Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. has unveiled a partnership with Tesla Inc. to install 20,000 universal electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 2,000 of its hotels in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This ambitious move aims to make Hilton's EV charging network the largest among all hospitality companies. The installations are expected to be completed by 2025, with each selected hotel housing at least six wall-mounted chargers that are compatible with any electric vehicle model.
Hilton's Chief Brand Officer, Matt Schuyler, believes that this collaboration aligns perfectly with the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure. He expressed confidence that their expanded partnership with Tesla will accommodate this need effectively. The decision to join forces with Tesla was based on Hilton's positive experience with the brand and Tesla's recent implementation of a universal charging approach.
This partnership also reflects Tesla's strategy to expand its charging infrastructure across popular destinations. Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla's Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure, emphasizes the benefits of installing chargers at hotels, stating that it allows EV owners to recharge conveniently at parking facilities along their journey without any unnecessary stops.
While the availability of EV charging stations at hotels has lagged behind, Hilton's efforts, in collaboration with Tesla, will help bridge this gap. A survey conducted by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) found that only about a quarter of the 17,000 hotels surveyed offered EV charging amenities. Hilton currently has chargers at less than a third of its properties. However, industry initiatives such as AHLA's Responsible Stay program, which encourages sustainable practices including access to EV ports, aim to accelerate the adoption of charging infrastructure in the hospitality sector.
Tesla's wall chargers are capable of adding up to 44 miles of range per hour to both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs. With over 63,000 charging locations across the United States and Canada, the charging network in North America continues to expand rapidly, including the addition of charging stations at major gas stations. The move by Hilton and Tesla signifies a major step forward in the accessibility and convenience of EV charging, encouraging more travelers to consider electric vehicles as a sustainable transportation option.