Staying Competitive in a Changing Market: EV Charging for Holiday Parks

Across the UK, more people are arriving at holiday destinations in electric vehicles. For caravan parks, campsites and holiday parks, this shift is starting to become visible in day-to-day operations. Guests are asking about charging before they book. Some are arriving with extension leads and looking for sockets. Others are actively choosing sites based on whether charging is available. 

For many tourism businesses, the direction of travel is clear. EV charging will become an expected facility. The challenge is working out how to introduce it in a way that makes sense financially, operationally and practically. 

Caravan and campsite environments are very different from city car parks or retail destinations. They come with their own set of considerations, and those realities need to be acknowledged rather than overlooked. 

The Practical Challenges Site Owners Are Facing 

Location is often the first hurdle. Many caravan parks operate in rural or semi-rural areas where grid capacity can be limited. Infrastructure upgrades may feel daunting, particularly when energy costs are already a concern. 

Space planning is another factor. Touring vehicles, caravans and motorhomes require more manoeuvring room than standard cars. Chargers positioned without considering turning circles or trailer access can quickly create bottlenecks or safety risks. 

There is also the human element. A significant proportion of visitors may only charge their vehicles at home during everyday life. Public charging can feel unfamiliar, especially for guests on holiday who want simplicity and reassurance rather than complexity. If charging feels confusing or unreliable, it can impact the overall holiday experience. 

From conversations across the sector, common concerns include: 

• Not knowing where chargers should be located on site 

• Worries about cost versus return on investment 

• Uncertainty about how guests will use the equipment 

• Concerns about staff needing to manage or troubleshoot issues 

• Questions around future proofing as EV adoption grows 

  
  

These are valid concerns. EV infrastructure should support a business, not create additional pressure. 

Thinking About 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. Visitors are not looking for technical detail. They want clarity, convenience and confidence. 

Simple elements make a big difference: 

• Clear signage and easy parking access 

• Straightforward payment without multiple apps 

• Reliable equipment that works first time 

• Support available if something goes wrong 

  
  

When these basics are right, charging becomes just another part of the stay rather than a point of friction. 

Hardware Matters, But So Does Management 

From an infrastructure perspective, durability and reliability are essential in outdoor hospitality environments. Equipment needs to cope with weather exposure, regular use and varying levels of user familiarity. 

Rolec, as a long-established UK chargepoint manufacturer, focuses heavily on this practical reliability. Robust hardware designed for outdoor settings is particularly relevant for caravan and campsite locations where conditions can be more demanding than urban environments. 

Equally important is how charging is managed once installed. This is where platforms such as Go Zero come into play. Software, payment systems, monitoring and driver support often determine whether charging feels simple or complicated from a site owner’s perspective. 

For tourism businesses, features such as pay-as-you-go access, remote monitoring and 24-hour driver assistance can remove a large amount of operational burden. Staff do not need to become EV specialists. Guests have support if they need it. Site owners retain visibility of usage and revenue. 

Designing Around Touring Vehicles 

One of the most overlooked aspects of EV charging in tourism settings is vehicle size. Chargers that work perfectly in supermarket car parks may not suit vehicles towing caravans or motorhomes. 

Planning considerations typically include: 

• Approach routes and turning space 

• Parking orientation for vehicles with trailers attached 

• Avoiding congestion near reception or main access roads 

• Allowing room for future expansion as demand grows 

  
  

Spending time on layout planning early often prevents expensive changes later. 

The Financial Picture and Funding Options 

Cost is understandably one of the biggest questions. While EV infrastructure does require investment, there are pathways that can make adoption more manageable. 

Depending on eligibility, businesses may be able to access: 

• Government support schemes such as the Workplace Charging Scheme 

• Local authority or regional funding initiatives 

• Lease or financed installation models that spread costs 

• Revenue from charging tariffs over time 

  
  

For many sites, the decision is not purely about direct income from charging. It is also about competitiveness. As EV ownership increases, the presence or absence of charging can influence booking decisions. 

A Gradual Transition, Not an Overnight Change 

One reassuring point for many businesses is that EV adoption is still progressing. Installation does not need to be large scale from the beginning. Starting with a small number of chargers and expanding over time is often a sensible approach. 

The tourism sector has adapted to major changes before, from online booking platforms to WiFi expectations. EV charging is another evolution. With the right planning and support, it can be introduced in a way that feels manageable rather than overwhelming. 

For caravan and campsite owners, the key message is simple. You do not need to have all the answers immediately. Understanding the considerations, asking the right questions and working with experienced partners can make the process far more straightforward. 

As more guests arrive in electric vehicles, providing charging will increasingly become part of delivering a modern visitor experience. Thoughtful preparation now can help ensure that transition feels smooth for both businesses and the people they welcome onto their sites.