Is destination charging a real thing?
Spoiler: It is. And if you’re in business, you should care
Let’s start with the basics.
A destination is just a place people intentionally go. Could be a hotel, a retail park, a theme park, the office - or a holiday rental in Cornwall with flaky Wi-Fi. The point is: it’s a place that matters, even if just for a few hours.
So why this article?
Because one morning, half-asleep and Radio 4 playing in the background, I heard a heated debate on the impact of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate on UK-based OEMs (November 2024). As I listened, the usual barrage of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt) about electric vehicles (EVs) came forth.
One 'expert' proclaimed:
"There’s nowhere near enough charging infrastructure in the UK,"
Followed by an explanation (paraphrased):
"Every petrol station would need at least 30 high-powered chargers to support EVs, and I’m just not seeing it."
Apparently, every petrol station needs 30 rapid chargers or we’re doomed.
By the time I left for work, I was grumpy. And had to write this.
EVs are normal now. The way we “fuel” them isn’t.
EVs are everywhere - and for good reason. Climate change, rising fuel costs, urban air quality. Take your pick. But there’s still confusion around how EV drivers charge.
Here’s the thing: Charging doesn’t work like fuelling a petrol car.
EV charging = slow burn, not splash-and-dash.
The big shift: Charging while you live
Petrol stations are pit stops. EVs flip that idea.Instead of wasting 15 minutes at a forecourt, EV drivers plug in while they’re already doing something else: shopping, eating, working, sleeping.
That’s the genius of destination charging.
Cars sit parked 95% of the time.
Why not charge them during that downtime?
This model is simpler. Smarter. And less annoying.
Why should your business care?
Let’s get commercial. Installing EV chargers isn’t just a sustainability play - it’s a strategic move.
Here’s why:
1. EV drivers choose locations with charging
Seriously. If you offer charging, people are more likely to come to you than the place next door that doesn’t.
And when they do?
They stay longer.
They spend more.
They remember your brand (and your good coffee)
This is called dwell time - and in marketing, it’s gold.
2. The market isn’t “niche” anymore
Think EVs are still a fringe trend?
Time for a reality check:
2 million EVs expected on UK roads by the end of 20257 million by 2030 - that’s 1 in 5 cars
Over 20% of new vehicles sold today are electric
This isn’t early adoption. It’s the beginning of mass uptake. And those drivers? They’re looking for places to plug in.
3. Miss the shift, miss the sale
Take hospitality: 82% of EV drivers search for hotels with charging
50% choose a hotel based on charging availability and reviews (HAL News)
If that’s not customer consideration, what is?
And Yes, There’s Revenue in It
Chargepoint revenue? It’s a thing - if done well. But here’s the bigger win:
Attract more people. Keep them longer. Turn them into loyal customers.
Add in a nice bump to your ESG reporting and sustainability creds, and suddenly this isn’t a charger - it’s a brand asset.
Destination Charging = Quiet Revolution
Forget the headlines. This is where the EV transformation really takes hold - in everyday life.
Businesses that get in early won’t just meet expectations. They’ll exceed them.
So yes - destination charging is very real. And it’s already shaping the way we move, spend, and decide where to go next.
What Should You Do Next?
If this has you thinking (or fuming like I was that morning), here’s where to start:
Who are your customers - and do they drive EVs?
Commuters? Families? Travellers? Know your audience.
Do you have the space and power to support charging?
It doesn’t need to be a mega-installation - but it does need to be smart.
How long do people stay?
Match charger speed to dwell time. Rapid for short stops, fast for overnight.
What grants or incentives are available?
You could get up to 75% of the cost covered. Free money is still money.
How will you measure ROI?
Increased footfall?
Higher spend per visit?
Greater brand preference?
All valid. All trackable.
Plug in the Easy Way
Voqa’s here to help. No jargon, no pressure - just straight-up advice on what works for your site, customers, and budget.
Follow us on LinkedIn for more news and features, visit our website or contact us here to set up some time to talk.
The shift is happening. Destination charging is real.
And your business deserves to be part of the story - not left behind.
