If you run a hotel or hotel chain in North America, you know that offering your guests the latest in amenities is key to keeping them happy. And one amenity that’s becoming increasingly popular is electric vehicle charging stations.
Offering guests who are EV owners the ability to charge their cars while they’re at your hotel can be a real convenience, and it could even attract new customers. So if you’re thinking about adding EV charging stations for hotels, here are some things to keep in mind.
What are EV charging stations and why are they becoming more popular in the hotel industry
If you’re a hotel owner -whether you own an upscale hotel, a luxury hotel, or an affordable hotel – you’re always looking for ways to improve the guest experience. One way to do that is by installing EV charging stations. In recent years, electric vehicles have become more popular, and as a result, there has been an increase in demand for places to charge them. Hotel operators are starting to take notice and you may have noticed EV charging stations popping up around your city and possibly even in your competitor’s parking lot. Hundreds of hotel chains have started installing EV charging stations in their parking lots, including Choice Hotels International, Holiday Inn, Choice Hotels Properties, AC Hotels, Choice Hotels franchised properties, IHG Hotel, and AC Hotel. By installing EV charging stations at your hotel, you can not only make life easier for your guests, but you can also generate additional revenue.
Benefits of installing EV charging stations in your hotel
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular each year, and with that popularity comes the need for charging stations.
Installing EV charging stations at your hotel can provide a number of benefits for both you and your guests. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your guests have a convenient and reliable way to charge their electric vehicles, while also generating additional revenue for your hotel.
Here are some of the benefits of installing EV charging stations at your hotel:
Increased customer satisfaction
When your guests have access to EV charging stations, they’ll be able to charge their vehicles during their stay. This will enable them to travel longer distances and explore more of the area around your hotel. As a result, they’ll be more likely to have a positive experience and give your hotel a good review.
Finally, installing EV charging stations at your hotel can also help improve customer satisfaction. Many EV owners feel anxious about finding places to charge their cars, so having convenient and reliable charging options available will likely be greatly appreciated by them. In addition, offering EV chargers can show that you’re keeping up with the latest technology trends and that you care about providing your guests with the best possible experience.
Generate additional revenue
One of the biggest benefits of installing EV charging stations at your hotel is that it can help increase your revenue. An EV driver tends to be in a higher-income bracket (like Telsa Model Y and Tesla Model S owners) and will be willing to spend more for their stay due to your EV charging amenity. Guests who drive electric vehicles are often willing to pay more for accommodations that offer convenient charging options.
In addition, you may be able to charge other businesses for use of your charging stations. For example, if there’s a nearby restaurant or grocery store with no EV charging options, they may be willing to pay you to use your station. This can be a great way to generate additional income for your business.
Each time a guest uses one of your EV charging stations, you can generate additional revenue. This can help offset the cost of installing and maintaining the charging station over time. Additionally, if you advertise that you have EV charging stations available, you may attract new guests who are looking for a place to stay that has this amenity.
You can, of course, offer free charging as a guest amenity to EV owners. This can mean you only offer free charging to guests and at the same time, you may consider opening your chargers up as public EV charging stations. This way you can still attract electric car owners to your hotel, but you will also be able to collect revenue from public charging fees.
Another option for generating revenue is to opt for smart EV charging stations with targeted ads. This means you can charge other companies that are looking to target your guests to run their advertisements on your EV charging station advertisement space. Some charging stations, just like you may have seen at your local gas station, come with TV screens or revolving billboards for ads.
Improved customer and employee retention
In addition to increased customer satisfaction, having EV charging stations can also help improve employee and customer retention. If your guests and employees know that they can always count on your hotel to have a place to charge their vehicle, they’ll be more likely to return in the future. This can help you build a loyal customer base and keep your employees happy.
Enhanced Sustainability Efforts
Another benefit of installing EV charging stations is that it can help enhance your hotel’s sustainability efforts. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, so by encouraging their use, you can help reduce your hotel’s environmental impact. This is likely to be appreciated by guests who are concerned about sustainability, and it can help you attract new customers who are looking for green accommodation options.
Installing EV charging stations at your hotel comes with several benefits. It will make life easier for your guests, help improve customer retention, and generate additional revenue. So if you’re looking for ways to improve your hotel business, installing EV charging stations is a great option.
How do EV charging stations work
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular each year, and with that popularity comes the need for charging stations. But how do they work?
When you plug in your car, the charging station sends electricity to the battery. The amount of time it takes to charge your car depends on the size of the battery and the wattage of the charging station. A typical Level 2 charge takes between four and eight hours.
There are three types of EV charging stations: level 1, level 2, and level 3. Level 1 stations use a standard 120-volt outlet and can charge a car in eight to 12 hours. Level 2 stations use a 240-volt outlet and can charge a car in four to eight. And finally, Level 3 stations use a high-powered 480-volt outlet and can charge a car in as little as 30 minutes.
Before installing EV charging stations, determine the following items to ensure a successful EV installation:
- The number of cars that will need to be charged at one given time
- The average length of time each car will need to charge
- The electrical infrastructure of your business
- The cost of installation and maintenance
- Importance of hiring an EV charging installer
Costs and installation considerations
If you’re a hotel owner, you may be wondering if installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is right for your business. The answer is that it depends. Below we will outline the costs and installation considerations associated with EV charging stations so that you can make an informed decision for your business.
Costs of Installing EV Charging Stations
The cost of installing EV charging stations will vary depending on the number of stations you plan to install, your electrical infrastructure capabilities, the type of EV charger, and what federal incentives and utility rebates you might be eligible for.
Level 2 stations typically cost between $1,000 and $7,000 for hardware and installation. Level 3 fast-charging stations, on the other hand, can cost upwards of $50,000 per station.
These are just estimates, though. The actual cost will depend on a number of factors specific to your hotel, including but not limited to:
- The location of your hotel
- Whether or not your hotel is already equipped with the necessary electrical infrastructure
- Local permits and regulations
- The type of station you choose
- Any rebates or incentives available in your area
- The number of stations you plan to install
Installation Considerations
If you’re considering installing EV charging stations at your hotel, there are a few things you need to take into account before making a final decision. Below are some important installation considerations:
Location
As with any type of construction project, where you choose to install your EV charging station(s) is critical. You’ll need to consider things like proximity to guest parking areas, ease of access, etc
Infrastructure
Before installing EV charging stations at your hotel, you’ll need to assess the current state of your electrical infrastructure. Can your electrical system handle the additional load? If not, what upgrades need to be made?
Permits & Regulations
Depending on where your hotel is located, there may be permits and regulations that need to be taken into account before moving forward with installation. Be sure to do your research and budget accordingly.
How to get started with EV chargers on your hotel property
Overall, installing EV charging stations at your hotel can be a great way to attract and accommodate guests who are EV drivers. However, it’s important to carefully consider all costs and installation considerations before making a final decision. Once you’ve done that, you can decide if bringing EV charging stations to your hotel is right for business.
The great news is that WattLogic is here to help. Our team of EV specialists will help make the entire process a breeze. You will simply complete a short survey, our team will assess your current situation and make our recommendations. Once you give us the go-ahead on the project, we will coordinate the installation and get you the EV charging solutions you need.
We also have EV incentives specialists who can help ensure you get the most out of our project and take advantage of any local and federal rebates.
It doesn’t matter what city – from San Francisco to Las Vegas – or what state – from California to New York – we can get you the EV charging solutions and rebates specific to your hotel or hotel chain.
And because we know that making the switch to an EV can be a big adjustment, we offer ongoing support and guidance – even after the project is complete. So don’t wait any longer, make the switch to an electric vehicle charging station today with WattLogic.
