’s not enough to install a few chargers and walk away. Our system seamlessly integrates with your guest journey, enabling pre-booking, live updates, and a frictionless charging experience. That’s what today’s guest expects.
We work with hotels of all sizes, from rural retreats to city-centre brands, and we’re seeing the same pattern repeat: those who invest in smart charging now are gaining market share – quietly, confidently, and measurably.
Final Thoughts
EV charging isn’t a future trend. It’s a present-day expectation. The question isn’t whether your guests need it, it’s whether they can see that you offer it.
Hotels that act now will reap the rewards, and those that don’t? They’ll continue missing out – silently and invisibly – one filtered search at a time.
If you're ready to make EV charging part of your guest experience and your business growth strategy, get in touch with the go zero team.
