Make Your Location Stand Out:
EV Charging Brings Business!
This is information dedicated to highlighting the benefits and importance of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality venues installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers. As the world embraces the transition to sustainable transportation, providing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is becoming increasingly crucial.
What's Below:
Why Provide EV Charging to Your Customers?
While on road trips, Electric Vehicle drivers make many choices about lodging, dining, and entertainment preferring to patronize motels and hotels, restaurants, and attractions that provide EV charging. Locally, the same applies when EV drivers make dining and entertainment decisions closer to home.
Adding EV charging stations that allow EV drivers to charge while patronizing your business is good for your bottom line.
The US Department of Energy reported in January 2024 that 1.4 million electric vehicles were sold in the United States in 2023 "... a 50% increase in one year."
There are currently close to 2.5 million plug-in vehicles (all-electric and plug-in hybrids) on the road today in the United States and they all need charging. The US Department of Energy Projection is that the number will nearly double in the next few years.
Business owners like you can help meet this need while increasing your own bottom line!
In the next decade many manufacturers will phase out internal combustion vehicles entirely. Despite ups and downs to be expected in the market, transition to EVs is inevitable and moving fast.
Federal, state, and local EV charging incentives are available to make installation on your property more affordable.
EV drivers don’t hesitate to go on long road trips since most new EVs have a range of close to 300 miles so they will be looking for lodging!
In these early days of EV charging, many hotels and inns provide charging free as an amenity, just like a pool. The cost to the establishment when a vehicle plugs into a Level 2 charger overnight is similar to a guest room air conditioner running all night.
As the number of EVs on the road grows, owners of lodging with good, reliable EV charging infrastructure may decide to collect a fee from EV drivers who want to use the chargers. Some establishments are already doing this.
When EV drivers go on road trips, they fast charge (Level 3) using networks such as EVGo, Electrify America or the Tesla Supercharger network.
But at night, they prefer to do what they do at home: get a full fill-up by charging overnight on the same type of few-hour mid-level charging they have at home (Level 2). They seek lodging that has overnight EV charging as an amenity. Overnight Level 2 EV charging is much more affordable to install than fast charging. Most mid-level chargers can charge both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs. Some setups may require the driver to have an adapter. You may want to have adapters on hand for your guests.
Properties can monetize charging or, since an overnight charge typically costs the establishment $3-$10, charging may be provided as a free amenity to attract guests.
Regardless, a best practice would be to put cones up to reserve the spots for guests with EVs. To prevent "neighbors" or non-paying guests to charge, a system could be set up to unlock the charger at registration. Another best practice is to make sure your employees, particularly front desk and reservations staff (but also facilities maintenance staff), are knowledgeable about EV charging and about your particular setup.
Tips for those that already have chargers:
Monitor PlugShare Comments: Check the comments about your chargers on PlugShare. Ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date. If necessary, find an EV driver who can assist with verifying and updating the information.
Provide a Local Charger Handout: Create a handout that includes details about your hotel’s chargers and information on other nearby chargers. This can be invaluable for guests if your chargers are occupied.
Develop an EV Charger FAQ for Staff: Prepare a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document about your EV chargers. Train your staff to use this FAQ to assist EV drivers with their questions, especially when making reservations over the phone.
EV drivers love nothing more than dining while knowing their car is charging. They will spend more time in your restaurant so that the car can spend more time charging. If your business has simple, affordable mid-level EV charging, that’s an incentive for EV drivers to choose your establishment!
Fine dining - Luxury EV drivers are your customer demographic. A point to consider: The average cost of an EV is over $58,000.
Fast-food & Fast-casual - EV drivers spend about an hour in restaurants as their vehicles charge. A Level 2 charger can provide from 25 to 40 miles of range in that hour (depending on the car and the charger). That’s an incentive to choose your establishment!
National Restaurant Association article: Restaurants in driver’s seat as EVs power up in popularity
Since drivers keep an eye on their vehicles’ state of charge from their cell phones, drivers will feel comfortable deciding to stay longer at your establishment to top off their charge.
As with restaurants and lodging, for many drivers, an attraction will be more… attractive… to an EV driver if charging is available on-site.
Inn By the Sea, Maine
Inn by the Sea recognizes the hospitality industry's potential for attracting new guests by offering charging as an amenity. The Inn has become an early adopter of this trend, boosting its appeal to out-of-state guests who require overnight charging for their electric vehicles. This additional service not only accommodates guests' charging needs but also encourages patronage of the inn's facilities, such as the restaurant.
Charger Installation at Stanford Park Hotel
Stanford Park Hotel has long known that electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are key to both market and environmental sustainability. Hotel management understood that EV charging stations are a compelling amenity that boost sustainability and increase convenience for guests.
How To Let Potential Customers Know Your Business is EV-Welcoming
There are many effective ways to advertise to draw EV drivers to your business -- on your website and social media, for example.
Drivers look for EV charging information in several ways. They will often use online apps such as:
- PlugShare
- Booking.com
- Charge Holidays
- EV Hotels (see screenshot at right)
- Expedia
- Hotels.com
- Trip Advisor
How to Add Your Location to the PlugShare App
They will also search the sites of charging networks such as:
Make Your Hotel the Property of Choice for EV Drivers
EV Passport case studies.
The New Wi-Fi? Hotels Go Big on EV Charging
Full of good info for any lodging establishment.
2022 Green Lodging Trends - US Market Report
See pages 116-119 for info on trends in the hospitality sector.
How Much Would it Cost to Install an Electric Car Charger?
Good information for lodging managers considering installing EV charging and those who already have.
3 Benefits of Electric Car Charging to Hoteliers
- Meet your Guests' EV Destination Charging Expectations
- Introduce a New Revenue Stream
- Establish Your Business as a Sustainability Leader
Cold Weather is OK for EVs
You may have heard some misinformation about EVs not working in cold weather. It's not true. Even if your business is in a cold weather zone, providing for EV charging makes sense. Read more.
The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road is rapidly increasing, and as a result, hotels should plan ahead to cater to this growing market. Here's an explanation of why this trend is occurring and why proactive planning is essential:
1. Rising Popularity of Electric Vehicles: EVs have gained significant popularity due to advancements in technology, increased range capabilities, and greater affordability. As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability grow, more individuals are opting for electric vehicles as a greener alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
2. Government Support and Policies: Governments worldwide are implementing policies to encourage electric vehicle adoption. This includes incentives such as tax credits, subsidies, and improved charging infrastructure. These initiatives have boosted the sales and ownership of EVs, leading to a larger number of electric vehicles on the road.
3. Expanding Charging Infrastructure: The charging infrastructure network is rapidly expanding to support the growing number of EVs. Public charging stations, including fast-charging options, are being deployed in urban areas, highways, and public spaces.
However, the availability of charging stations at hotels can provide a crucial advantage, as it caters specifically to guests who require convenient charging options during their stay.
4. Travel and Hospitality Trends: The travel and hospitality industry has recognized the increasing demand for EV-friendly accommodations. Travelers who own or rent electric vehicles are actively seeking hotels with EV charging facilities to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Hotels that plan ahead and install EV chargers can tap into this market and attract environmentally conscious guests who prioritize sustainability.
5. Competitive Edge and Guest Satisfaction: By proactively installing EV chargers, hotels gain a competitive edge over those that do not offer this amenity. It sets them apart as forward-thinking and environmentally responsible establishments. Additionally, providing convenient charging options satisfies guests' needs, contributing to a positive guest experience and potentially leading to repeat bookings and positive reviews.
6. Future-Proofing and Long-Term Benefits: Planning ahead and investing in EV charging infrastructure prepares hotels for the future. As EV adoption continues to increase, hotels that have already installed chargers will be ahead of the curve and ready to accommodate a larger influx of electric vehicle owners. This proactive approach ensures long-term benefits, such as attracting a growing customer base, strengthening brand reputation, and maximizing revenue opportunities.
In summary, the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road, combined with the preferences of environmentally conscious travelers, necessitates that hotels plan ahead and install EV chargers. By doing so, hotels can position themselves as EV-friendly establishments, provide convenience to guests, gain a competitive edge, and capitalize on the expanding market of electric vehicle owners.
Some of your employees may already be driving electric. Allowing them to charge their vehicles while at work is a good retention strategy. Level 1 (an ordinary 110v household outlet) is a great solution for this purpose. The employees' vehicles will be charged at the end of their workday. Read more.
The time to get ahead of the curve is now!
Attracting EV drivers is good for your bottom line
and nothing attracts EV drivers like EV charging.
EV Driver Speaks Out
Finding Hotels with EV Chargers - A Seamless Journey
As an avid Electric Vehicle owner who frequently embarks on long trips, finding hotels that provide EV charging has become an essential criterion in my travel plans. I cannot emphasize enough the positive impact this amenity has had on my overall experience. This is why hotels with EV chargers have become my go-to choice during my journeys.
First and foremost, the convenience of having access to EV charging at my accommodation is a game-changer. It saves me time by letting me charge the EV while I’m sleeping. While it only takes me 25 minutes to charge at a Level 3 fast charger, it still takes time to drive off my route, often adding an additional 10 minutes. Even when I've had to pay a fee for the charging service, it has always been a worthwhile investment for the convenience it provides.
What truly sets these hotels apart is their commitment to serving the EV community. By offering dedicated EV charging facilities, they demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset and a genuine understanding of the evolving transportation landscape. If I discover an EV-friendly hotel that is situated near public EV chargers as well, that’s an extra bonus that ensures that I have a backup option if the hotel chargers are occupied, enhancing the flexibility and reliability of my charging needs.
I wholeheartedly recommend hotels that provide EV chargers to fellow electric vehicle owners. The convenience, and commitment to sustainability that these accommodations offer have elevated my travel experiences. As an EV enthusiast, I am grateful for the hotels that have embraced electric mobility and made my journeys smoother and more enjoyable. I eagerly look forward to discovering and supporting more EV-friendly hotels as I continue to explore the world on the roads less traveled.
--Cindy Martinez
EV Driver Testimonials
We only consider hotels that have EV Chargers. They save us time and allow us to start the next day with a full charge. We use a combination of the PlugShare app and Booking.com to find hotels that have chargers. Our son is attending college in Indiana and we’ve made the trip from Maryland to his school many times. To break up the trip and visit places that we haven’t visited before, we often stop at a hotel halfway through the trip… a hotel with EV charging.
--Bob Erdman, EVA member
For me, it only makes sense to choose a hotel that will take care of my charging needs. I go out of my way, if necessary, to stay at “charging hotels” and I let them know just how I made my lodging decision!
--Bill Riordan
FeedbackI often take long road trips on my own so as a woman traveling alone, I feel safe charging my car at my hotel. That’s another reason for selecting lodging with EV charging. Having the hotel provide it as an amenity is great, but I’m ok paying for it just for the convenience.
--Justine Clark
Please send feedback to boberdman@myeva.org to make suggestions for improvements, or to suggest new testimonials from EV drivers or from Hospitality locations like Hotels, Restaurants or other attractions.
For EV Drivers and their organizations: Click on the Rack Card image at right to see in full size. It's ready for printing! Better instructions are coming soon.  |