The phrase "EV-friendly" gets used loosely. At Sento, we think it should mean something specific. Here's what we look for — and what you should too.
The Basics: What Every EV-Friendly Hotel Should Have
A Type 2 Wallbox (Minimum 7kW)
A domestic 3-pin socket isn't really EV charging. At 3kW, it'll add around 24 miles overnight — not enough for most EVs if you arrive with a significant range deficit. A proper 7kW Type 2 wallbox adds around 200 miles overnight. That's the minimum standard.
Accessible Bays
The charger needs to be usable. Not locked in a staff area, not requiring a key from a specific manager, not hidden behind the recycling. Dedicated, clearly marked EV bays that guests can access on arrival.
Enough Bays for Demand
One charger for a 200-room hotel is not enough. A genuinely EV-friendly hotel has enough bays that you're not queuing at 11pm hoping someone else unplugs.
Better Still: What Great EV Hotels Provide
Fast AC Charging (11kW or 22kW)
Hotels with 3-phase electrical infrastructure can offer 11kW or 22kW AC charging — meaning your car is fully charged in a fraction of the time. Particularly useful for shorter stays or late check-ins.
Secure and Covered Bays
EV charging in a covered, secure car park is meaningfully better than an exposed bay in a surface car park.
Smart Charging
Some hotels are deploying smart charging systems that manage load across multiple chargers, notify you when charging is complete, and allow you to pre-schedule your charge.
Ready to plan your next EV trip?
We're working on it. Here's where it stands.
The Sento Standard
Stays on Sento are labelled charging on-site, charging nearby or standard — confirm charging with the property or a live charging map such as Zapmap before you travel. A Sento Charging Promise is coming soon.
Related Reading
Ready to plan your next EV trip?
We're working on it. Here's where it stands.