Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but one major barrier to widespread adoption is the lack of convenient charging options when drivers are away from home. Hotels that offer EV charging as an amenity can attract eco-conscious guests while also supporting the growth of sustainable transportation. Wireless or inductive charging eliminates cables and allows guests to simply park over a charging pad to power their EVs overnight. This technology is ideally suited for hotels looking to provide effortless charging without installing costly plug-in stations.
Benefits of Wireless EV Charging for Hotels
- Increased Guest Attraction – EV drivers actively seek out hotels with charging capabilities. Wireless charging provides a cutting-edge amenity that demonstrates a hotel’s commitment to sustainability and technology.
- No Cables or Tripping Hazards – Wireless charging pads are simple and seamless with no risk of cables strewn across parking spaces. The infrastructure is underground and activation is automatic upon parking over the pad.
- Flexible Parking – Wireless charging infrastructure can be installed beneath multiple parking spaces. Spaces can easily be converted for EV charging as demand grows without the need for new wiring or conduits.
- Effortless Charging Experience – Without any plugs or cords, guests simply park as usual and charging begins immediately. The hassle-free experience ensures guests start each day with a fully charged EV.
- Management Portal for Usage Monitoring – Wireless systems allow remote monitoring of charging status. Hotel staff can view real-time usage data and receive notifications via a cloud-based portal.
Key Factors for Installation
When considering adding wireless EV charging capabilities, hotels must evaluate their parking spaces, electrical capacity, and installation costs.
Parking Design -Stalls equipped with wireless charging pads should allow adequate maneuverability and prevent cross-parking over multiple pads. Border markings and signs clearly designate EV charging spaces.
Electrical Load – Each charging pad requires a dedicated circuit and will add 6-10kW of load per vehicle. Load management software helps balance overall energy use.
Cost – A typical 2-pad wireless charging system costs $15,000-$25,000 including installation. Larger deployments achieve economies of scale. Maintenance is minimal with no moving parts.
Ongoing Revenue Opportunities
Wireless EV charging provides an incremental revenue stream for hotels in addition to attracting eco-friendly guests.
Charging Fees – Hotels can charge hourly or per session fees to offset operating costs. Luxury properties may offer charging as a free amenity.
Sponsorships – Businesses may sponsor charging stations to promote their EV-friendly brands to affluent guests.
Advertising – Charging display screens provide a captive digital audience for delivering targeted advertising messages.
Examples of Hotels Offering Wireless Charging
While still an emerging trend, innovative hotels around the world are implementing wireless EV charging:
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa – This luxury Florida hotel provides wireless charging pads by each guest space via technology by WiTricity.
Hotel Indigo in Los Angeles – Guests can request to reserve one of the parking spaces equipped with wireless charging pads.
Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel – Located in Spain’s Balearic Islands, this beachfront property offers wireless charging for its tech-savvy guests.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Denver – The boutique hotel offers complimentary wireless charging as part of its amenities for EV drivers.
The future is wireless and hotels that get ahead of the curve with inductive charging will attract technophiles and environmentally conscious guests seeking an effortless charging experience. As EVs become mainstream, wireless charging capability may become a prerequisite for hotels to satisfy guest demands and provide competitive amenity offerings.