Installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at a hotel can be a great way to attract eco-conscious guests and futureproof your business for the rise of EVs. However, the costs involved in installing a hotel EV charger can vary widely based on the type of charger, required electrical upgrades, permitting fees, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key factors that determine the cost of installing EV chargers at hotels and provide average price ranges so you can budget accordingly.
Types of Chargers
The first major factor determining the cost of a hotel EV charger installation is the type of charger you select. There are three main levels of EV charging:
- Level 1: Level 1 provides charging through a regular 120V AC plug. It provides 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging time and is the slowest option. This is the most affordable type of charger but generally not practical for hotels due to the slow charge time.
- Level 2: Level 2 chargers run on 240V AC power and provide 10-20 miles of range per hour of charging. This is the most commonly used level for hotels.
- DC Fast Charging: DC fast charging provides 50-70 miles of range in about 20 minutes. However, these units are significantly more expensive than Level 2 chargers. They also require high-powered dedicated electrical circuits that may be cost-prohibitive for many hotels.
For most hotels, Level 2 chargers balance cost and functionality. They provide guests with a reasonable charge rate without the extreme costs of DC fast charging. Level 2 chargers designed for commercial use typically cost $300-$1500 per unit before installation.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
One of the biggest cost factors for installing a hotel EV charger is if your electrical panel needs an upgrade. Level 2 chargers require a 240V circuit with amperage of at least 40 amps. If your hotel’s electrical panel doesn’t have the capacity to support the charger’s electrical demand, upgrades will be required.
The cost of an electrical panel upgrade can range from $1,500 to over $10,000 depending on factors like:
- Age and capacity of your current panel
- Number of additional circuits needed
- Cost of labor and materials in your area
- Whether trenching is needed to run new conduit
It’s crucial to have your hotel property evaluated by a certified electrician to determine if panel upgrades are necessary before budgeting for your EV charging station.
Installation Costs
The installation process for a hotel EV charger will also impact the overall cost. A basic Level 2 installation may cost $500-$1000 if the electrical panel doesn’t need upgrades. With an electrical upgrade, installation ranges from $2,000 to $7,000 depending on labor and materials.
Here are some installation factors that can increase costs:
Here are some installation factors that can increase costs:- Distance between the charger and electrical panel. More wiring and conduit will increase labor and material costs.
- Trenching for buried conduit for the charger wiring. Trenching costs around $25-$100 per linear foot.
- Concrete cutting and repair if conduit trenches need to go through existing pathways. This can add $10-$20 per square foot.
- Difficult site conditions like hillsides or tightly spaced buildings that make installation challenging.
Prevailing labor costs for electricians in your region.
Using an experienced commercial EV charger installer is highly recommended to ensure proper permitting, safety, functionality, and site planning.
Permitting & Inspections
Most areas require permits and inspections for Level 2 or DC fast charger installations at hotels. The cost of permitting can range from $0 to $500+, depending on local municipality fees. Inspections typically cost $100-$200 per visit.
Ongoing Charging Costs
While the initial purchase and installation of an EV charger represents the major upfront cost, there are also ongoing costs to factor in. As a business, you’ll need to pay for the electricity used in EV charging. Installation of a separate meter just for the EV charger can make it easy to track these costs separately.
You’ll also need to decide whether to charge guests directly for using the EV charger. Setting a per session fee can help recoup some of the overhead cost and deter non-guests. Software subscriptions for usage tracking and payment processing often cost $200-$500 annually as well.
Another potential ongoing cost is maintenance. Commercial Level 2 chargers generally don’t require much routine maintenance. However, it’s smart to budget $100-$250 per year for potential repairs or replacement of parts like cables or connectors over time.
Tax Credits & Incentives
The good news is that installing an EV charger at your hotel may qualify you for tax credits, rebates, and incentives that can dramatically offset the total cost. These include:
- Federal EV Charger Tax Credit – This covers 30% of the cost of the charger and installation, up to $30,000 maximum per entity.
- State/Local Incentives – Many states and utilities offer rebates up to $5,000 for commercial EV chargers. Some cities also provide permits/installation cost reductions.
- Electric Utility Discounts – Work with your utility provider to ask about special EV charger programs. Some offer discounted charging rates or lowered demand charges.
- Grants – Government and non-profit grants up to $50,000 are available for EV charger projects through programs like the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
- Leveraging these incentives can potentially cover 50% or more of your total EV charging station costs. Be sure to research all options available for your property location.
Average Hotel EV Charger Installation Costs
With all these factors in mind, what can hotels reasonably expect to budget for installing an EV charger? Here are some typical average costs:
Level 2 Charger Unit – $500-$1500
Electrical Panel Upgrade – $0 if existing panel has capacity, otherwise $1500-$10,000+
Installation – $1000-$5000 depending on labor/materials
Permitting & Inspections – $100-$500
Total Cost Before Incentives – $3000-$15,000+
After Incentives/Tax Credits – $1500-$7500 (50% of total cost)
Of course, costs can be higher or lower than these averages depending on your specific electrical infrastructure needs and site conditions. Hotels in areas with higher labor costs may fall at the higher end of the scale. Properties that already have electrical capacity for EV charging may be able to install for $2000 or less.
Installing an EV charger represents a significant upfront investment for a hotel. However, over the long term it can pay dividends in the form of:
- Increased reservations from EV driving guests
- Improved sustainability profile
- Minimal operational and maintenance costs
- Charging fees that slowly offset capital costs over time
With the growth in EV adoption, hotels that don’t provide charging risk losing reservations from this key segment of travelers. Taking the plunge on an EV charger installation now can help futureproof your hotel for decades to come.