For most hotels and guest accommodation, the best EV charger is a commercial 7 kW or 22 kW AC charger that guests can use without a complicated sign-up process. The right choice depends on how long visitors park, how many cars you need to serve, the electrical supply available and how you want to collect payment.

A guest staying overnight has different needs from a driver stopping for 30 minutes. That’s why the fastest charger isn’t automatically the best fit for a hotel. A well-placed charger that works reliably, has clear pricing and is easy to use can make a much better guest experience.

Here’s how to choose one for a hotel, B&B, guesthouse, holiday cottage or serviced accommodation.

The quick answer: which charger is best for your property?

Treat this as a starting point, not a specification. An installer should assess your electrical supply, parking layout, likely demand and plans for expansion before recommending equipment.

7 kW or 22 kW: what’s better for hotel guests?

7 kW charging - a practical fit for overnight stays

A 7 kW charger is often a sensible choice when guests arrive in the afternoon or evening and leave the next morning. It gives the car hours to charge while its owner sleeps, eats or enjoys their stay.

It can also be easier to accommodate at smaller properties, although the number of chargers you can install still depends on your electrical capacity. If you expect several guests to charge at once, ask about load management: this helps share the available power between charging spaces.

22 kW charging - useful when visits are shorter

A 22 kW charger can be attractive for hotels with restaurant customers, spa visitors, events or shorter stays. However, a charger’s rating is only part of the picture. The car determines how much AC charging power it can accept, so a guest won’t necessarily charge at 22 kW simply because the charger can provide it.

A 22 kW installation also needs a suitable electrical supply. Before paying for higher-rated equipment, find out whether your site can support it and whether your typical visitor would benefit.

What about rapid chargers?

Rapid charging is designed around shorter stops. For accommodation where cars remain parked for hours, it is rarely the first option to assess. If your hotel serves a high volume of passing drivers as well as overnight guests, it may be worth exploring as a separate project.

The useful question is: How long are guests actually parked, and how many need to charge at the same time?

What makes an EV charger good for a hotel?

The hardware matters, but guests experience the whole service. Compare providers on these points:

1. Easy payment for guests

A visitor should be able to see the price and start a charge without asking reception for help. Check whether they can pay by contactless card, use a QR code without downloading an app, or use an app if they prefer.

If a charger is publicly accessible, UK rules may also apply. For example, new public charge points rated 8 kW or above must offer contactless payment; a QR code alone does not satisfy that requirement. The government specifically includes publicly accessible hotel car parks in its guidance. GOV.UK

2. Control over access and pricing

Decide whether charging is for overnight guests only, all visitors, or the wider public. Then check that the proposed system lets you manage access in a way that suits your car park.

Ask who sets the price per kWh, whether you can change it and what guests see before they plug in. A clear price avoids surprises for both your visitors and your front desk team.

3. A manageable number of charging spaces

One charger might be enough to test demand at a small property. At a busier hotel, it can quickly become a bottleneck. Think about how often guests stay overnight, whether non-residents use your facilities and how you would handle two EV drivers arriving together.

Ask your installer whether the electrical groundwork can accommodate more chargers later, even if you begin with a smaller installation.

4. Support when something goes wrong

Charging questions don’t always arrive during office hours. Find out who helps the driver if a session won’t start and who investigates a fault. Your reception team shouldn’t need to become the charging helpline.

5. The full cost, not just the charger price

Compare the upfront equipment and installation cost, any monthly software charge, transaction fees, maintenance responsibilities and what you receive from paid charging. Also ask who owns the equipment and whether you can change your setup later.

A low upfront quote can look less attractive once ongoing fees and contract terms are included.

Should hotels charge guests for EV charging?

Yes. Charging guests for the electricity they use helps cover your costs and can create an additional revenue stream for your hotel. Guests get the convenience of charging while they stay, with a clear price before they plug in.

A managed charging system measures each session and takes payment automatically. That means reception doesn’t have to estimate electricity use or add a charge at checkout. You can also track how often your chargers are used and decide when it’s worth adding more spaces.

Can hotels get a grant for EV chargers?

Some can. The UK Workplace Charging Scheme is available until 31 March 2027 and can cover up to 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs, capped at £500 per socket, subject to its conditions. The scheme has a limit of 40 sockets across an applicant’s sites.

The accommodation business category matters here. Government guidance says eligible small accommodation businesses can allow guests and other visitors to use the parking. The ordinary business route has different restrictions on customer use. Check which category your property falls under and confirm eligibility before relying on a grant in your budget.

Questions to ask before choosing a hotel EV charging provider

Take these questions to each supplier so you can compare like for like:

1. Would you recommend 7 kW or 22 kW chargers for our guests’ typical length of stay?
2. How many cars can charge at the same time with our existing electrical supply?
3. Can guests start and pay for a charge without downloading an app?
4. Can we control who uses the chargers and set our own price?
5. What happens if a guest has a problem late at night?
6. What are the upfront costs, ongoing fees and contract terms?
7. Can we add charging spaces later?
8. Who owns and maintains the equipment?
9. Can you assess whether we qualify for the Workplace Charging Scheme?

How voltshare works for guest accommodation

Voltshare provides paid EV charging for hospitality venues, with 7 kW and 22 kW options to suit different sites. Guests can scan a QR code to charge without an app or use the voltshare app. A contactless payment terminal is also available as an optional extra. A UK driver helpline is available around the clock.

Venues can control access and set their charging price. voltshare’s model has no monthly fee; instead, it charges a 15% fee per successful charge. The venue purchases the charger, so it’s worth looking at the complete installation quote alongside the ongoing charging arrangement.

If you already have chargers that aren’t working well for your guests, you may also be able to change the charging management system while keeping compatible hardware.

So, which EV charger should you choose?

For a small guesthouse or holiday property, start by assessing a 7 kW charger and a simple payment setup. For a hotel with several charging guests or shorter-stay visitors, compare multiple charging spaces and 22 kW options. In either case, prioritise reliable operation, clear pricing, easy guest payment and room to grow.

The best hotel EV charging setup is the one that fits how people use your property. A site assessment can turn that into a practical recommendation.