California Hotels Scramble to Meet Updated EV Charging Mandates
Key Insights
California's updated Green Building Standards Code now requires new hotels to equip 50% of parking spaces with EV charging infrastructure, creating urgency for compliance.
EV adoption rates exceeding 40% in regions like Santa Clara County are driving guest demand for reliable charging options at hotels.
Hotels face financial and logistical challenges with traditional Level 2 chargers, prompting exploration of cost-effective alternatives like smart outlets.
Startups like Evolve Energy are developing scalable solutions to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and practical implementation.
California’s hospitality sector is under pressure to adapt to stringent new electric vehicle (EV) charging mandates, as updated building codes require 50% of parking spaces in new hotels to be equipped with EV-ready infrastructure. The revised California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen Title 24), effective since July 2024, mandates that 40% of parking spaces include EV-ready infrastructure, while the remaining 10% must feature Level 2 chargers. With further increases anticipated in 2026, developers and hotel operators are racing to comply to remain competitive in EV-heavy markets like Santa Clara County, where EV adoption rates exceed 40%.
Guest expectations are evolving rapidly, with a recent JD Power survey revealing that 19% of hotel guests prioritize EV charging availability when booking. Luxury hotels lead the charge, with 90% offering charging infrastructure, compared to just 20% of limited-service properties. However, compliance comes at a cost: traditional Level 2 chargers range from $3,000 to $4,000 per port, plus ongoing maintenance. These expenses, coupled with regulatory gaps for properties approved under older codes, have left many hotels scrambling for solutions.
To address these challenges, the industry is turning to Alternative EV Supply Equipment (EVSE), such as smart outlets that allow guests to use personal portable chargers. These alternatives reduce installation costs and simplify maintenance but face regulatory hurdles, including certification requirements from California’s Division of Measurement Standards. San Jose-based startup Evolve Energy is piloting smart outlet technology tailored for hotels, aiming to launch a compliant, scalable product by late 2025.
While the code permits substituting five Level 2 chargers with one Level 3 charger, the latter’s high cost—20 to 30 times that of Level 2—makes it impractical for overnight guest use. As California’s electrification agenda accelerates, hotels must balance affordability, compliance, and guest satisfaction to stay competitive in an increasingly EV-driven market.