Hilton Hotels has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish the most extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging network in the hospitality industry, thanks to an expanded collaboration with Tesla. Starting from early 2024, Hilton will deploy up to 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors at 2,000 hotels across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With a commitment to installing a minimum of six chargers at each participating hotel, Hilton is set to become the preferred choice for the growing number of travelers who opt for electric vehicles. This significant development comes hot on the heels of Tesla’s introduction of the Universal Wall Connector, a versatile product capable of seamlessly charging any North American EV model, highlighting Tesla’s commitment to offering convenient charging solutions for all electric vehicles.
Matt Schuyler, Hilton’s Chief Brand Officer, expressed the brand’s dedication to meeting evolving guest needs, saying, “At Hilton, we are committed to meeting the changing needs of our guests who are looking for hotel experiences that complement their daily routines while offering exceptional hospitality.” He further emphasized the rapid transformation of the North American EV charging landscape brought about by this expanded partnership with Tesla, which will provide travelers with much-needed overnight charging access at numerous locations across Hilton’s range of award-winning hotel brands.
Hilton’s extensive network of hotels, strategically positioned along major highways and in key urban hubs throughout North America, uniquely positions the company to offer convenient and scalable charging access to travelers on extended journeys.
Rebecca Tinucci, Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure at Tesla, noted, “A key priority for Tesla Charging is installing low-cost, convenient AC charging anywhere electric vehicles are parked for more than an hour or two.” Tinucci emphasized the shared industry objective of enhancing the EV ownership experience significantly and recognized Hilton’s leadership in enabling convenient charging infrastructure at popular destinations like Hilton hotels.
The growing demand for EV charging solutions among travelers is evident through the rising number of searches on Hilton.com for hotels with charging capabilities. In 2023, the EV charging search attribute on the website experienced the fastest volume growth to date, surging from fourth to the second-highest in terms of converting searches into bookings. This partnership between Hilton and Tesla is poised to address this burgeoning demand, providing a seamless and sustainable solution for travelers across North America.