EV Charging is the 'Game-Changing' Amenity for Hotels.

The new ‘must-have’ for hotels.

Amenities like hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, business centers, complimentary cocktails, and other perks attract hotel guests and help you maintain a competitive edge. EV charging is no different.

With electric car sales outpacing that of gas cars and sources like EV Hub anticipating sales to be 9% of all U.S. car sales (up 23% over 2022), more and more travelers are choosing their next hotel stay not based on loyalty points but where they can sleep and “fuel up.”

  • 82% of EV drivers prefer to stay in hotels with EV charging stations, and 50% will choose a hotel based on EV charging availability. (Chargie)

  • According to a report from Deloitte, 63% of hoteliers believe EV charging will be a key part of their sustainability efforts in the next 5 years.

Adding EV charging delivers so many benefits.

A 2022 survey found 47% of millennials, 41% of Gen Zers and 38% of Gen Xers want to purchase an EV as their next vehicle - are you willing to turn them away and send them to your competition? Here’s your opportunity to stand out and build a loyal following.

EV charging improves your green reputation, but it also puts your business on the map - literally! EV drivers rely heavily on their GPS and phones to find charging. Properties with stations are featured on the map - making your hotel more visible and a destination!

Electric vehicle (EV) charging is a valuable amenity hotel guest rely on. Plus, the earlier you add EV charging, the faster you gain loyalty and establish lasting relationships with your guests.

EV drivers are willing to pay more for parking that allow them to charge while they’re away from home, increasing your revenue opportunity and ROI.

Now is the best time to invest in EV charging. Nearly every state is offering generous incentives that often cover the costs of hardware and/or installation, making it affordable for any hotel.

Put your property on the map!

Installing EV charging improves your environmentally friendly reputation, but it also puts your hotel, campground, or VRBO on the map - literally!

EV drivers rely heavily on their on-board GPS systems and EV phone apps like PlugShare and the ChargePoint app to find charging anywhere across the country.

Also, the vast majority of the booking websites including Booking.com, Expedia, Travelocity, and even AirBnB, now feature feature filters to help EV drivers find where to stay and fuel up. Some hotel brands, like Hilton, are also promoting their EV charging locations on the web, and there are also independent resources like Stay-N-Charge and EV Hotels.

All of these resources are putting properties with stations on the map - not only making your property more visible, but also a destination!

Fueling is undergoing a transformation and is no longer confined to gas stations. And that's good news for you!

Now you have another opportunity to keep your guests happy and on property - and spending money! With the option of refueling right on your property, guests are less likely to venture elsewhere, leading to a boost in revenue for your convenience centers and restaurants.

Plus, you’re not giving up soda and chip sales to the local convenience store, and your guest can just kick back and relax.

Don't give your guests an excuse to leave your property.

Elevate your valet parking.

With more and more electric cars on the road, hotels and restaurants are taking their valet parking to the next level by incorporating EV charging into their offerings.

Some are using this unique amenity as a premium add-on to grow their parking services revenue while others are providing it as a free perk for their VIP clients. Either way, by catering to the growing number of EV owners and designing a top-tier experience around charging, your hotel can distinguish themselves from competitors and cultivate a loyal customer base.

ChargePoint is the ideal choice for hotels.

For over a decade, ChargePoint has been catering to the needs of EV drivers, and has ingeniously designed charging solutions that make integrating EV charging into your hotel a seamless and hassle-free experience.

EV charging with features that matter most.

Not all charging solutions are created equal. ChargePoint take the time to develop products designed to specifically meet the needs of the hotel industry.

  • Flexible pricing - Maximize station use and recover costs via flexible pricing options.

  • Access Control - Limit who can use the charging stations and when.

  • Valet - Easy to use valet charging insights and notifications.

  • Power management - Efficiently and automatically use the available power to save money on costly upgrades and avoid demand charges.

  • APIs - Most functions are also available through SOAP/XML and REST APIs that follow the same data access rules as the UI.

  • Waitlist - Enable guests and employees to get in line and be notified when a station is available to improve utilization.

The Benefits of the ChargePoint & their Network.

Unlike many other charging solutions currently available, ChargePoint hardware and their smart networking software are built to last, giving station owners (and drivers) with peace of mind.

  • Industry Pioneers - Leading the industry in the United States since 2007

  • Highest Quality - Designed to meet the high use and demand at hotels

  • Groundbreaking Innovation - Developed with the latest automotive advancements and future focus in mind

  • Superior Service - Defining the category standard with proactive monitoring and 48-hour response time

  • Largest North American Network - 255K+ activated ChargePoint ports with America plus 530K+ roaming port

Products designed to meet the demands of hospitality.

Common Hotel EV Charging Questions.

  • The lodging business is a full-time job catering to the needs of guests - arranging transportation, catering, meeting spaces, and so much more.

    Adding EV charging is actually a super easy way to build on all that fantastic service by giving your guests not only a place to “charge up” themselves as well as their vehicles.

    There are other benefits too. it allows you attract new guests while building loyalty with others. It also provides an additional revenue stream, enhances your “green” reputation and also differentiates your hotel from the competition.

  • Don't give your guests an excuse to leave your property. Fueling as we know it is changing and no longer restricted to gas stations. And that's good news for you! Now you have another opportunity to keep your guests happy and on property - and spending money! Not having to leave to fuel up elsewhere translates into more revenue via your convenience centers, restaurants, etc. Plus, you’re not giving up soda and chip sales to the local convenience store.

  • You can approach EV charging in two ways – it can be a free amenity or a pay-per-use service. This decision is ultimately yours; although, most are opting to offer it as a free amenity, reserved specifically for their guests.

    Electricity rates are fairly cheap across the country ($0.08 to $0.20 per kilowatt depending on where you are), so offering free charging is no different than providing free breakfast.

    Guests are also more likely to pay, and some times even pay more, for parking if they know they can also “fuel up” during their stay. It gives them peace of mind and more relaxing stay which reflects positively on you.

  • Offering free EV charging does not have to be a loss leader. Currently, many of you pay 15-20% commissions to Expedia, Travelocity, and OTA’s just to put "heads in beds."

    While an increasing number of the online reservation services promote EV charging, EV drivers tend to call hotels directly to confirm charging is available - often resulting in more lucrative direct bookings.

    You can also cover your costs with special EV rates and training your staff to pitch the guests on the value your hotel places on EV drivers: “Our hotel offers a special rate for EV Drivers which includes free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free EV charging.”

    It's an opportunity to win drivers' business as well as build their loyalty. Plus, your special rate can be $10 above your rack rate so it covers the electricity costs. This will boost your ADR and help you to turn a small profit.

  • We sell car charging stations specifically designed for commercial properties which can include RFID technology, similar to guestroom access technology.

    Along with an EV special rate, you can provide paying EV guests with special RFID card. By limiting the access, you'll keep others from charging up on your dime.

    Going a step further, many EV charging stations use management software. While there is typically a subscription fee associated with charging software, it can be tremendously helpful in managing who uses your stations and can even allow you to establish different rates for guests and non-guests. It also allows you to be more "hands off." Plus, you can tie the software into your hotel’s loyalty program, so your guests can earn points each time they charge.

  • Retrofitting usually costs 8x more than installing at least the infrastructure for EV charging during construction. So, whether or not you are ready to install EV charging, we encourage you to make an investment in preparing for the future now to reduce costs when you are ready.

    This prep includes: making sure you lay metal conduit or PVC piping (depending on local building codes) from your parking lot into the hotel’s nearest circuit panel box. It’s important to do this before you pour any concrete sidewalks, curbs, or asphalt.

    This will save you thousands later and streamline the installation process when you are ready.

    By pre-wiring, all you will need to do is run the charging unit’s wires through the conduit and connect everything. Again, it is that simple and often as much as 8x less expensive than retrofitting.

  • We offer a wide range of charging hardware from as little as $3,000 per level-2 plug and increasing from there depending on the options you select. The prices increase with quality and features.

    Economy hotels may opt for more basic charging stations, while new construction Marriott, Hilton, and IHG properties may chose a more advanced models with LCD screens, automatic cord suspension technology and management software. DC fast charging may also be the preferred option. NOTE: In CA, LCD screens are required by state law.

    No matter what your objectives are, National Car Charging has the right solution and numerous highly vetted brands and models to chose from.

  • There are many federal, state and local incentive and grant programs available. At NCC, we are fully versed in all of the different opportunities available and are here to help you find the ones that work best for your company.

    Financial incentives do need to be applied for by the property owner and/or site host. However, we can help guide you through the process. It’s important to note, that most applications do require some time to process and typically need to be applied for in advance of hardware purchase and installation. It’s well worth the time and wait. Some incentives, depending were you’re located, can cover 50-100% of the hardware and/or the installation costs.

  • National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program was created in 2022 as part of the inflation Reduction Act. Managed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), NEVI provides states funding to install charging stations.

    Depending on your state’s NEVI plan, it could be an opportunity to put your hotel property on the map with EV charging.

    Funding is available for up to 80% of eligible project costs, including: the acquisition, installation, and network connection of EV charging stations to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability; proper operation and maintenance of EV charging stations; and, long-term EV charging station data sharing.

    To take advantage of this funding, your property must be located near specific highways across the country. Call us to see if your property qualifies.

Ready to learn more?

Whether you’re just getting started or know exactly what you’re looking for, give us a call for no pressure consultation or in-depth quote.

Reach out to us at (808) 450-2221 or contact us directly at Blaise@alohacharge.com.

Get EV Ready Today.