Driving Change with Electric Vehicles for Low-Carbon City Tours and Resort Experiences
Photo by Avana Retreat
The Asia-Pacific region remains the fastest-growing travel market globally, but this tourism expansion comes at a significant environmental cost.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the International Transport Forum (ITF), transport-related CO₂ emissions from the tourism sector accounted for about 22% of all global transport emissions in 2016. Without immediate action, this figure is expected to remain alarmingly high through 2030.
With domestic transport emissions in Asia alone reaching 2.8 Gt of CO₂ in 2023, equivalent to the combined emissions of Europe and North America, the urgency for sustainable transport solutions has never been more evident.
One promising response to this challenge is shifting toward electric vehicles (EVs). These innovations not only lower carbon footprints but also offer hospitality and tourism professionals a unique opportunity to enhance guest experiences. From city tours to resort stays, EVs provide an eco-conscious and memorable way for businesses to stand out in a competitive market.
Enhancing Guest Experiences with EV Tuk-Tuks
EV adoption opens up exciting opportunities for businesses to elevate their guest offerings. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia, provides a compelling example of this. Since the hotel introduced electric tuk-tuks in June 2024, visitors have been able to explore iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat while minimizing their carbon footprints.
The tuk-tuks operate up to 70 kilometers on a single charge, a range that easily accommodates full-day guided tours. But the real value lies beyond the technical specs.
“Our drivers often serve as guides, enriching the travel experience with local stories and insights,” shares Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor General Manager Joseph Colina. This level of personalization not only enhances guest satisfaction but also aligns with the growing trend of '‘urposeful travel'‘ where eco-conscious travelers make decisions based on a ddestination'ssustainability-led practices.
Photo by Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
Electric Buggies Conquer Terrain Challenges
Adopting EVs for resort operations often involves overcoming unique challenges. Avana Retreat in Vietnam’s mountainous regions faced obstacles when transitioning to electric buggies for its 15-hectare property. The terrain’s inclines and rugged paths quickly exposed the limitations of standard EV equipment.
“We initially equipped our fleet with 7.5kW motors and conventional batteries,” explains James Thai, Chief Operating Officer at Avana Retreat. “However, the buggies struggled with consistent performance on steep slopes. Upgrading to 11kW motors and rigorously testing lithium-ion battery options transformed our operations.”
Photo by Avana Retreat
Safety was another significant consideration. After two EV-related fire incidents in a nearby region, Avana Retreat designated specialized charging zones equipped with fire suppression systems and vehicle-mounted fire extinguishers. “While these changes required significant investment, they also reinforced our guests’ trust,” says Thai.
"Adopting electric vehicles isn't solely about cost savings; it's fundamentally about demonstrating environmental responsibility, especially in some countries with low awareness. Incorporating electric vehicles helps guests understand the importance of reducing their environmental impact," explains Thai.
The lesson? Addressing technical and safety concerns head-on not only ensures reliable performance but also strengthens guest trust in your property’s commitment to sustainability.
Building EV Infrastructure for Resorts
For integrated properties like Okada Manila, building EV infrastructure signals eco-conscious leadership and market readiness. Through its ‘Okada Green Heart’ initiative, valet-operated EV charging stations were introduced in April 2025.
"Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised the integration of green technology into the valet service, highlighting the convenience and added value it brings to their stay," shares Rob Scott, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Okada Manila.
The implementation process involved key operational challenges, particularly in aligning technical infrastructure with valet procedures. These were effectively addressed through close collaboration among the Facilities, IT, and Valet teams, resulting in a smooth and secure rollout.
"Our phased rollout—starting with valet-managed services—provided the necessary operational control and guest assurance, while interdepartmental coordination ensured consistency in service quality and safety," says Scott. Guest inquiries about self-service options already hint at the next phase in Okada’s strategy.
Photos by Okada Manila
Benefits of Transitioning to EVs
1. Carbon reduction
Switching to EVs provides tangible reductions in carbon emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, the lifecycle emissions of EVs are approximately 50% lower than gasoline-powered vehicles.
However, the effectiveness of EVs in reducing overall emissions depends on two critical factors:
The source of electricity used for charging: If the electricity comes from renewable sources, the drop in emissions is significant. But if it’s from fossil fuels, it’s less helpful. You're just moving the emissions from the car’s tailpipe to the power plant.
Infrastructure readiness: The expansion of charging infrastructure and integration with renewable energy sources are essential to maximize the benefits of EV adoption.
2. Cost savings
The financial returns for EVs are compelling.
Fuel cost savings:
A 2025 study by Vincentric found that electricity costs for EVs are significantly lower than gasoline costs, with an average fuel cost saving of more than $7,500 over five years compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles running on oil-based fuels.
Lower maintenance costs:
EVs require fewer repairs due to their simple designs. Vincentric's 2025 analysis showed that nearly 80% of EV models cost less to maintain over five years than gas vehicles.
Affordability trends:
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that electric cars are becoming more affordable, primarily driven by dropping battery prices, growing competition, and carmakers reaching economies of scale. Government subsidies and tax incentives also make EV ownership more financially attractive.However, mining rare minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt for EV batteries comes with environmental and social costs, including deforestation, community displacement, biodiversity loss, and water contamination, as highlighted in a nickel mining project on Indonesia's Halmahera Island. Read more here.
3. Brand Value
Hospitality brands that offer low-carbon transportation options stand out in a saturated market. More and more guests now expect eco-conscious options as a standard offering, and providing these is essential to staying competitive.
Photo by Avana Retreat
Addressing Common Challenges to EV Adoption
1. Upfront costs and funding
The initial installation of EV charging stations can be costly and require electrical upgrades and regular maintenance.
Solution: Tap into government subsidies or tax incentives, or partner with charging providers to minimize capital requirements. Adopt a phased implementation, like Okada Manila’s approach, to balance budgets and maintain operations.
2. Space constraints and infrastructure limitations
Urban hotels or older buildings may lack space or modern electrical systems for EV adoption.
Solution: Conduct feasibility studies to identify areas suitable for scalable EV projects. Collaborate with parking operators. Futureproof by installing scalable chargers that cater to all EV models.
Photo by Okada Manila
3. Guest education
Many guests remain unfamiliar with using EV services.
Solution: Clear informational signage, as Okada implemented, can bridge this gap. Leveraging staff as ambassadors also improves adoption rates. Provide comprehensive training to staff to handle guest inquiries.
4. Safety protocols
Operational hazards like fire safety must be proactively managed.
Solution: Learn from Avana Retreat’s example of designated charging areas and on-vehicle fire extinguishers to enhance operational confidence.
5. Stakeholder alignment
Securing buy-in from property owners, sustainability officers, and financial teams can delay impactful decisions.
Solution: Create cross-functional teams to align priorities early in the decision-making process. Shared goals around enhanced guest appeal and sustainability can unify strategies.
TL; DR
The growing tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region has a major impact on transport emissions, highlighting the need for low-carbon options like electric vehicles to support eco-conscious hospitality.
Benefits of adopting EVs:
Environmental impact: EVs reduce carbon footprints, especially with renewable energy charging sources.
Financial savings: Lower fuel and maintenance costs make EVs a cost-effective long-term investment.
Brand value: Offering sustainable transportation options positions properties as leaders in eco-conscious hospitality, meeting guest expectations.
Practical solutions to common challenges:
Leverage government subsidies and phased rollouts to manage upfront costs.
Prioritize safety with zoned charging areas and fire safety measures, as demonstrated by Avana Retreat.
Conduct feasibility studies for infrastructure upgrades, even in space-constrained urban properties.
Train staff to enhance guest education and improve the EV experience.
Key takeaway: Adopting EV solutions early helps achieve environmental goals, improves guest satisfaction, and boosts operational efficiency, giving hospitality businesses a competitive edge.
