Across the UK, more holidaymakers are arriving at their destinations in electric vehicles. For caravan parks, campsites, and holiday parks, this shift is increasingly visible in day-to-day operations. Guests are asking about charging before they book and selecting sites based on whether charging is available.

For many tourism businesses, the next step is clear: EV charging has become an expected facility. The challenge is introducing it in a way that makes sense financially, operationally, and practically. Unlike city car parks or retail destinations, caravan and campsite environments present their own unique considerations.

Practical Challenges Site Owners Are Facing

Location is often the first challenge. Many parks operate in rural or semi-rural areas where grid capacity can be limited. Infrastructure upgrades can initially feel daunting, especially when rising energy costs are already a factor.

Space planning is key. Touring vehicles, caravans, and motorhomes need more manoeuvring room than standard cars. So thoughtfully positioned chargers help keep traffic flowing smoothly and make charging easily accessible.  

The human element is also important. Many visitors only charge their vehicles at home, making public charging less familiar. On holiday, guests want simplicity and reassurance. The right solution will ensure charging feels effortless and reliable, improving the overall experience.

Initial concerns include:

• Where chargers should be located on site

• Cost versus return on investment

• How guests will use the equipment

• Staff needing to manage or troubleshoot issues

• Futureproofing as electric vehicle adoption grows

These are valid points to plan for. EV infrastructure should support a business.

Charging as Part of the Guest Experience

One of the most helpful ways to approach EV charging is to view it through the same lens as other facilities. Guests want clarity, convenience, and confidence.

Simple elements make a big difference:

• Clear signage and easy parking access

• Straightforward payment options

• Reliable equipment that works the first time

• Support available if something goes wrong

When these basics are in place, charging becomes just another part of the stay.

Designing Around Touring Vehicles

An important aspect of EV charging in tourism settings is vehicle size. Chargers that work perfectly in retail car parks may not suit vehicles towing caravans or motorhomes.

Planning considerations include:

• Approach routes and turning space

• Parking orientation for vehicles with trailers

• Avoiding congestion near reception or main access roads

• Allowing room for future expansion

Early site planning prevents the need for retrofits later.

Hardware Matters, But So Does Management

Durability and dependability are essential in outdoor hospitality settings. Equipment must withstand weather exposure, regular use, and varying levels of user familiarity.

Rolec, a long-established UK chargepoint manufacturer, places a strong emphasis on practical reliability. Robust hardware designed for these conditions is particularly relevant for caravan and campsite locations. Equally important is how charging is managed.

Platforms like Go Zero provide software, payment systems, monitoring, and driver support, simplifying operations for site owners. Pay-as-you-go access, remote monitoring, and 24-hour assistance simplify operations while ensuring guests have support when needed.