90% of Spanish hotels do not have infrastructure for electric vehicles

Electric cars cannot be recharged in the vast majority of Spanish hotels, according to estimates by the European company ChargeGuru. 55% of drivers of this type of vehicle in Spain are concerned about the lack of infrastructure in hotels, restaurants, stores and other establishments. The development of the charging network is vital for sustainable mobility.

The development of the charging network is vital for sustainable mobility.

Recharging at destination is an indispensable element that complements the other modalities, such as recharging on the road and at source.

Drivers of electric vehicles tend to choose their hotels according to the charging offer they have, which is indicated on the main booking portals, as well as on Google Maps and Apple Maps.

Recharging points attract new guests, increase visibility among EV drivers and provide additional sources of revenue for those who choose to install them in their buildings, according to ChargeGuru.

As for shops or restaurants, EV drivers tend to spend more time shopping or eating on site if a charging point is available. The increased length of stay usually translates into higher spending and increased consumption in stores and establishments. The charging infrastructure helps attract and retain customers, while generating a new source of revenue for the establishment.

By promoting the use of electric vehicles, companies are demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, initiatives such as the installation of charging stations can form part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies, enhancing their reputation.

At the end of 2021, Royal Decree-Law 29/2021 was published, which brings together several measures for the energy sector, including the obligation, as of January 1, 2023, to install charging points in all buildings used for purposes other than private residential use: work centers, shopping and leisure centers, sports centers, educational centers, etc.

For buildings for uses other than private residential use, with more than 10 parking spaces, the standard requires piping that serves as a pre-installation of recharging infrastructure for 20% of the parking spaces.

One electric vehicle charging station is required for every 40 parking spaces, and one more charging station for every additional 100 spaces.

The requirement for recharging points is raised to one recharging point for every 20 spaces for buildings belonging to the General State Administration, and one more recharging station for every 100 additional spaces or fraction thereof.

"We are confident that companies that know and understand the importance of providing charging stations can establish a differentiation between their business or establishment and their competitors to capture a consumer segment that values sustainability and convenience with on-destination chargers”, comments Adrien Castagnié, general manager of ChargeGuru in Spain.