Destination Charging at Hotels and Car Parks

Destination charging means plugging in wherever you happen to be parked for an extended period, whether that is a hotel overnight, a shopping centre while you browse, or a restaurant car park while you eat. The chargers are typically slower AC units rated at around 7kW or 22kW, which suits a two-to-four-hour stop perfectly. You are rarely paying rapid-charging prices, and in many cases the electricity is complimentary with your visit. Done well, destination charging means you arrive home, or at your next stop, with a fuller battery than you left with, at little or no extra cost. For the right cable to make the most of these chargers, see our Type 2 charging cables guide.

What exactly is destination charging?

Destination charging describes slower AC chargers installed at places where drivers park for a purpose beyond simply charging. Hotels, supermarkets, leisure centres, and multi-storey car parks are the most common hosts. The idea is that the car charges quietly in the background while you get on with something else. Unlike a motorway rapid charger, where the goal is to move as many vehicles through as quickly as possible, a destination charger is designed around the rhythm of a visit, not the clock. A hotel stay or a long lunch is usually all the time you need to add meaningful range.

How fast will it charge?

Most destination chargers deliver around 7kW, which typically adds roughly 25 to 40 miles of WLTP range per hour depending on your vehicle. Some sites, particularly modern hotels and premium retail parks, offer 22kW units, which can add considerably more over the same period, provided your car accepts three-phase AC charging. Charging to 100% is generally fine at these slower speeds since AC charging is gentler on the battery than DC rapid charging. Check your car's onboard charger rating in the manual or on the manufacturer's website to understand the maximum it can accept from an AC source.

How do you find destination chargers?

Several apps and tools make it straightforward to locate destination chargers before and during a journey.

• Zap-Map: The most widely used UK network map. Filter by connector type, speed, and operator. User reviews flag reliability issues in real time.
• PlugShare: Strong on hotel and hospitality chargers. Community check-ins tell you whether a charger is currently available.
• Manufacturer apps: Many car brands (including Tesla, Volkswagen Group, and Hyundai/Kia) have built-in navigation that surfaces compatible chargers automatically.
• Hotel and venue websites: It is worth searching directly. Many hotels list EV charging under facilities, and some allow you to reserve a charging bay when booking your room.

Cross-referencing at least two sources before setting off reduces the chance of arriving at a charger that is out of service or occupied.

What cable do you need?

The vast majority of destination chargers in the UK use untethered Type 2 sockets, meaning the cable is not attached to the post. You need to bring your own. Almost all modern electric cars sold in the UK have a Type 2 inlet as standard, so a Type 2 to Type 2 cable covers the majority of destination charging situations. Check the length you need: a 5-metre cable works for most bays, but a 7-metre cable gives more flexibility if the post is not directly beside your inlet. Some older or smaller EVs may use a Type 1 inlet, in which case you need a Type 1 to Type 2 cable. Browse our charging cables by car page to find the right match for your model.

How much does destination charging cost?

Pricing varies considerably. Many hotels and leisure venues offer free charging as an added benefit, particularly at lower-end 7kW posts where the electricity cost per session is modest. Others charge a flat session fee or a rate per kWh, which tends to be lower than rapid charging networks. Some retail parks offer a period of free charging that is included with a minimum spend in store. Always check the network operator's app or the signage on the post before plugging in, as costs and payment methods differ. For the latest rate information, check the operator's app directly or contact the venue.

How to fit destination charging into a journey plan

Destination charging works best when it is woven around stops you were already planning to make, rather than treated as a dedicated charging stop.

• Overnight hotel stays: Plug in on arrival and wake up to a full battery. Even a 7kW charger running for eight hours adds a substantial amount of range.
• Long lunches or activities: A two-hour meal at a restaurant with a 7kW charger adds a useful top-up without any extra time spent.
• Retail parks: Combine a weekly shop with a charge. A full trolley run can take 45 minutes to an hour, which adds a worthwhile buffer on a 7kW unit.
• Multi-day trips: Map hotels along your route that offer charging, then use rapid hubs only if there is a genuine gap in range. This approach often eliminates the need to stop specifically to charge.

If you do not have a long enough cable for a particular bay, a portable charger carried in the boot can serve as a reliable backup at locations with a standard three-pin outlet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave my car plugged in overnight at a hotel charger?

Yes, and this is one of the best uses of destination charging. Most hotels with EV chargers expect guests to leave cars connected overnight. The car's built-in charge management will stop drawing power at 100%, or at whatever limit you set. Always check with reception if the bay has a time restriction.

Do I need an account or app to use destination chargers?

It depends on the network operating the charger. Some are contactless payment only, some require a network app or RFID card, and others are completely free with no registration needed. Zap-Map and PlugShare both show the payment method for each charger, so check before you arrive to avoid being caught out.

What if the destination charger is occupied when I arrive?

Unlike rapid charging hubs, destination chargers at hotels or venues are often limited to one or two posts. If occupied, ask at reception whether another bay is available, or check whether a nearby public car park has units. Planning a backup via Zap-Map before you arrive is the simplest way to avoid a problem.

Is destination charging safe to use in all weather?

Yes. EV charging equipment installed at commercial venues must meet UK safety standards, and the connectors are designed to handle rain and cold temperatures. Always ensure the cable is fully seated before walking away, and avoid using visibly damaged cables or sockets. If a unit looks damaged, report it via the operator's app and find an alternative.

Does slow destination charging damage the battery compared to rapid charging?

Slow AC charging is generally considered gentler on the battery than frequent DC rapid charging, because the heat generated is lower. Charging to 100% occasionally on a slow charger is less of a concern than doing so regularly on a rapid unit. Consult your vehicle manual for the manufacturer's specific guidance on your battery chemistry.

What is the difference between a 7kW and a 22kW destination charger in practice?

A 7kW charger adds roughly 25 to 40 miles of WLTP range per hour. A 22kW unit can add two to three times that, but only if your car's onboard AC charger supports it. Many EVs are limited to around 7kW or 11kW on AC regardless of what the post offers, so check your car's specification before assuming you will benefit from a faster unit.

Destination charging is one of the quietest, most cost-effective ways to keep your EV topped up, and it works best when you treat it as a habit rather than a task. Browse our full range of charging cables by car to make sure you have the right cable for every destination charger you encounter, and visit our Guides index for more practical advice on living with an electric vehicle.