In recent years, tourism has undergone a profound transformation driven by electric mobility. As of November 30, 2025, the Italian fleet reached353,721 electric cars(Motus-E data), recording a40.1% increasein BEV registrations year-on-year. These drivers represent a growing target market: they are more concerned with sustainability and give absolute priority to the availability of charging infrastructure in their daily lives, in order to optimize the time spent charging.
This is a particularly interesting demographic segment for the hospitality sector, characterized by greater economic resources and, in some cases, a higher than average frequency of travel.
Accordingto Booking.com's Sustainable Travel Report (2023), 74% of global travelers prefer to stay in accommodations with clear and verifiable sustainability credentials. Asurvey conducted by Virta together with Kantarreveals even more significant data: 87% of EV drivers consider the availability of charging facilities at hotels to be a factor that directly influences their decision to stay.
These figures highlight how electric charging is no longer perceived as an optional service, but as a fundamental selection criterion, on a par with fast WiFi connection or room services. Charging, therefore, is no longer a simple additional service, but an indispensable competitive advantage that can make the difference between a confirmed booking and a lost opportunity.
Recharging as a new selection criterion
The hospitality sector is charting a new course: one in which technology and sustainability come together to redefine the standard of experience. "Electric" guests are precise planners: they choose locations where they can easily manage charging , integrating it into their stay without having to rely on public infrastructure.
This need translates into an active search for hotels that offer this service, influencing not only the choice of accommodation but also the length of stay and willingness to spend.
The presence of a charging station has a direct impact on several levels: it improvesoccupancy rates, increasesvisibility on OTAs(where the "EV charging" filter is increasingly used by travelers during their search), promotesgreater conversion on the hotel page, and leads tomore positive reviewsfor reliability and comfort.
Reviews represent a fundamental asset for reputation: a guest who has conveniently recharged their car during their stay will tend to highlight this aspect in public feedback, positively influencing the decisions of other potential customers. Furthermore, the presence of this service significantly reduces the risk of negative reviews related to the inability to recharge, an issue that is increasingly felt among electric vehicle owners.
In many tourist areas, the Italian public charging network, despite having reached over70,272 active points(Motus-E, 2025), remains unevenly distributed, with a particular shortage in mountain, seaside, and historic village tourist destinations.
Hotels offering an integrated service become reference points for electric drivers, ensuring a steady flow of bookings throughout the year. This advantageous position is particularly strategic during peak seasons, when public charging stations are often busy and guests seek the security of being able to recharge directly at their accommodation.
Strategy and economic models
To provide flexible support to hoteliers, Powy three modular management and investment models, each designed to adapt to the different financial and strategic needs of accommodation facilities.
Theco-investment modelallows for shared growth between the hotel and the company: Powy care of installation and management, while revenues are shared, generating long-term margins. This approach allows the hotel to actively participate in the investment, reducing the initial risk and benefiting from a strategic partnership that distributes opportunities and responsibilities equally. The model is particularly suitable for establishments that wish to maintain direct control over the service without bearing the entire financial burden of installation.
With thepartnership model, the hotel does not have to bear any initial costs: Powy hardware, installation, and maintenance, receiving a share of each charging session. It is the most popular formula in the industry, especially among hotel chains and medium-sized establishments that want to quickly implement the service without impacting their investment budget. This model completely eliminates the financial risk for the hotelier, turning charging into a source of additional revenue without any initial expenditure.
Finally, thepurchase modeloffers complete autonomy: the facility becomes the owner of the system, with Powy in the form of consulting, software, and maintenance. In all cases, charging becomes an integral part ofrevenue management, serving as a strategic pricing lever. The most structured hoteliers are already integrating charging revenues into their business plan projections, considering them an integral part of their cash flow diversification strategy.
Visibility, reputation, and competitive advantage
In addition to generating revenue, Charging Stations the visibility of the hotel. On OTAs, maps such asGoogle Maps, and charging apps such as Powy , the presence of a charging point makes the property stand out in searches by sustainable travelers. These platforms are consulted daily by millions of electric drivers when planning their trips, and the presence of the property on these channels represents a zero-cost marketing opportunity with a measurable ROI in terms of direct bookings.
A reliable charging service reducesnegative reviewsand improvesdigital reputation, a key factor for mid- to high-end hotels. Business guests consider charging facilities a stable criterion for their choice, often decisive for corporate contracts and corporate loyalty programs.
Leisure travelers appreciate the value of a sustainable experience and tend to return, transforming the service into a driver of customer retention. Some hotels are already introducingloyalty programs linked to recharging, rewarding their most loyal customers with room upgrades, free recharges, or additional services such as breakfast included or late check-out. These initiatives strengthen the bond with the brand and create a differentiating effect compared to the competition.
Environmental impact and certifications
Charging infrastructure contributes significantly to achieving internationally recognized environmental certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM, Green Key, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and EU Ecolabel. Integrating charging into a hotel's ESG strategy means not only responding to market expectations, but also communicating a genuine commitment to sustainable transition, a value that is highly appreciated by guests and B2B partners today.
Companies that organize events or stays for their employees are increasingly requesting facilities with verifiable environmental credentials, making sustainability a selection criterion in tenders and framework agreements. The presence of charging stations can contribute to obtaining points in the "Sustainable Transport" and "Innovation" categories provided for by the main certification systems, improving the overall score of the facility.
Furthermore, the presence of charging infrastructure can contribute positively to the sustainability balance sheets of facilities, providing quantitative data on the positive environmental impact generated by the electrification of guest mobility.
Communicate the presence of the recharge
To turn charging into a marketing lever, it is essential to make it visible across alldigital touchpoints. Adedicated page on the hotel websitewith detailed information on connector types, available power, rates, and booking methods facilitates the conversion of visitors into guests.
OTA profiles updatedwith the charging service clearly highlighted in the amenities section improve positioning in filtered search results.Presence on chargingapps ensures visibility among the most active and influential electric driver community.
Clear communication via email and social mediahelps raise awareness and increase conversion: dedicated newsletters, Instagram and Facebook posts showing the charging stations in use, and stories recounting the experiences of EV guests create engagement and generate interest.
Providing information aboutpower outlets, available sockets, hours, and how to use themreduces requests to the front desk and improves the customer experience from the moment of booking, reducing friction and increasing overall satisfaction. Transparent and comprehensive information eliminates doubts and uncertainties, factors that often lead potential guests to opt for competing properties.
Powy support Powy hotels
Powy facilities through every stage of the process:from analyzing the site and guest flows, which allows the infrastructure to be correctly sized according to actual needs, tochoosing the economic model best suitedto the financial and strategic characteristics of the facility, toinstallation, operational management, and performance monitoring. Each stage is overseen by specialized professionals who guarantee efficiency and measurable results.
Support also continues in terms ofmarketing andinfrastructureoptimization over time. Powy advanced tools to monitor charging station usage, revenue generated, peak times, and other details, allowing the hotel to continuously optimize its service.
The goal is to help hotels transform their parking facilities into apremium service that generates measurable value: higher occupancy, greaterRevPAR, and a sustainable and competitive position in the hospitality market. The partnership with Powy is Powy limited to technology, but extends to overall strategy, integrating electric charging as a central component of the accommodation facility's value proposition.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about charging stations in hotels
Do charging stations increase hotel bookings?
Yes, the presence of well-publicized charging stations increases visibility on booking channels thanks to specific search filters, attracting a qualified audience. Positive reviews that mention charging improve the overall rating and influence other bookings. For transit locations, becoming the go-to place for charging ensures a steady flow of guests even in the low season.
What types of charging stations are most suitable for hotels?
For hotels, the most common charging solutions are 7.4 kW or 22 kW, which allow for a full charge overnight and meet the needs of most guests. In special cases, the installation of higher-power charging stations may be considered. Wall-mounted solutions are ideal for garages and covered parking lots, while charging stations are more suitable for outdoor spaces.
Where should charging stations be located to maximize usage?
The location of charging stations significantly influences the guest experience. The preferred locations should be near the hotel entrance or reception desk to facilitate access, especially for nighttime arrivals or in adverse weather conditions. The location must ensure accessibility and visibility, becoming a distinctive feature that is easily recognizable by guests.
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, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.
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.
Learn more: wpowy.energy