In contemporary times, eco-consciousness and sustainability are at the forefront of every traveler’s mind. Since electrical vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity, the accessibility of charging stations is the utmost need of the hour. Hotels can take advantage of this and utilize this unique opportunity to cater to the growing market segment. By offering Electrical Vehicle charging stations, hotels can align with environmental goals and provide their guests with a wide range of benefits. Several guests come to hotels with electrical vehicles and have different requirements like dining, staying, spa, gym, meeting, events, conferences, etc. Guests are inclined to spend several hours in a hotel, but people driving electric vehicles can use their time to charge the electrical vehicles in the parking lot.
Installing electrical vehicle chargers in hotels can give your business a unique trait with multiple benefits. It’s a high-reward and low-risk move. Moreover, as time goes by, hotels with charging stations will become a norm as more and more guests will start to prefer hotels with electrical vehicle charging rather than the regular ones.
That’s why it’s highly suggested for hotels to have electrical vehicle charging stations, as it can help the business grow manifold. If you are anxious about the proposition to add EV chargers, then here are a few good reasons why you should consider taking the jump.
Enhancing guest experience
You can enhance your overall guest experience by providing electrical vehicle charging stations. Your guests will find staying in your hotel more convenient when they know they can charge their vehicles overnight or during the stay. Guests with EVs often worry about finding public charging stations, but this anxiety gets addressed when you have a charging station right inside the hotel.
While EVs are gaining popularity, charging stations are rare. This means that people are anxious to take trips in an electrical vehicle as they fear getting stranded. However, when your hotel has a charging station, it can become a game-changer for travelers. Hotels aren’t for travelers who are traveling ‘close to home.’ Hotels are destination spots on the road, which means your hotel can become a nexus point for travelers to charge the EV. This means that the traveler will know that your hotel is a likely bet if they need to charge. This added convenience can boost your hotel’s reputation and help get immense leverage.
Generating revenue
Installing an electrical vehicle charging station is a great move as it can become a potential revenue source. The charging station can be used as a paid amenity and provide an additional source of income for hotels. With EV charging stations, your hotel can get famous for taking the best care of customers and guests, which can attract external EV users and generate an additional revenue stream that goes beyond the conventional hotel customers and guests. With electrical vehicle charging stations, you can benefit from increased customer traffic, as it can attract and create future customers, helping the business stand out from the competition. The additional flow of revenue can help you sustain the slow season and further expose your hotel to future interested clients.
Attract EV owners
If you offer an electrical vehicle charging station in your hotel, you are bound to attract more eco-friendly guests. EV owners prefer accommodations with charging infrastructure to ensure a seamless traveling experience. When you offer this service, it sets your hotel apart from other competitors. It can enhance its appeal in the niche market, potentially leading to a higher occupancy rate, improving guest loyalty, and increasing bookings.
In fact if your hotel is not listed on EV charger map you will be gradually losing customers as EV drivers will not book hotel without a charger. EV drivers value time, and if you can’t charge your EV during the night, then next day you have 2 hour problem – where to charge your EV. More and more drivers switch from gasoline to EVs, so not having chargers installed will guarantee gradual decline in booking if your customers are motorists.
Drivers usually visit a restaurant without an EV charger, and when your hotel has a charging station, it can be a determining factor to attract a potential customer. The charging stations can become your unique selling point for attracting electrical vehicle owners and environmentally-friendly guests.
Differentiating from other competitors
Hospitality is a highly competitive industry, and if you are offering an EV charging station in your hotel, it can be a valuable differentiating factor for your business. As hotels begin to embrace this amenity, if you become an early adopter, it can set you apart from competitors. Guests who seek electrical vehicle charging will certainly consider your hotel compared to other alternatives. This increases the chances of securing bookings above other rival establishments. Over time, you can build a loyal customer base, after which there is no looking back.
Promote visually a commitment to sustainability
Customers are increasingly looking for ‘green’ options, and hotels can gain a competitive edge by becoming champions for climate mitigation. EV charging stations are a great way hotels can gain visibility to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable transportation. This move will also help your brand be distinguished as an environmental steward.
Free Advertising
An EV charging station in your hotel can help you with free advertising for your brand. In many finder apps, you can list the property as an electrical vehicle charging station and let EV drivers know that your hotel can now offer charging solutions. By advertising the charging stations, your business can now attract new customers and retain the old existing ones. All these can help increase brand awareness and help your hotel gain a reputation as a forward-thinking and eco-friendly venture.
What kind of EV charger is best for hotels?
- Charging time
You should choose fast EV chargers that can fully charge an EV within as little time as possible. Fast charging stations are ideally suitable for hotels catering to travelers needing fast charging to get back on the road quickly.
- Cost and power demand
Fast charging stations might be more expensive, but considering all the factors and benefits mentioned above, the investment is worth it. Moreover, such charging stations require more power to operate, and hotels must upgrade the electrical systems and add extra energy storage to accommodate the increased demand.
Final Note
Lastly, it depends on the hotel and its customers. Hotels have specific needs and requirements. If you only want to cater to long-term guests who will park for several hours or are in for an overnight stay, then Level 2 charging (that’s inexpensive and requires less power) is sufficient. However, fast charging is better if the hotel wants to cater to all customers. So, get ready to estimate your needs and connect with a qualified charging station provider, like Charging Shop, to determine the best solution.