As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction globally, hotels are increasingly looking to provide EV charging stations to cater to the growing number of eco-conscious travelers. But before you make the leap into this new service offering, it’s important to approach the installation strategically. Here are seven key considerations for adding EV charging to your hotel:
1. Revenue Strategy: What Are Your Goals?
One of the most common concerns for hotel owners is how much additional revenue EV charging could potentially generate. It is also typical for hotels to offer free charging as an added perk for premium room packages, while others opt for pay-per-use charging stations.
Leveraging tools like PEC’s PredictEV Charge, which provides detailed revenue forecasting based on regional utilization data, can help you create a tailored pricing structure that maximizes your ROI.
2. Charger Utilization: Understanding Regional EV Adoption
The demand for EV chargers varies greatly depending on your location and the rate of EV adoption in your area. For instance, urban hotels in regions with high EV ownership will see more frequent use of charging stations than rural properties. Utilize data on EV registrations and growth trends in your state or city to forecast charger usage. A thoughtful utilization forecast will guide the right level of investment, ensuring you don’t overbuild or underbuild your EV charging infrastructure.
3. Charger Model: Choose the Right Technology
There are different types of EV chargers available, with Level 2 (240V) chargers being the most common for hotel installations, providing a balance of charging speed and cost. Level 3 DC Fast Chargers are significantly faster, but come with a higher installation price and may not be necessary unless your hotel attracts a high number of short-stay guests. PEC’s vendor-agnostic approach allows for a customized solution, ensuring you pick the charger model that best fits your guest profile.
4. Funding Options: Finding the Right Financial Model
The cost of installing EV chargers can be a significant investment, but various funding options can offset these costs. Consider available incentives, rebates, and tax credits that can help reduce your upfront expenses. In some cases, third-party operators can finance the installation in exchange for a share of the charging revenue. PEC can assist in identifying the best funding strategy, whether it’s capitalizing the project upfront or leveraging third-party backers.
5. User Experience: Seamless and Convenient Charging
A positive guest experience is essential for hotels, and that extends to EV charging. A user-friendly system with clear instructions, easy payment options, and visible charger availability will enhance guest satisfaction. Offering mobile app integration for reserving charging slots or monitoring charging progress can make your hotel stand out. Also, ensure that chargers are placed in convenient and accessible locations to avoid frustration.
6. Software Capabilities: Managing and Monitoring Usage
Advanced software platforms can help you monitor charger utilization, energy consumption, and even automate billing. The data gathered can provide insights into guest preferences, peak usage times, and allow for predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime. The ability to manage your chargers through an intuitive software platform also gives you the flexibility to adjust pricing and monitor performance remotely.
7. Sustainability and Brand Alignment: Enhancing Your Green Image
Sustainability is no longer just a trend; it’s an expectation. Installing EV chargers shows your commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns your hotel brand with green values. Highlighting your EV charging stations on your website and in marketing materials can attract eco-conscious travelers and position your hotel as a leader in sustainability. Plus, this may open up opportunities for partnerships with environmental organizations and EV manufacturers, further enhancing your brand image.
How Can PEC Support Your EV Charging Project?
Considering adding EV Charging to your property? Our team at PEC specializes in ensuring you deploy the best solution for your business — helping you throughout the process from A to Z:
- Complimentary site and infrastructure audit.
- Evaluate pros and cons of different options.
- Forecast charger utilization, revenue, and ROI with our proprietary PredictEV Charge system.
- Manage rebates, permitting & incentives.
- Dedicated project management.
- Strategic portfolio planning for multi-site initiatives.
- Dedicated Project Manager with nationwide installation teams.
Tell us about your project! Book an intro call with a PEC Sales Engineer to see if we are the right fit for your EV Charging initiative.
