Updated on 06/05/2026
Why equip your hotel with EV charging stations in 2026?
A booking criterion that has become a priority
IIn April 2026, fully electric vehicles accounted for 27.2% of new registrations in France, rising to 32.2% when including plug-in hybrids (SDES, 2026). These drivers have one thing in common: they plan their charging stop before booking their accommodation.
Platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com and TripAdvisor lready offer dedicated filters for properties equipped with charging stations. A hotel without chargers simply disappears from results for this fast-growing segment. Conversely, equipping your property means gaining visibility and attracting high-spending guests — EV drivers tend to be higher-income profiles.
A study conducted by the Boutique & Luxury Lodging Association confirms that the availability of an EV charging station is now a decisive selection criterion for electric vehicle travellers.
A Legal Requirement
Law no. 2019-1428 of 24 December 2019, known as the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM), requires non-residential car parks with more than 20 spaces to include EV charging points. Hotels, restaurants, offices, shopping centres — all commercial buildings are affected.
This is not a recommendation, it is a legal obligation. And regulatory deadlines continue to evolve. For a full breakdown of the obligations that apply to your property, read our dedicated article on the LOM law.
A CSR Argument That Carries Real Weight
According to Booking.com's Travel & Sustainability Report 2026, 100 million room nights were booked in 2025 at sustainably certified properties (Green Key, EU Ecolabel, ISO 14001...). These certifications are no longer simply a goodwill signal — they have become a decisive selection criterion, particularly among corporate accounts and business travellers.
Installing EV charging stations fits naturally into this approach. By supporting low-emission mobility, you reinforce the consistency and credibility of your environmental commitments and make them visible to your guests.
How Much Does Installing EV Charging Stations in a Hotel Cost?
The cost depends primarily on the number of chargers, the power output selected, and the operating model chosen. Two main options exist.
With our third-party investment model, Qovoltis finances, installs, monitors and maintains the chargers at its own expense. In return, you provide the necessary parking space and receive a commission of 5 to 10% on each charging session.
This is the model chosen by many independent hotels that want to get equipped without committing capital. A model you won't find with generalist providers.
Lifespan and Return on Investment
At Qovoltis, chargers are guaranteed for 7 years, but their average lifespan can reach 10 to 15 years. Over this period, return on investment depends on several variables: number of chargers, occupancy rate, pricing model, and operating model chosen.
With Qovoltis's third-party investment model, the question of lifespan doesn't arise — we manage the charger throughout its entire lifecycle and handle its replacement at end of life.
How Does a Qovoltis Hotel Installation Work?
An installation follows a structured five-step process, from initial assessment to ongoing operations.
- Project assessment and qualification. After an initial call to assess your property's eligibility and project feasibility (available parking, electrical capacity, number of chargers), our teams carry out a tailored technical study. For hotels, an on-site visit is always offered.
- Technical Implementation Plan. A summary document is provided to the property: installation layout, technical specifications of the chargers, electrical sizing, and a timeline through to commissioning.
- Sign-off and administrative procedures. Qovoltis handles all formalities: Enedis grid connection, Consuel, IRVE certification, AFIR compliance, NF C 15-100 and GDPR.
- Installation and commissioning. Installation is carried out by IRVE-qualified technicians. Lead time is 8 to 10 weeks with an existing meter, or 18 weeks if a new Enedis delivery point (PDL) is required.
- Operations and maintenance. Qovoltis provides 24/7 remote monitoring, preventive and corrective maintenance, and full back-office management — depending on the model chosen.
They've done it: Logis Hôtel · Hôtel Nell · Maison Obono · Louvre Hotels Group
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions from Hoteliers
How many chargers should I install in my hotel?
There is no universal answer, but some useful benchmarks. Fewer than 20 rooms: 1 to 2 chargers are enough to start. Between 20 and 50 rooms: 3 to 5 chargers cover current demand while anticipating growth. Beyond that, a personalised assessment is recommended.
The LOM law requires a minimum of 1 charging point per 20 spaces (i.e. 5%) for existing car parks with more than 20 spaces since 1 January 2025 — this is a legal threshold, not a target. As the electric vehicle fleet grows rapidly, your guests' real needs will likely exceed this minimum in the coming years. If your car park has fewer than 20 spaces, the obligation does not apply, but pre-installation is strongly recommended to be ready for tomorrow's guests.
How should I charge guests for EV charging?
Three models coexist:
- You can offer charging free of charge — a strong commercial argument for upscale properties.
- You can include a flat fee in the nightly rate (around €10 to €15 per vehicle per night).
- You can offer pay-per-session via a monitoring tool that allows guests to pay by card, badge or mobile app.
Qovoltis's third-party investment model includes complete management of pricing and billing, automated through the app.
Do I need to increase my electrical capacity to install chargers?
To determine whether you need to increase your property's electrical capacity, the key factor is the residual capacity of your meter. If it is sufficient, no upgrade or change is needed.
If the residual capacity is insufficient, two options are available: increase the power of your existing meter, or install a new one. With Qovoltis's third-party investment option, we handle the installation of the new meter.
What type of charger and power output is right for a hotel?
There are two types of EV chargers:
AC chargers (alternating current) deliver between 7.4 kW and 22 kW. Charging is slower, but sufficient to fully charge a vehicle in a few hours. These are the most common and least expensive to install.
DC chargers (direct current) enable fast charging from 50 kW. They can charge a vehicle in 20 to 45 minutes, but require heavy electrical infrastructure and a significantly higher investment.
For a full breakdown of the technical differences between AC and DC, read our dedicated article.
For hotels, we recommend AC chargers. The reason is simple: your guests charge overnight or during their stay — an AC charger is more than sufficient to fully charge a vehicle in under 8 hours. AC is also better suited to deploying multiple simultaneous charging points without overloading your electrical installation.
Are there grants available for installing EV chargers in my hotel?
National direct subsidies such as the ADVENIR programme, which until recently part-funded installation, are no longer available for hotels in 2026. This makes the third-party investment model all the more relevant, as Qovoltis covers the full cost of installation with no upfront payment from you.
Some levers do remain. Certain regions subsidise sustainable tourism projects and may co-fund charger installation. Charging infrastructure can also benefit from accelerated tax depreciation, and Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) may still be available depending on the property's legal structure.
Key Takeaways
Equipping your hotel with EV charging stations in 2026 means responding to a legal obligation, a growing guest expectation, and a concrete CSR commitment all at once. With 32.2% of new vehicle registrations being plug-in (electric + hybrid), the automotive landscape is changing fast. By installing chargers, you're not just upgrading your car park — you're preparing your property for tomorrow's standards.
For hotels, AC chargers remain the most suitable and cost-effective solution: they are more than sufficient for overnight charging, without requiring heavy infrastructure. The third-party investment model allows you to get equipped without spending a single euro, with a commission earned on every session.
The right time to start is now.
Further Reading
How an EV chargingh station works
The benefits of smart charging
Choosing between AC and DC current
Louvre Hotels Group partners with Qovoltis
Sources & References
SDES, Official vehicle registration data 2026
Légifrance, Law no. 2019-1428 of 24 December 2019 on Mobility Orientation
Boutique Luxury Lodging Association, Sponsored Survey Quantifies Importance of Charging Amenity for Boutique Hotels
Booking.com, Travel and Sustainability Report 2026
Afnor Certifications, IRVE qualification
