The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is one of the most exciting new electric vehicles (EVs) on the market. With its futuristic styling, long range, and fast charging capabilities, the Ioniq 5 makes road trips easier than ever for EV owners. However, finding reliable and fast public charging on the go can still be a challenge. Hotels are beginning to install EV charging stations to accommodate their eco-conscious guests, but not all chargers are created equal. When planning a hotel stay in your Ioniq 5, you’ll want to look for locations with the best EV charging accommodations. Here’s an overview of what to look for in hotel EV chargers to ensure the best charging experience in your Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Charger Types and Power Levels
The Ioniq 5 comes standard with support for 400V charging which allows it to charge at speeds up to 350kW on an appropriate DC fast charger. This ultra-fast charging can add over 60 miles of range in just 5 minutes. To take advantage of these fastest charging speeds, you’ll want to look for hotels that offer 350kW DC fast chargers. These will allow you to quickly recharge your Ioniq 5 during short hotel stays.
More commonly found are Level 2 EV chargers which provide power between 3kW to 19kW. With the Ioniq 5’s on-board charger supporting up to 11kW, a high powered Level 2 charger can still add substantial range overnight. While Level 2 charging is slower overall, it can be a good option for longer stays where you don’t need to quickly top up your battery during the day.
Connector Types
The Ioniq 5 comes standard with a CCS combo plug which allows it to use both CCS and CHAdeMO DC fast charging connectors. For Level 2 charging, it uses the J1772 connector standard. When researching hotels, look for locations that offer CCS and/or CHAdeMO plugs for DC fast charging. J1772 connectors are nearly universal for Level 2 charging. Having the right connectors available ensures you’ll be able to properly charge your Ioniq 5.
Charging Speeds and Network Power
While a hotel may advertise a high power DC fast charger, that doesn’t guarantee your Ioniq 5 will charge at the maximum rate. Charging speeds are dependent on both the charger’s power output and the capacity of the electrical network it’s connected to. A 50kW charger on a small capacity circuit may only deliver 25kW or less to your vehicle. When possible, ask hotels about the actual charging speeds their EV drivers experience to make sure their chargers can deliver enough power to quickly charge your vehicle. As a rule of thumb, look for locations advertising at least 150kW DC fast charging for the fastest charging.
Charging Costs
One major perk of staying at a hotel with EV charging is that it’s common for the charging service to be free for guests. However, some hotels do add charger use fees either per session or per kWh used. Make sure to ask about charging costs to avoid unexpected charges at checkout. For the fastest charging, look for hotels that offer free DC fast charging to make the most of your Ioniq 5’s rapid charging capabilities.
Amenities and Location
The charging experience encompasses more than just the charger itself. Look for hotels where the chargers are conveniently located close to your guest room and hotel amenities. Sheltered or garage parking spots also protect your Ioniq 5 from the elements while charging. Charging stations that are isolated or far from the main property can be inconvenient. An on-site cafe, restaurant, or lounge within walking distance can also help you pass time if you need an extended charging session.
Charging Network
While many hotels have chargers on-site, those that are part of larger charging networks provide more options. Networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America allow you to easily locate hotels with chargers when planning trips in your Ioniq 5. Their apps and charging cards also make accessing and paying for charging simpler. Plus, networks offer maintenance support to keep hotel chargers operating reliably.
Conclusion
Finding hotel EV chargers tailored to Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners ensures you can keep your battery powered up for your adventures on the road. Look for hotels that offer the fastest DC fast charging options as well as Level 2 charging for overnight stays. With the right amenities, location, and charging speeds, hotel EV chargers can be an invaluable resource for Ioniq 5 road trippers. A little planning goes a long way to making sure your hotel charging experience charges up your trip rather than slowing you down.