Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity, with sales increasing year after year. As EV adoption grows, so does the need for convenient charging options when drivers are away from home. Hotels that invest in installing EV charging stations can benefit greatly from this growing demand. Here are some of the top reasons hotels should consider installing electric vehicle charging stations.
Attract New Guests
EV drivers need to know they can easily charge their cars while traveling. Hotels with charging stations have a competitive edge attracting these eco-conscious guests. Sites like PlugShare and ChargeHub list hotels with available EV charging. Getting listed on these sites is free advertising to EV owners planning road trips or hotel stays. According to recent surveys, over 70% of electric vehicle drivers said access to charging impacts their hotel selection. Installing charging stations can drive new business from EV owners.
Provide Added Convenience to Guests
After a long day of driving, EV owners will appreciate being able to charge their car conveniently overnight without having to search for a public charging station. EV drivers often plan trips and stops based on where they can charge. Offering charging stations provides a convenient service that will enhance their stay. The hotel charging process can even be incorporated into the check-in experience to provide fast charging options upon arrival.
Increase Revenue
Charging station fees provide a new revenue stream for hotels. Hotels can charge per kilowatt-hour for the electricity or require a flat fee for charging service. The charging station technology allows adjusting the pricing as needed. Some hotels offer complimentary charging for guests, using it as an extra perk to drive bookings and brand loyalty. While electricity costs will need to be accounted for, the charging station fees should still result in a positive ROI. The more EV traffic a hotel gets, the more potential for revenue.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Installing EV charging stations helps showcase a hotel’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. EVs produce less pollution than gas vehicles. As travelers become more eco-conscious, they look to support sustainable brands. Making an investment in EV charging helps a hotel stand out as environmentally forward-thinking. The charging stations communicate that the business cares about supporting clean transportation. This can improve brand image and reputation especially among environmentally minded travelers.
Low Maintenance
EV charging stations actually require very little ongoing management once installed correctly. They are designed for safe, unattended operation. There’s no need to have staff refueling cars. The charging units just need occasional cleaning or software updates.
Ongoing costs are mainly electricity and network fees. Many providers even handle maintenance and repairs as part of the service contract, keeping charges low. The minimal supervision and operations required make charging stations an easy addition to a hotel.
Tax Credits and Incentives
There are federal, state, and even local incentives available for installing EV charging stations. Hotels can take advantage of programs like the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit which offers a 30% tax credit on equipment and installation costs. Some utilities offer rebates to businesses installing charging stations. It is worth exploring all potential tax credits and incentive programs when budgeting for an EV charging project. The savings can make a big difference in the ROI.
Boost Your Brand Image
Adding charging stations strengthens a hotel’s reputation as an innovative and modern hospitality provider. It shows that they understand the latest consumer demands and are future-ready. While the revenue potential is important, the branding and image benefits can be just as valuable for hotels getting ahead of this trend. They gain publicity and goodwill as a “best-in-class” lodging option catering to EV drivers. Investing in charging capabilities now can help secure a hotel’s status as a preferred brand for years to come.
Choosing the Right Charging Stations
Installing EV charging stations takes careful planning and research upfront. Here are some key factors hotels must consider:
Charging Speeds
Level 2 charging stations offer 6-7kW power suitable for overnight guest charging. DC fast chargers offer 50-350kW for quicker daytime charging if desired.
Number of Charging Ports
Demand should guide how many EV charging ports to install. More ports reduce wait times and serve more guests.
Networked vs Standalone
Networked stations allow management, payment processing, usage tracking through the provider. Standalone units are cheaper but lack those features.
Payment Options
Choose stations that take universal payment methods – RFID cards, credit/debit cards, third-party apps. Make payment convenient.
Installation Costs
Hard wired stations range from $3,000-$6,000 per port. Higher initial cost but cheaper operating costs long-term.
Software Capabilities
Management software helps control pricing, track usage, set access permissions for tenants. Reporting and analytics features are helpful.
Future Load Management
Scalable stations allow adding more ports or higher capacity to meet growing EV demand over time.
Warranties and Support
Look for comprehensive warranties on parts and labor. Check that the provider offers ongoing technical support and maintenance options.
With Plug & Charge standards emerging, charging stations are becoming easier than ever to operate. The technology is advancing quickly to make the entire charging process simple and seamless for hotels and guests alike. Maintenance is typically handled by the charging provider. As EV adoption grows exponentially in the coming years, hotels that invest in charging capabilities now will be well positioned to attract and serve these new EV driving guests. It’s a forward-looking investment that can really pay off.
Implementing a Charging Deployment Strategy
Once a hotel decides to invest in EV charging, developing the right deployment plan is key. Here are important steps to take:
- Assess current and projected demand. Track requests and consider local EV adoption trends. Get guest input through surveys. This forecasts how many charging ports will be needed.
- Determine the appropriate type of charging equipment and features needed. Select vendor partners who can meet your hardware specifications and provide the necessary software tools and platform.
- Choose the ideal locations for placing stations conveniently onsite. Electrical capacity must be adequate in those locations or may need upgrades.
- Handle permitting and ensure compliance with local building codes and safety standards. Some cities have specific EV charging requirements.
- Create pricing models for charging fees that recoup equipment, operating, and maintenance costs. Setting competitive rates is important.
- Train staff for managing the charging process, the equipment, software, and payment systems. Establish protocols and assign responsibilities.
- Market the new charging capability and get listed on apps and websites like PlugShare. Promote the amenity to drive utilization. Offer incentives like free charging credits to attract guests.
- Leverage tools like access controls, load balancing, and usage tracking to optimize operations over time. Adjust pricing and capacity as needed based on demand.
- Service providers handle ongoing maintenance, repairs and software updates, providing a turnkey charging solution.
- Monitor guest feedback and charging usage closely. Expand stations if needed to meet demand.
Following a strategic deployment plan allows hotels to deliver maximum benefits from the investment both immediately and over the long term. The upfront effort results in substantial rewards.
The Future is Electric
Market trends show rapid growth in EV adoption over the next decade. Bloomberg forecasts electric vehicles will represent 58% of worldwide passenger vehicle sales by 2040. For hotels, now is the right time to cater to the growing group of EV drivers by installing charging stations. Not only does it attract new guests in an eco-friendly market segment, but it builds brand image as forward-thinking. With the proper charging equipment and strategic implementation, hotels can generate revenue while providing an appreciated amenity to these new EV owning customers. The initial investment will deliver ongoing returns as demand charges ahead. Hotels that want to stay competitive, drive more bookings and satisfy guest needs will benefit greatly from installing EV charging stations. The opportunity and rewards will only grow in the future.
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