During a recent weekend trip to Eastbourne, I encountered a situation that perfectly illustrates the challenges facing the UK’s EV charging infrastructure – and the significant opportunities being missed by both hotels and Charge Point Operators (CPOs).
After finding ourselves unable to use our planned charging location, we parked on-street with limited range remaining in our Hyundai Ioniq. While walking to our hotel, we discovered something frustrating yet revealing a nearby hotel had three completely unused EV charge points sitting idle in their car park all weekend.
These charging points were invisible to the EV community. They weren’t listed on Zap Map or Octopus Electroverse. They weren’t mentioned at all on the hotel’s website. Without physically walking past them, no one would know they existed.
When my husband contacted the hotel about using these chargers, we encountered another barrier: they were only available to hotel guests spending money at the establishment.
This scenario highlights several critical issues that we at Full Circle CI frequently encounter when working with CPOs:
The Hidden Cost of Low Utilisation
Those charging points represented a significant investment, yet they stood unused for an entire weekend. In an area with limited charging infrastructure and active EV drivers seeking charging solutions, this represents a substantial missed opportunity for both the hotel and their CPO.
The Trust Gap
For EV drivers, finding reliable charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge. When businesses install chargers but fail to make them discoverable or accessible, it erodes trust in the broader EV charging network and creates unnecessary anxiety for drivers.
Overlooked Revenue Opportunities
The hotel’s stance on charging access reveals a common misconception. By restricting charger access to hotel guests, they missed an opportunity to:
· Generate revenue from charging sessions
· Attract potential customers to their facilities
· Build loyalty among EV drivers who prioritise destinations with reliable charging
· Create positive word-of-mouth in the EV community
The Path Forward
This experience underscores why continuous improvement in the EV charging sector is crucial. CPOs need to work closely with their site hosts to:
· Ensure charging points are visible on major platforms
· Develop clear, user-friendly access policies
· Understand how charging infrastructure can drive broader business goals
· Maximise utilisation through strategic positioning and pricing
For hotels and other businesses investing in EV infrastructure, charge points shouldn’t be viewed as a simple amenity – they’re a strategic asset that can drive customer engagement and revenue when properly managed and promoted.
At Full Circle CI, we specialise in helping CPOs optimise their operations and build trust with EV drivers. Through our structured approach and continuous improvement methodology, we work with CPOs to address these exact challenges, ensuring their charging infrastructure delivers value for all stakeholders.
The transition to electric vehicles represents a significant opportunity for businesses across the UK. However, realising this opportunity requires more than just installing charging points; it demands a strategic approach focused on visibility, accessibility, and user experience.
