Choice Hotels International has announced a new partnership with Tesla. This collaboration aims to equip participating hotels across the U.S. with Tesla Universal Wall Connectors, enhancing the EV charging infrastructure for guests.
The plan will see hotels under the Radisson, Cambria, Comfort, Country Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, and other Choice brands offering at least four charging stations to accommodate the increasing number of travelers driving electric vehicles.
Travelers looking to book a stay with EV charging facilities can now filter their search options on ChoiceHotels.com and the Choice Hotels mobile app to find suitable accommodations.
“This agreement with Tesla enables our brands to enhance their appeal by providing guests with convenient access to EV charging, potentially increasing revenue for hotel owners,” stated Dominic Dragisich, Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer at Choice Hotels International, in a statement on Tuesday.
With a portfolio of over 7,500 hotels and more than 630,000 rooms in 46 countries and territories, Choice Hotels is well-placed to meet the surging demand for EV charging facilities. Data from DK Shifflet revealed that 82% of all room nights at Choice hotels in 2022 were booked by guests who traveled by car, significantly higher than the industry average.
Tesla Universal Wall Connectors include the company’s North American Charging Standard plug (the connector Tesla uses for its cars) and the J1772 plug. This allows compatibility with all EVs and not just Tesla vehicles.
The majority of Choice-branded properties in the U.S. are conveniently located in suburban, interstate, and small-town areas, with 76% situated within a mile of a highway entrance, making them ideal for EV drivers.
Currently, 41% of Choice’s Cambria hotels are equipped with EV charging stations, with plans to extend this amenity to all Cambria hotels by the end of 2024. EV charging ranks among the top three sustainability priorities for Cambria guests.
