Tesla will install up to 20,000 versatile EV chargers at Hilton locations

Hilton states this is the largest planned EV network by any hospitality company. On paper, there are enough chargers to have 10 installed per location, but distribution may vary, as Hilton says that “at least six” will be installed at any location. According to the company, EV charging availability is playing a major role in 2023 in converting searches to stays on Hilton.com.

Tesla’s recently launched Universal Wall Connector charger (which Hilton is ordering) specifically can power share with up to six matching chargers connected to the same line of service. The AC level 2 chargers are rated to provide up to 44 miles of range to Teslas per hour at an 11.5kW (48 amps) charge rate.

Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector has a magic dock-like adapter detachment that works with Teslas and all other EVs. Tesla sells these chargers on its online shop for $595 each, and it seems to have delisted its J1772 charger, launched last October, which can’t plug into a Tesla without an external adapter (Tesla includes this adapter with its cars). If Hilton were to pay retail (likely not) for 20,000 chargers, it would spend at least $11.9 million for just the hardware.

Hilton’s choice to have an integrated solution to switch between J1772 and NACS is reasonable since not every EV is a Tesla, and most EVs will have J1772 plugs for years to come.