Hospitality is built on experience — and today, that experience begins on arrival. As more Australians switch to electric, guests are seeking venues that make charging effortless, fast and part of the ritual. They want to plug in, settle in and make their time count.
Across Australian cities, that quiet shift is reshaping how people choose where to dine, stay and socialise. Our recent feature in Hotels Today, published by the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria), struck a chord not because EV charging ticks a sustainability box but because it delivers something far more tangible: loyalty. EV charging isn’t just powering cars — it’s powering decisions about where people go, stay and spend.
In just six months, Australians purchased more than 72,000 EVs — up 24 per cent year on year. They now account for over 12 per cent of all new vehicles, with the national fleet on track to hit one million by 2027. For hospitality, that’s not a future trend. It’s a now trend, and the venues adapting early will capture more than just charging sessions. They’ll capture time, loyalty and spend, one charge at a time.
Premium EV Charging , Curated for Loyalty, Spend and Stay
Hospitality lives in the details: the plating, the playlist, the atmosphere. JOLT’s premium EV charging belongs in that same frame, enhancing spaces with an amenity that feels both essential and refined. From the street to the bay, every charger is an invitation to stay longer, spend more and return again.
A quiet shift is underway in how people move, and it begins with the need for a fast, meaningful charge that fits seamlessly into their day. EV drivers aren’t plugging in wherever they can; they’re choosing destinations that deliver reliability, speed and value. When part of that charge is free, it becomes more than convenience; it becomes habit.
That’s where partnership comes in. When JOLT’s charging experience meets an outstanding in-venue experience, the result is a complete guest journey that drives loyalty and repeat visitation. Guests arrive because of the charger, but they return because of everything that happens around it.
From Practicality to Preference
Drivers don’t just charge with JOLT — our data shows they plan around it. What starts as convenience quickly becomes preference, guiding where people choose to dine, stay and socialise. JOLT’s daily allocation of free charge is the catalyst, turning a practical top-up into a reason to come back. It might be great coffee with breakfast, a long lunch in the sun, or a weekend base for exploring the city. Wherever JOLT goes, guests follow — and venues see the difference.
“I wouldn’t spend a cent at the locations of the chargers if the chargers weren’t there. They take me to places I wouldn’t otherwise visit.”
— JOLT customer, male 35–44, Sydney
This pattern is growing fast. The average JOLT driver spends around 34 minutes on-site, often enjoying a meal or a drink while they wait. That adds up to an average of $29 per session, and 74 per cent of customers say they intentionally choose venues with JOLT chargers. Some locations see 10 or more sessions a day, generating more than $100,000 in potential annual spend, all at zero cost to the venue.
An Amenity That Pays
The value to our hosts doesn’t stop at foot traffic. Every JOLT installation delivers a guaranteed financial return through annual lease payments, creating passive income for venues that host our chargers. Each unit represents an investment of around $200,000 in premium infrastructure — fully funded, owned and maintained by JOLT as part of our national network. We take care of everything — from grid connection and compliance to servicing and support — so there’s no cost, no admin and no disruption to the venue.
Designed with clean lines, a matte finish and an integrated digital screen, the JOLT charger feels more like a curated fixture than functional hardware. It complements its surroundings and adds a sense of innovation and refinement to any hospitality environment.
“From the very beginning of the process, the JOLT team demonstrated professionalism, expertise and a seamless approach to implementation. They handled every aspect of the project with precision, ensuring minimal disruption to my tenants and customers. The installation process was completely hassle-free for me as the landlord, and JOLT managed everything end to end at zero cost to my business. It’s a truly remarkable offering in this space.”
— Alexandre, Private Landowner and JOLT Site Host
Minimal Bays, Maximum Value
It only takes one or two bays to host a JOLT charger, turning previously under-utilised space into a high-performing asset that generates income, visibility and engagement. Each installation is supported by JOLT’s world-class app, connecting drivers directly to available chargers and nearby venues. The result is simple but powerful — increased discovery, higher foot traffic and repeat customers who plan their stops around your location.
Hospitality partners also receive 5 per cent of on-screen advertising time, displayed on premium digital screens designed for maximum visibility — reaching not only charging drivers but also the wider community on the move. It’s a platform built to amplify venue awareness and drive measurable results.
“Since advertising on JOLT screens, we’ve seen a big increase in numbers through our doors. We’d never have been able to afford this sort of advertising — their presence is really making a difference,”
— JOLT Site Host, London (UK)
The Smart Venues Are Already Evolving
With a growing national footprint and a driver app that guides EV owners directly to each host venue, JOLT delivers new guests to hospitality businesses and keeps existing ones returning. Whether visitors are charging between meetings, exploring the Yarra or heading down the coast, our network directs them to destinations that offer a fast, reliable charge and a worthwhile reason to stay — whether that’s a meal, a meeting or a weekend away.
In hospitality, every detail counts. From the plating to the playlist to the energy of the space, it’s all curated. With JOLT, the guest experience begins before they even walk through the door — and becomes part of the routine that keeps them coming back.
Unlock the Opportunity at Your Venue
EV drivers are discovering that charging doesn’t have to interrupt their day — with JOLT, it enhances it. That moment becomes time spent with your venue, turning every charge into an opportunity to serve, engage and be remembered. For AHA members, it’s all delivered through premium infrastructure at zero cost, backed by guaranteed lease income from the very first charge.
A version of this article first appeared in Hotels Today, published by the Australian Hotels Association (Victoria).*
Read Plugging into the Future: How EV Chargers Are Building Communities, Driving Economic Growth and Reimagining Public Infrastructure — JOLT’s definitive white paper unpacking the data, behaviour and commercial models shaping Australia’s EV transition. It’s essential reading for any hospitality professional preparing for what’s next.
Contact our team → Explore how DC fast charging can attract repeat customers, deliver new lease income and provide zero-cost infrastructure for your venue.
Data Attribution
EV adoption statistics are sourced from the Electric Vehicle Council’s State of EVs 2025report. Customer behaviour and retail uplift figures are drawn from our white paper, Plugging into the Future: How EV Chargers Are Building Communities, Driving Economic Growth and Reimagining Public Infrastructure. Operational data reflects JOLT’s internal network performance metrics for 2025.
