EV charging for hotels: is fast, rapid or slow charging best for hotels?

What types of EV charging is available on the market?

There are three types of EV chargers: slow, fast, and rapid, with the names of the chargers corresponding with the speed at which they charge. It’s important to decide on the EV charger that is most suited to your business requirements, and more importantly, your guests’ needs to ensure your investment is cost-effective and futureproof.

As of October 2021, data from Zap-Map shows that there are around 26,500 public EV chargepoints across the UK. Of these, around 6,300 are slow, 15,200 are fast, and 5,000 are rapid EV chargers. Different types of chargers are more suitable for different settings and users, read on to see the advantages and disadvantages of slow, fast, and rapid charger use in hotels.

For information concerning the government-subsidised support available for hotels, download our free EV funding for hotels eBook here;

Fast and rapid EV charging - Pros and cons

Fast and rapid EV chargers are the most popular EV charger type in the UK and account for over half of the charging network, meaning they’re the easiest to find. They can often be located in public places such as supermarkets, car parks, retail parks, shopping centres and even hotels. 

As the name suggests, fast and rapid EV chargers are the speedier counterparts of slow charging - being able to charge in 4-6 hours or even less depending on the kW of the charger. While fast chargers are definitely fast, rapid chargers are a newer development that can charge at around seven times the speed of a fast charger.

By selecting fast or rapid EV charging for your hotel, the likelihood of attracting short-term guests will rise thanks to the short time it takes to achieve a full charge. However, for this more expensive option, there have been reports of safety concerns due to damage to the car battery and overheating… To recap;

Fast or rapid EV charging pros;

• The most common type of chargers; available at a range of locations (supermarkets, car parks, shopping centres, retail parks)
• Depending on the kW, can charge in 4-6 hours or even less
• Rapid charge units can charge 
• Installation at your hotel will encourage short-term visitors to your business, may spend money on your amenities while charging

Fast or rapid EV charging cons;

• More expensive than slow EV chargers
• Safety concerns due to the amount of electricity required, battery life of EVs is damaged

Slow EV charging - Pros and cons

More commonly found outside people’s homes or workplaces, the slow EV charger is a convenient and trusted friend. With longer charging timeframes, users are able to work, play, or rest while their electric vehicle is recuperating. This is ideal for a hotel setting as guests will be able to charge their car overnight or while they are enjoying other amenities onsite. 

Despite a slower charge time of 8-12 hours, slow EV charging also retains your vehicle’s battery health and allows for the installation of a secure wallbox. As well as this, guests staying at your hotel for business will be attracted to your hotel and the overnight charging facilities leading to an increase in the volume of visitors. 

Slow EV charging pros;

• Simple and convenient to use
• Ideal for overnight charging
• The battery is kept healthy
• Will increase the volume of long-term visitors

Slow EV charging cons;

• Not recommended for those in a hurry!

Expected range per hour charging

EV charging for hotels: Is fast, rapid, or slow EV charging best?

Ultimately, all three types of EV chargers have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right option for you is completely dependent on your customers’ requirements. In the case of hotels, slow chargers are better suited for longer-staying guests, and fast or rapid EV chargers are great for coming-and-going guests. It’s vital that you do your research on the various types of EV charger types and brands.

Of course, you will value both personas of guests, so may even opt for a combination of charger types depending on your priorities and budgeting. Your EV charging station installer will be on hand to provide you with any advice and ongoing support to help you make the right decision for your business.