Installation of Charging Stations in Hotels: Technical and Regulatory Requirements

Offering electric vehicle charging services is a strategic tool for attracting business and leisure travelers. As an independent Charge Point Operator (CPO), Powy works alongside hospitality facilities to develop customized infrastructure, supporting hotels in managing their electrification process in accordance with applicable technical and regulatory standards.

For hotel operators, installing charging stations requires a thorough understanding of European directives, CEI standards, and fire safety regulations to avoid errors in sizing or unnecessary structural modifications.

1. Feasibility Study: Preliminary Analysis of the Structure

Before performing any work on the system, it is essential to conduct a preliminary audit that takes into account:

• Layout of the parking area: open-air parking at ground level, parking spaces covered by canopies, or an underground parking garage (subject to specific safety requirements).
• Average length of stay for guests: extended overnight stays (8–12 hours for hotel guests) compared to shorter stays (1–3 hours for guests using meeting rooms, conference facilities, restaurants, or wellness centers).
• Committed Contractual Capacity: Analysis of load peaks during periods of peak occupancy to determine the power available to the main distribution panel and avoid unjustified or uneconomical requests for increases.

2. The Regulatory Framework: The EPBD Directive and the National Context

The regulations governing charging infrastructure in hospitality facilities are based on Legislative Decree 48/2020 and the regulatory changes introduced by Directive (EU) 2024/1275 (EPBD recast), whose requirements apply depending on the nature and size of the building:

• New construction and major renovations: For non-residential buildings with more than five parking spaces, Directive (EU) 2024/1275 requires, in the cases covered by Article 14, the installation of at least one charging point for every five parking spaces, the pre-wiring of at least 50% of the parking spaces, and the installation of conduit for the remaining parking spaces. The specific requirements that apply must be determined in light of current national regulations and the characteristics of the project.
• Existing buildings: For non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces, Article 14 of Directive (EU) 2024/1275 requires that, by January 1, 2027, Member States mandate at least one charging point for every 10 parking spaces or the installation of conduit for at least 50% of the parking spaces, in accordance with the conditions and procedures set forth in applicable national legislation.
• Recommended scalable approach: In design practice, many facilities choose to initially electrify between 5% and 10% of their total parking spaces, while simultaneously installing underground conduits to allow for network expansion over the years without having to reopen construction sites.

3. Safety and Fire Prevention

Fire prevention requirements depend on the characteristics of the structure, the type of parking facility, and whether the facility is subject to inspections by the Fire Department. The design must take into account the applicable regulations and the technical guidelines relevant to the specific project:

• Garages subject to fire department inspection: If a covered or underground garage exceeds 300 m² in area, the facility falls under Activity 75 of Presidential Decree 151/2011 and is subject to fire prevention inspections, subject to coordination with the overall fire risk assessment of the main lodging facility (Activity 66). The design must comply with applicable technical criteria (including Fire Department Circular No. 2/2018 and the relevant Horizontal and Vertical Technical Rules—RTO/RTV—of the Fire Prevention Code), ensuring integration with the emergency power shut-off system, compliance with escape routes, and the maintenance of fire compartments.
• Outdoor areas and other configurations: For outdoor parking lots at ground level or below the thresholds for compliance with Presidential Decree 151/2011, the general safety principles for the facility, safety distances, and regulations regarding access for emergency vehicles remain in effect.
• Dedicated electrical protections: Regardless of the location, the system must comply with the CEI 64-8 standard, Section 722, by providing dedicated circuits and appropriate individual residual current devices (RCDs). Depending on the configuration of the charging station, protection against DC fault currents can be provided by a Type B residual current device (RCD) or by a Type A or F RCD coordinated with an RDC-DD device that complies with applicable technical standards.

Focus: Charging Methods and Tax Management

• Mode 3 and Mode 4 (CEI EN 61851-1 Standard): Safe charging in public settings requires dedicated communication protocols (Control Pilot). Mode 3 is used for standard alternating current charging (AC), which ensures that voltage is supplied only when the connector is locked and grounding has been verified; Mode 4, on the other hand, is used for fast direct current charging (DC).
• Payment Management and Tax Compliance: The administrative and tax obligations associated with the top-up service depend on the management model adopted and the entity selling the service. In the plans managed by Powy, the allocation of obligations and responsibilities is determined based on the chosen contractual configuration.

4. Technical and Operational Checklist for Hoteliers

By relying on a specialized service provider such as Powy, the various phases of the project are planned and coordinated with qualified technical professionals. Below is a checklist of the main required inspections:

5. Management Models: Flexible Formulas for Powy

Direct “do-it-yourself” management requires the hotel to bear the cost of the initial investment, assume responsibility for routine and major maintenance, and maintain a 24-hour phone support service to handle cable outages or payment issues.

To address these challenges, Powy offers customized partnership models tailored to the operational and financial objectives of each facility. The range of solutions extends fromfull investment by Powy —in which the operator fully funds the supply, connection, and operational management, while granting the hotel a share of the revenue—to joint investment schemes designed to share costs and revenues, thereby reducing financial exposure.

World-class hotel chains such as Abba Hotels, Meliá Hotels International, and Zafiro Hotels partner with Powy to ensure premium service for their guests without diverting resources from their core hospitality business.

To learn more about the criteria for calculating charging stations and choosing between AC and DC outlets, check out our guide on how many charging stations to install in a hotel, what power rating to choose, and where to place them.

6. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the average time it takes to complete the installation in a hotel?

The timeline can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the characteristics of the building, the complexity of the project, and any work required to bring the electrical system up to code. The timelines of the power utilities and other parties involved can also affect the overall duration of the project.

Who pays for the energy used by cars?

At facilities managed by Powy, the energy supplied is measured using dedicated meters, and the cost of charging is paid directly by the end user via an app or credit card. This way, the hotel does not directly bear the costs of the energy used for charging. Depending on the contractual arrangement chosen, the facility may also receive a royalty on the transactions.

What happens if a charging station stops working overnight?

Powy It provides users with a multilingual support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Remote monitoring allows for the detection of any malfunctions and, in many cases, enables software-based intervention to restore the charging station’s operation without requiring direct intervention by reception staff.

​Disclaimer: The regulatory framework cited is current as of the date of this document and is provided for informational purposes only. Similarly, the management models and services Powy mentioned are provided for illustrative purposes only and are subject to feasibility studies and specific contractual agreements for each individual facility.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin in 2018, Powy is at the forefront of the transition toward more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses 100% renewable energy—whose origin is certified by Guarantees of Origin (GO)—on its proprietary network, Powy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Press Office: press@powy.energy