With EV sales surging and charger demand at an all-time high, hotels are discovering a powerful new guest magnet: plug-in power.

When electric vehicles (EVs) first rolled off production lines two decades ago, no one predicted they’d go from niche novelty to full-blown travel disruptor. But here we are in 2025—and EVs aren’t just reshaping the road. They’re transforming the way people book hotels, too.

EVs Are Everywhere—and Drivers Are Plugging In.

Today, more than 1 in 10 vehicles on U.S. roads are electric, and that number is accelerating fast. According to BloombergNEF, EVs will make up 55% of all new car sales by 2030, with nearly every major automaker already pivoting to an all-electric future. GM, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz have all pledged to phase out internal combustion engines entirely within the next decade.

And it’s not just Tesla anymore. The U.S. EV market has exploded with demand for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Rivian R1T, and the luxe Lucid Air. Waitlists are still common in 2025—and drivers are eager to go.

“Where Can I Charge?” Is the New “Do They Have Wi-Fi?”

EV owners aren’t planning road trips the same way they used to. With thousands of apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Tesla’s “Go Anywhere” tool, drivers now map out charging stops with military precision—and the hotels that appear on those maps are winning big.

“Range anxiety isn’t the issue anymore,” says Ben Prochazka, executive director of the Electrification Coalition. “Now it’s about convenience and experience. Travelers want to charge where they sleep, eat, and relax.”

That means charging availability is directly influencing hotel selection—often more than price, brand, or even rewards points. According to a 2024 J.D. Power Travel Trends report, 38% of EV drivers say they’ve switched hotel loyalty in favor of properties offering charging.

The New Guest Loyalty Program? Level 2 Charging.

Hotels that get ahead of this shift are reaping serious rewards. Not only are they attracting a growing segment of high-income, tech-savvy guests—EV owners typically have 25–30% higher disposable incomes than average travelers—but they’re also seeing real behavioral change:

• EV guests stay 12–20% longer, according to a 2024 STR global lodging report.

• They’re more likely to dine onsite while their vehicle charges.

• Many return regularly, especially if chargers are reliable and easy to use.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in traveler behavior—EV drivers are choosing hotels based on charging availability, not brand loyalty,” says Jim Burness, CEO, National Car Charging. “For hotels, this isn’t just about adding an amenity; it’s about staying relevant, capturing new revenue, and building loyalty with the fastest-growing segment of the market.”

And it’s not just overnight guests. Hotels with visible public chargers are drawing more daytime traffic—boosting business for meeting spaces, spas, restaurants, and more.

Charging Isn’t Just an Amenity—It’s a Revenue Stream.

When priced appropriately, Level 2 and DC fast chargers aren’t just conveniences—they’re profit centers. Hotels that offer competitive pay-to-charge rates see a reliable uptick in ancillary revenue.

And there’s a brand bonus, too. “Seeing a bank of EVs in the valet circle sends a message: this hotel is modern, forward-thinking, and sustainable,” says Katie Sloan, VP of Clean Transportation at Southern California Edison.

Don’t Miss Out on Free Money.

With incentives at all levels of government, there’s never been a better time for hotel owners to invest in EV charging infrastructure. Programs like the NEVI Formula Program, California’s CALeVIP, and Hawai‘i Energy's commercial EV charger rebates are putting millions on the table to offset hardware, installation, and software costs.

“Between tax credits and rebates, some hotel clients are getting 80–100% of their installation costs covered,” says Bhavik Dani, Hospitality EV Specialist at National Car Charging.

The Bottom Line.

EV charging is no longer a nice-to-have. In 2025, it’s a competitive necessity—and a surprising new lever of guest loyalty. If you’re still waiting to electrify your property, your future guests might already be driving somewhere else.

Want to attract EV travelers and unlock new revenue? Call Bhavik Dani, our hospitality specialist at 866-996-6387 or visit our hospitality page to learn more.