Benchmarking EV charger usage helps UK hospitality venues meet rising guest demand, optimise revenue, and maximise ROI from EV charging infrastructure.
Electric vehicle charging has become a must-have amenity for hospitality venues in the UK, but many operators are still unsure if their charging infrastructure is actually pulling its weight. Comparing your EV charger usage with industry benchmarks can show if you’re maximising revenue, meeting guest needs, and staying ahead as the shift to electric picks up pace. With demand for EV charging facilities rising fast among guests and staff alike, knowing your numbers has never been more important.
Right now, there’s a huge gap between what guests want and what’s available, and a real opening for venues willing to move quickly.
Understanding how your charging setup stacks up against similar properties helps you spot where to focus next. Let’s break down the most useful usage metrics and a few practical ways to get more from your EV charging offer.
Hospitality venues need real data to see how their EV charging compares with the rest of the industry. Only 6% of UK hotels with parking offer EV charging, yet guest demand is climbing and usage patterns are revealing some eye-opening operational insights.
The sector faces a clear infrastructure gap. Fewer than one in fifteen UK hotels offers guests charging, even as electric vehicles take off.
Installation costs and uncertainty about ROI are still major barriers. Many venues hesitate on the investment because they lack solid data on usage and revenue potential.
But for those who act now, the gap between supply and demand is a real chance to stand out as more drivers go electric.
EV owners now see charging as a basic amenity, not a nice-to-have. It’s a shift similar to that of Wi-Fi, which was once a luxury, but now a dealbreaker if it’s missing.
Guests typically expect:
Eco-minded travellers are actively seeking out stays with sustainable features. Offering EV charging signals that your venue cares about the environment, which draws in this growing group.
No charging? That can quickly turn into bad reviews and lost bookings. People planning longer trips want the security of knowing they can charge at their destination. It’s becoming non-negotiable for many.
Usage rates swing a lot depending on venue type, location, and charger type. Hotels see more overnight charging, while restaurants and leisure sites get shorter, more frequent sessions.
Metrics worth tracking could include:
The number of chargers at hospitality venues is expected to rise as more EVs hit the road. Venues should keep an eye on their own usage data and compare with these shifting benchmarks.
It’s common for first installations to hit capacity faster than expected. Regular reviews are crucial so you know when it’s time to add more charging stations.
Hospitality venues can boost their EV charging performance with smarter infrastructure, better commercial solutions, and energy management that cuts costs while supporting sustainability goals.
Hotels should look at their current EV setup to spot bottlenecks. Strategically placing chargers in high-demand spots helps maximise usage and ROI.
Good site planning means putting chargers where guests actually need them, based on guest habits and parking layout. The setup should be flexible for different vehicle types and allow easy access, especially during busy times. Sometimes, power upgrades are needed to handle more chargers without tripping the system.
Regular maintenance keeps chargers running and avoids downtime. Tracking key performance indicators can flag recurring issues before they annoy guests. Hotels should keep an eye on:
Commercial charging systems built for hospitality have features that regular home chargers just don’t.
Contactless payments make life easier for guests, with no need for apps or accounts.
Dynamic pricing lets venues adjust rates based on demand or guest status. Maybe premium guests charge for a discounted rate, while others pay full price. Real-time availability displays help drivers find open chargers without wandering around the car park.
EV charging is quickly becoming a baseline expectation for guests, not a future extra. For hospitality venues, understanding how your chargers are actually being used, and how that compares with similar sites, is key to making smarter decisions on pricing, capacity, and investment. With demand rising faster than supply, those who track performance, benchmark regularly, and optimise their charging offer now will be best placed to boost revenue, improve guest satisfaction, and stay ahead as the shift to electric continues.
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