Airbnb EV Charging: A Guide for Hosts and Guests

Electric Cars
January 28, 2024

Airbnbs can offer a unique experience and a sense of adventure for travellers, but what if you’re one of the many people who own or drive electric vehicles?

Charging your EV can be a bit of a challenge when staying at Airbnbs, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

EV charging stations at Airbnb properties have become an important amenity for hosts to attract more guests and stay ahead of the competition. Plus, Airbnb has added an “EV charger” as a filter when searching for accommodations, making it easier for guests to find properties with this amenity.

On the other hand, as a host, offering EV charging at your Airbnb can help you market your property as a green and sustainable destination, attracting eco-conscious travellers.

Here, we’ll explore the world of Airbnb EV charging, including reasons why it’s necessary, how to implement it, and what to know when guests have EVs and want to charge their EVs.

Why Should Hosts Care About Airbnb EV Charging?

Installing EV charging at your Airbnb can be a great way to set yourself apart from the competition. With few benefits that are:

attract more guests
increasing your rental rate

Therefore… increase your earnings.

There are a few different ways to charge guests for their EV charging.

One can do this by adding the charges to your nightly rate.

you can also use the Airbnb resolution center to set up a separate charge for the guests to pay for the electricity they use while charging their vehicles.

When booking their stay, guests should be informed of this separate charge for charging electricity, and they should be asked to pay the estimated cost in advance.

After their stay, you should inspect the electric meter to see how much electricity the guests used and compare it to your average electric bills.

If the guests used less electricity than you anticipated, you can refund them the difference between what they paid and what they used.

This way, you can avoid having the guests overpay for charging their vehicles and ensure that they only pay for what they use.

It’s important to note that this policy should be communicated to guests before their stay and should be outlined in the reservation agreement.

But if you are not comfortable with all these.

You can have house rules that do not allow EV charging, but provide locations within a mile or less from your place where they can charge up.

Generate Revenue from EV Charger

You can either pay for the electricity from the EV charger or require the guest to pay directly at the charger.

As an example, you can have the Juicebox Pro installed. Then you can sign up for the EVmatch network and approve or deny requests from guests.

You can set the pricing to cover electricity costs and a small payment processing fee, or you can mark it up to generate some profit.

Sustainable Travel

Showing off your green/sustainability practices may entice certain guests.

By offering EV charging, you’ll show your guests that you are committed to helping the environment.

A survey by Airbnb found that 54% of EV drivers said they would choose an Airbnb with charging over one without, and 25% said they would pay more for it.

How to advertise your Airbnb EV charging?

Here’s how to shout out your Airbnb’s EV charging like a pro.

First things first, tell the world in your description that you’ve got EV charging.

EV drivers hunt for this stuff, so make it pop!

Don’t forget to snap some pics of the charging station to catch their eye.

Next…

Airbnb’s got the EV charger filter now. When setting up your listing, check the box that says you offer EV charging.

If you like…

Share on your social media. Post pics about your Airbnb’s charging setup. You’ll attract travellers looking for green, eco-friendly stays.

You can charge extra…

But first, offer free charging for a few hours and after that start charging extra money.

Let guests add EV charging as an amenity for a small fee. It’s a win-win for you and your Eco-conscious guests!

Consider teaming up with EV charging bigwigs like EVmatch. They have a special commercial listing deal that lets Airbnb hosts show off their charging stations to a broader crowd.

Are there any EV charging etiquette guidelines for Airbnb hosts?

There are some basic rules and guidelines when it comes to EV charging for Airbnb hosts to set up.

First off, make sure to have it in your listing with an EV description, It helps them plan their trip better and avoids any confusion.

Ask Nicely for Permission. While guests don’t have to ask for a green light to charge their EV, it’s a good idea for hosts to suggest it. Just to keep things friendly and avoid any power struggles. Plus, it helps manage electricity use.

You can also give a note that shows all the places with EV charger amenities nearby so guests would easily know about it. Such as the nearest Tesla EV charger.

Suppose you have installed a charging station. Make sure your guests have clear instructions on how to work the home charging station. Keep it simple, and you’ll avoid any charging mishaps.

In the USA, federal incentives can be used for upgrades that reduce your home’s energy waste and consumption, including weatherization, solar panels, and appliances.

You don’t have to update everything at once. There are many federal incentives available through 2032.

Examples of Best Airbnb EV Chargers for Vacation Rentals

These Level 2 chargers are the speed demons of EV charging.

They’re pricier than Level 1, but they’ll have your car ready to roll in just a few hours.

Some top picks in the Level 2 gang include the Grizzl-E Classic EV Charger, Lectron 110V EV Charger, and Autel MaxiCharger AC Home.

Oh, and don’t forget the ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger. It’s great among EV drivers!

We have compared the two EV chargers from Tesla, Wall Connector and Mobile Connector.

What is the cost of installing an EV charger at an Airbnb?

The cost of providing an EV charger at your Airbnb can be all over the map. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure story with a bunch of options:

Type of Charger: Chargers can range from budget-friendly to a bit more spendy. Take the Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger, for example; it’s a hit with Airbnb hosts and can be yours for under $400. But if you’re on a tight budget, the Lectron 110V EV Charger starts at just $184.99.

Installation Expenses: Installing one of these chargers usually runs around $1,000. That can creep up if your property’s electrical system needs a pro’s audit to make sure there are no power overloads. Some places, like Australia, require this step.

Electricity Bill: Don’t forget, the juice to power up your EV charger isn’t free. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, charging up your EV is roughly a quarter of the cost of gas for a car.

Extra Costs: If you’re planning to charge guests for using your EV charger, you might need an app like EVmatch to manage who gets access and tracks usage.

Here’s the good news: Some regions offer government incentives and grants to ease the hit to your wallet. Plus, having an EV charger can up your rental game, letting you charge more for your place over time.

Before you dive in, get a quote for the full install. It’ll give you the lowdown on your total costs, tailored just for you.

How to find Airbnb listings with EV charger

Airbnb has introduced a convenient feature that allows you to easily search for accommodations with EV chargers, making it simpler than ever to find the perfect place for your electric vehicle needs.

To find Airbnb listings with EV chargers, you can use the “Amenities” filter on the Airbnb website or mobile app and select “EV Charger” from the list.

You can also type “EV Charging” or “Electric Vehicle Charging” into the search bar and Airbnb will display a list of suitable listings.

Additionally, you can contact the host directly to inquire about the availability of an EV charger on the property.

It’s important to note that not all Airbnb listings will have an EV charger, so it’s crucial to double-check with the host before making reservations.