“Should be offering for loyalty, convenience, and really just to drive more revenue.”
Hotels often offer a range of built-in perks, including gym access, complimentary breakfast, and daily turn-down service. But it seems some of them haven’t entered the modern era when it comes to their parking—or in this case, charging—situation.
Despite the rise of electric vehicles, many hotels have yet to add charging stations to their parking lots. One man is saying that this is not only a missed opportunity, but just plain bad customer service.
In a TikTok video, Anup Parikh (@pangeacharging), owner and founder of electric vehicle charging infrastructure company Pangea Charging, calls out hotels for not offering something that, at this point, he thinks should be standard.
“What do these three hotels around me have in common? None of them offer electric vehicle charging stations on site,” he says while filming in a parking lot near several hotels.
Parikh explains that it’s F1 weekend in Austin, Texas, which means an influx of out-of-towners staying at hotels and renting cars.
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“There are a bunch of people being sent out in electric vehicle rental cars from the rental agencies showing up to hotels that don’t have chargers,” Parikh notes.
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Parikh spoke to three hotel owners or operators about what they do when a guest needs to charge their car since they don’t have chargers in their parking lots. It turns out they’re sending guests to a grocery store about two miles away that has electric vehicle fast-charging stations.
“Now it always makes me wonder why hotels don’t send folks away to Denny’s for the continental breakfast, to Planet Fitness for the gym, or a local laundromat for laundry,” he says.
“They provide it on-site, and that’s the same value hotel should be offering for loyalty, convenience, and really just to drive more revenue.”
He adds that Austin is an especially popular city for year-round events, such as Austin City Limits, and for students and parents visiting local colleges.
“So if you wanna make more money and book more room nights at your hotel to this growing population of EVs, contact Pangea Charging will help you get set up with EV chargers and make the process seamless and simple,” he concluded, plugging his business.
In the caption, he adds the following: “Hotels could have booked more rooms and earned more revenue if they offered this crucial amenity.”
For EV drivers, finding a hotel with charging stations can make or break a road trip. NerdWallet points out that while thousands of hotels now offer EV chargers, not all booking platforms make them easy to find.
Your best bet? PlugShare is still the gold standard for locating hotel-based chargers—you can search by hotel name or location and filter for “lodging” under amenities.
Major booking sites, such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com, now offer “electric vehicle charging station” filters, although the listings can be outdated. Always confirm directly with the hotel about whether chargers are free, guest-only, or limited to specific hours. And here’s something to keep in mind: most hotel stations are Level 2 chargers, which provide 10 to 20 miles of range per hour. If you’re rolling in late with a low battery, plan accordingly.
The major hotel chains are also getting on board. More than 1,400 Hilton hotels in the US offer EV charging (though it’s not necessarily free). Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott all have EV charging filters on their websites and apps. Many travelers agree that Omni Hotels is actually one of the best options—many locations offer complimentary EV charging included with standard parking.
Tips to consider:
Here’s the thing—only 26.6% of hotels have installed EV charging stations, according to a study by Responsible Stay.
TownePark explains that EV sales have been skyrocketing, with about 1.2 million EVs sold in the US in 2023. By 2030, EVs could account for around 65% of new car sales in major markets.
For hotels, this isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about not losing business. EV owners plan their trips around charging availability, and they’ll pick hotels that have chargers over ones that don’t.
Additionally, there’s the sustainability aspect to consider. Having EV chargers boosts green certifications, improves ratings on sustainability-focused platforms, and attracts corporate clients with strict environmental policies.
But it’s not just about attracting guests. There’s actual money to be made. While guests wait for their cars to charge, they’re more likely to visit the hotel’s restaurant, bar, or spa, which generates more ancillary revenue. Plus, EV owners typically earn over $100,000 per year, making them a highly sought-after demographic willing to pay premium prices.
The financial incentives are there, too. The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits for up to 30% of equipment and installation costs, with a max of $100,000 per charger. Some states, such as California, even mandate the installation of EV charging infrastructure in new hotels and motels. Hotels that don’t adapt risk falling behind as this becomes standard, not a luxury.
People who commented on Parikh’s post were torn. Some feel that the inconvenience is a reason to eschew EVs. Others agree with the creator that hotels should add chargers if they can.
“Reason number 17282727 not to buy an electric car,” wrote one.
“Fr even with a few basic level 2s would be great,” said another.
“Find your own charger. Hotels also don’t provide gas. Fuel is your responsibility,” a third griped
“Then it has to be hotel guests only for the code, or else other EV owners will tie it up,” another added.
Motor1 reached out to Parikh for comment via Instagram and TikTok direct message. We’ll update this if he responds.
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