Tesla just seems to keep going from strength to strength. Not only have major carmakers like Ford, GM, Mercedes Benz, Volvo, Nissan, and Polestar agreed to adopt the brand’s industry-winning charger network in the near future, but now a major hotel chain has joined the party.
This week, Hilton said it would install 20,000 Tesla chargers at 2,000 hotels across North America. According to Hilton, the collaboration will create the “largest overnight EV charging network in the hospitality industry,” while Hilton’s “huge geographic footprint makes the company’s portfolio uniquely suited to provide charging access at scale for travelers on long-haul trips.” The project will start in early 2024.
As part of the initiative, each hotel will install at least six Tesla Universal Wall Connectors, which are capable of charging not only Tesla vehicles but any North American electric vehicle model. Tesla launched its Universal Wall Connector, which is retail priced at $595, earlier this year. It’s a Level 2 charger and capable of charging up to 44 miles of range per hour of charging.
This style of charging makes sense at hotels, where cars are often parked overnight and slower charging is appropriate. It also helps to keep installation costs down. In fact, access to EV charging is becoming a major deciding factor for hotel guests. Hilton says the number of searches on Hilton.com for hotels with charging facilities has significantly increased. This year to date, the website’s EV charging search has jumped from fourth to second place when it comes to converting searches to stays.
“Through this expanded agreement with Tesla, we are significantly changing the landscape of universal EV chargers in North America in an incredibly short amount of time,” Hilton chief brand officer Matt Schuyler said in a statement.
It’s also similar to retailers, fast food chains, and others embracing EV charging as a way to attract customers.
OUR THOUGHTS
Tesla chargers at Hilton hotels? This all makes perfect sense. And to be honest, we are surprised that more hotel chains have not joined this growing bandwagon—as it is the most effective charging standard in the industry. And hotel guests are aware of this fact.