The Data Speaks: Insights From Hotels on the EV Connect Network
Many hotel brands and ownership groups consider EV charging an investment-worthy amenity. But what exactly can a hotel expect to gain from installing EV chargers on their premises?
EV Connect benchmarked 12 months of data at 78 hotel properties on the EV Connect Network and found that the average utilization of hotel EV chargers is about 28%. Utilization, a measure of charging asset productivity, is the percentage of time the charger is in use and potentially earning revenue for paid charging, as around 73.1% of the hotels we benchmarked are doing today.
A key metric to watch for hotels is the ‘session growth rate.’ Hotel sites often start small, with 1-2 charging sessions per charger daily. As properties, they market their chargers to guests and make them discoverable on public networks, causing utilization to soar quickly. The average session growth rate for hotels on our network is 3.3% monthly, indicating a rapidly increasing demand for EV charging facilities.
Hotel charging is also a great way to get new guests through the door. More than half of the hotel charging sessions analyzed in any given month were from new drivers, which indicates both rising EV adoption by hotel guests and hotels attracting guests to their properties due to the opportunity to charge their cars. Hotels, therefore, are no longer simply serving a niche market with EV charging, but they are using this amenity in response to a significant shift in guest preferences.
Moreover, hotels offering EV charging consistently report higher revenue per available room rates (revPAR), which links the availability of EV charging directly with improved financial performance. The average annual income from paid charging at hotel sites on the EV Connect Network is $3,274, and the top 10% of these sites earn nearly $11,000. However, the amount of charging revenue earned pales in comparison to the acquisition and retention of new guests. With 10% of vehicles projected to be electric by 2030, offering EV charging presents hotels with a prime opportunity to stand out and attract guests.
Flexible Solutions for Unique Challenges
While the benefits are clear, deploying EV charging infrastructure can present challenges, including extensive site design, retraining staff members, and integrating with hotel systems. Luckily, managed charging solutions can address these concerns, providing seamless deployment and operation at an accelerated pace to enhance the guest experience.
The first – and most crucial – step in the site design process is determining the optimal number and location of chargers. Though local mandates may call for more, the typical recommendation is to electrify five to ten percent of parking spots. An experienced contractor can help create the optimal design tailored to the hotel’s individual location. Adopting a managed charging solution can also ease staff concerns. With features such as a 24/7 call center, remote monitoring, and comprehensive service plans, smooth operation is guaranteed without overburdening hotel staff.
Beyond functionality, managed charging solutions can seamlessly blend EV charging into hotel loyalty programs, becoming a true game-changer. Imagine guests earning points as they charge their EVs or using their loyalty points to cover the service. This innovative integration will enhance the guest experience and build stronger brand loyalty.
A Data-Driven Roadmap for Hotels
As EV adoption continues to soar, hotels without charging facilities risk missing out on a rapidly expanding customer base and losing appeal with current guests. Data from EV Connect’s charging network and industry studies clearly signal to the hospitality sector that EV charging is now a critical amenity for success. Installing charging infrastructure represents an investment in the future and a commitment to meeting evolving guest expectations. Hotels must embrace this amenity to remain relevant and maintain a competitive edge, retaining loyal customers and attracting a new segment of eco-conscious, tech-savvy travelers.
