The future of overnight EV charging is bright, thanks to Hilton and Tesla
In a remarkable move to address the surging demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging during hotel stays, Hilton has announced a major expansion of its charging network in partnership with Tesla. The collaboration will make Hilton’s planned network the largest of its kind within the hospitality sector in North America.
“Significantly changing the landscape”
“At Hilton, we are committed to meeting the changing needs of our guests who are looking for hotel experiences that complement their daily routines while offering exceptional hospitality,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer at Hilton. “We are significantly changing the landscape of universal EV chargers in North America in an incredibly short amount of time.”
20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors
Under this collaboration, up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors will be installed across 2,000 Hilton hotels in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by early 2024. A minimum of six chargers will be available at each participating hotel, promising a convenient and straightforward charging experience for guests.
More than just Tesla
Although Tesla is the leading force in the electric vehicle sector, the Universal Wall Connector is designed to charge any North American vehicle model. This further augments Tesla’s commitment to making excellent charging accessible to all electric vehicles.
Roadways and urban locations: strategic placement
The expansive geographic footprint of Hilton hotels, particularly alongside major roadways and in key urban areas, enables the hotel chain to offer large-scale charging access. This makes Hilton a perfect partner for any long-haul trip.
Growing demand: what the data says
Searches for hotels with EV charging capability on Hilton.com have seen a rapid increase. In 2023, the website’s EV charging search attribute moved from fourth to second highest in converting searches to stays.
Specifications
- Number of Universal Wall Connectors: Up to 20,000
- Number of participating hotels: 2,000
- Geographic range: U.S., Canada, and Mexico
- Minimum chargers per hotel: Six
- Project commencement: Early 2024
Reflection on a sustainable future
This new initiative also aligns with Hilton’s ongoing efforts to create a positive impact through its Travel with Purpose platform. While the immediate effects are evident—greater convenience for travelers and expanded infrastructure for EVs—the initiative also has deeper, long-term implications. As society grapples with climate change, collaborations like this between industry leaders could act as silent catalysts, ushering in a new era of sustainable travel and consumption.
